New Law Lowers Prescription Costs and Protects Local Pharmacies
Rising prescription costs have made it harder for suburban families to stay afloat, even when they’re doing everything right. That’s why I was proud to support House Bill 1697, a commonsense, bipartisan law that puts people first.
Signed into law on July 1, this legislation directly targets the unchecked influence of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) — the middlemen responsible for driving up prices and putting trusted, local pharmacies out of business. The new law ends spread pricing, bans PBMs from steering patients to their preferred pharmacies, and requires that 100% of drug 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. In 2024 alone, more than 85 independent pharmacies were forced to close their doors. This law is a win for working parents, seniors, and the local pharmacies our communities rely on. It’s about cutting hidden fees, lowering out-of-pocket costs, and restoring fairness in a system that hasn’t worked for everyday Illinoisans.
This is a step in the right direction — providing real relief and helping ensure Illinois families can access the affordable care they deserve.
Upcoming Shred Event
I’m excited to invite you to my upcoming Recycle & Shred Event on Saturday, July 12, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the St. Francis Church parking lot in Lake Zurich. Whether you’re clearing out old paperwork, donating gently used items like eyeglasses or hearing aids, or responsibly recycling electronics*, this is a great way for us to come together and care for our community and environment. I’m proud to partner with Paper Tiger, the Lake Zurich Lions Club, and the American Legion to make this event possible. Please note that no TVs, CRTs, or hard drives can be accepted. I hope to see you there!
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.