Sen. Radogno introduced the measure this week to address the lack of public information on Down Syndrome. She joined Dr. Peter J. Smith, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Chicago, and Dr. James Ronayne from the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, for a public hearing on Down Syndrome to discuss the scientific advancements in the world of Down Syndrome, and ask for support of legislation that would require the state to provide up-to-date, evidence-based Down Syndrome information pre-and post-natal following a positive Down Syndrome test result.

“Senate Bill 987 provides a vehicle so that any parent of a child diagnosed with Down Syndrome is immediately connected with scientifically appropriate information,” said Sen. Radogno.

Following recent reports of 15 cases of the Measles virus in Cook County, during the Senate Executive Committee on March 25 Sen. Radogno took action to protect young children who have not received the Measles vaccination yet. Senate Bill 986 mandates any child care facility that cares for children ages 6 and under to require employees to provide proof of two doses of the Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine or provide proof of immunity.

“Senate Bill 986 addresses the very sensitive issue of immunization—we understand we are not perfect on this issue, but is important that we protect the babies who are too young to yet receive the benefits of immunization by ensuring we do not place them in harm’s way,” said Sen. Radogno.

Both Senate Bill 986 and Senate Bill 987 passed the Senate Executive Committee on March 25 and will advance to the full Senate for further consideration.