SPRINGFIELD – This week, Roseland Community Hospital officials conducted a press conference announcing their plans to shut down operations after 85 years of services to the community. Senator Jones had this to say:

“On April 15, Roseland Community Hospital was advised by the state that any further assistance would require RCH to perform a feasibility study to show long-term stability and make administrative changes. Today, I was in contact with RCH and neither prerequisite has been initiated. Both requirements were suggested because of fiscal mismanagement issues dating back to 1985 and needed administrative changes to restructure inefficiencies in leadership.

In this morning’s press conference, RCH officials claimed that the state owed them over $6 million, which is false. The state has completely rectified its debt and gave and advanced payment of over $1 million in Critical Hospital Adjustment Payment advancement to help when RCH asked for assistance initially. I desperately want RCH to stay open to continue providing health care services for the Greater Roseland Area. It’s no secret the Roseland community has a shortage of hospitals and for many residents, RCH is the only accessible and affordable health care facility. I’m sure a reasonable and responsible solution is within our grips but during this time of fiscal uncertainty, we can’t afford to give money to any entity that isn’t willing to make a responsible effort.”

“Legislation like this that calls for greater transparency and accountability on the part of reloadable card service providers is going to help us realize this much needed change for consumers.” – Sen. Emil Jones III

SPRINGFIELD – Another victory for consumer protection, State Sen. Emil Jones III (D–Chicago) saw his measure establishing substantive prepaid, reloadable card disclosures receive the approval of the General Assembly.  

Jones’ legislation subjects prepaid, reloadable credit cards and their providers to substantive disclosure regulations regarding all associated fees and service charges.

“Currently prepaid credit cards and their distributors are not made to adhere to sufficient disclosure stipulations,” Jones said. “They are not being held adequately responsible to clients. Legislation like this that calls for greater transparency and accountability on the part of reloadable card service providers is going to help us realize this much needed change for consumers.”

Reloadable, prepaid credit cards were exempted from the disclosure requirements of 2009’s federal Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure or “CARD” Act. Senate Bill 1829 establishes a standard set of disclosures for consumers to receive from credit card companies or issuers upon purchase of a prepaid, reloadable credit card.

The disclosure regulations would inform consumers of any maintenance fees accompanying the prepaid credit card and its use, charges associated with receiving cash, reloading fees and costs of establishing service.

The House of Representatives additionally offered an amendment that expanded upon the legislation’s original language regarding disclosure standards and requirements. 

SB 1829 was concurred upon by the Senate and the House and now, having received the approval of both chambers of the legislature, moves to Gov. Pat Quinn for his consideration.

“We have to send the message that such disrespectful and dangerous behavior, especially during periods of mourning, has no place in our communities.” – Sen. Emil Jones III

SPRINGFIELD – A topic that has captured Illinois media and the General Assembly’s attention is that of reckless driving during gang funerals.

To respond to the issue, State Sen. Emil Jones (D-Chicago) joined forces with Sen. Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago) on legislation providing for action to be taken against reckless driving during gang members’ funerals that is now on its’ way to the governor’s desk.

“Throughout my legislative career, I have consistently advocated for gang and violence prevention, a problem rampant across Chicago but particularly prevalent in the South Side communities I represent,” Jones said. “This measure has special significance for me, because this will curb gang demonstrations and the disruption of peace during funeral observances.”

Last September, the Chicago Tribune offered a telling exposé of this issue, detailing the irresponsible weaving in and out of traffic lanes, blaring music and gang signs/gestures thrown out of car windows accompanying memorials at Mount Hope Cemetery (which often serves as the site of funerals for deceased gang members).

Residents of the South Side communities of Mount Greenwood and Beverly have been particularly vocal in expressing their concern for public safety and frustration with these frequent rowdy memorials for late gang members. 

Senate Bill 2154 allows municipalities to adopt procedures and regulations for the impoundment of vehicles driven recklessly while part of a funeral procession and/or in such a way that impedes a funeral procession.

“Being able to not just provide a ticket but tow the vehicles of mourners driving irresponsibly while promoting gang activity or paraphernalia during funerals is of the utmost importance for our public’s safety,” Jones said. “We have to send the message that such disrespectful and dangerous behavior, especially during periods of mourning, has no place in our communities.”

SB 2154 passed the Illinois House and, now having received the approval of both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly, moves to Gov. Pat Quinn for consideration.