Voices Executive Director on legislative approval of HB 158 March 25, 2021 | |
 From Voices Executive Director
Tasha Green Cruzat
It is one more step, but a significant one, in a long journey to deal with racial and ethnic inequities in our state. Today, the Illinois Senate passed the final pillar of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ Agenda to deal with our state’s inequities in education, health care, the justice system, and economic opportunities. The latest measure, HB 158, contains a provision Voices has worked on for years to create a state Racial Impact Note Act. It provides a mechanism to examine whether pending legislation will address the inequities that plague our state or make them worse. Along with other items in the bill (which includes creation of an Anti-Racism Commission, establishing a certification process for community health workers, and required implicit bias awareness training for specified healthcare workers), HB 158 will help ensure a statewide healthcare system that allows everyone to thrive. Of course, the state needs to remain vigilant in funding our healthcare system to see that everyone has access to high-quality medical services. Our thanks to the Black Caucus and everyone who voted for this bill and the other measures. We strongly urge the Governor to sign HB 158 when it reaches his desk. | |
