PBM Reform Legislation Signed into Law
Legislation that seeks to address the unchecked influence and harmful practices of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) was signed into law on July 1.
House Bill 1697 puts an end to spread pricing, prohibits PBMs from steering patients to their own preferred pharmacies, and requires that 100 percent of rebates go back to patients and plan sponsors where they belong.
According to the Illinois Pharmacists Association, 74 of Illinois’ 102 counties are now considered pharmacy deserts. Senate Republicans argue that entire regions are losing access to trusted, local care simply because PBMs are pushing independent pharmacies out of business. In 2024 alone, more than 85 independent pharmacies in Illinois were forced to close their doors.
Supporters believe the legislation will help hold the line on rapidly rising prescription prices, providing some much-needed relief to Illinoisans struggling to pay for medications.
State Senator Sally Turner argues that this proposal was a critical step toward restoring fairness in the pharmacy system and holding down costs for prescriptions.
Illinois Libraries Receive $18 Million in Support
Last week, the Illinois Secretary of State’s office announced the distribution of nearly $18 million in Public Library Per Capita Grants to 639 public libraries across the state. The grants, awarded annually, help libraries support valuable resources and services to their communities.
Funding amounts are determined by a statutory formula based on each library’s service population. Libraries can use the grants to support a range of resources and services, including books and multilingual materials, e-books, internet access, staff, programming such as summer reading initiatives, and even capital improvements.
To qualify, libraries must be recognized as “Full Member Libraries” within their regional library systems. The next application deadline is January 30, 2026.
To learn more about the Public Library Per Capita Grants, please visit the Illinois Secretary of State’s website.
Libraries receiving grants in the 44th District include:
- Atlanta Public Library District
- Atwood-Hammond Public Library District
- Bement Public Library District
- Tri-City Public Library District
- Hope Welty Public Library District
- Willow Branch Township Library
- Vespasian Warner Public Library District
- Martin Township Public Library
- Creve Coeur Public Library District
- Danvers Township Library
- Goose Creek District Library
- Ayer Public Library District
- Elkhart Public Library District
- Farmer City Public Library
- Forsyth Public Library
- Heyworth Public Library District
- Illiopolis-Niantic Public Library District
- Lincoln Public Library District
- Mackinaw District Public Library
- Blue Ridge Township Public Library
- Maroa Public Library District
- Marquette Heights Public Library
- Mount Hope-Funk’s Grove Public Library
- H.A. Peine District Library
- Allerton Public Library District
- Morton Public Library District
- Mount Pulaski Public Library District
- Argenta-Oreana Public Library District
- Cheney’s Grove Township Library
- Allin Township Library
- Tremont District Library
- Barclay Public Library District
- Waynesville Township Library
- Weldon Public Library District
OSLAD Grant Program is Officially Open for Applications
Applications are now being accepted for the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Program through September 30, 2025.
OSLADis a state-funded program that provides financial assistance to local administrations for both acquiring and/or developing land for various projects, including parks, nature areas, and outdoor recreation spots.
This grant could cover up to 50 percent of project costs and up to 90 percent for under-resourced communities. Grant awards for acquisition of land can total up to $1,725,000.00, while development/renovation project grants are limited to $600,000. Applicants need to be pre-qualified through the State of Illinois Grantee Portal.
In Illinois, local government organizations that are legally permitted to utilize public funds for the purchase or development of land for parks, recreation, or conservation are eligible to apply for OSLAD funding. School districts are not qualified.
To learn more about grant eligibility, click here.
IDPH Gives Helpful Tips on How to Avoid Seasonal Summer Hazards
As summer reaches its peak, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has provided some helpful tips on how to avoid sunburn, heat exhaustion, and injury from water-related incidents.
The IDPH offers the following safe swimming tips to prevent drowning and other water risks:
- Supervise young children around water
- Use flotation devices
- Avoid alcohol when swimming, supervising children, and on watercrafts
- Be aware of dangerous weather conditions
- Shower before getting into the swimming pool and do not swim while ill
- Pay attention to lifeguards and swimming pool protocols
This time of year also brings high temperatures and intense sun, which in turn can bring heat stroke, sunburn, and other heat-related illnesses or tragedy. To avoid these illnesses, the IDPH urges the public to follow these precautions:
- Apply sunscreen regularly
- Wear lightweight, light colored clothing
- Stay hydrated
- Do not leave anyone, including pets, in a closed, parked vehicle
- Go to the CDC’s Heat and Health tracker for more information and instructions on how to stay safe from the heat in your area, such as appropriate hydration, amount of outdoor exposure, especially if you are at risk for heat injury
- Through Keep Cool Illinois, get to know where cooling centers in IL are located
For more information on how to protect yourself and others during the hot summer months, visit IDPH’s website for water safety tips and heat safety tips.
Be Careful at Rural Intersections
While there is an old saying that corn should be “knee-high by the 4th of July”, modern farming practices have developed that allow corn to grow much taller by Independence Day.
Depending on when it was planted, many Illinois cornfields may have plants reaching well over 7 feet tall by early July.
For drivers, this means some rural intersections may have reduced visibility due to tall corn in fields along the road.
State Senator Sally Turner urges drivers to be cautious during the summer and fall months, to “look twice” when approaching intersections on rural roads and highways, and follow all traffic signs, including stop and yield signs.
Upcoming Coffee and Conversation
State Senator Sally Turner will be hosting a Coffee and Conversation event with Bloomington Mayor Dan Brady on Tuesday, July 15, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Rob Dob’s Restaurant & Bar.
The event is open to the public and free. Residents will have a chance to personally speak with the Senator and Mayor regarding local and state issues important to them.
