PBM Reform Legislation Signed into Law
Legislation I supported this year 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.
This proposal was a critical step toward restoring fairness in the pharmacy system and holding down costs for prescriptions.
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.
Nearly a Half Million in Community Library Grants Coming to 32nd District
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.
Libraries receiving grants in the 32nd Senate District include:
Upcoming Events in the 32nd District
I have two Conversations Untapped events scheduled during the month of July and I hope to have large turnouts at both. Please stop by, enjoy a locally-brewed beverage, and have some casual conversation with your State Senator. Here is a rundown of my upcoming outreach events across the District:
- July 15: Conversations Untapped, Spirit Water Brewery, Distillery, and Taproom, 3300 Three Oaks Road, Cary, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
- July 23: Conversations Untapped, Rivalry Ale House, 945 Main Street, Antioch, IL, 5:30PM – 7:00PM
- August 16: Document Shredding Event, Office of State Rep. Steve Reick, 1072 Lake Avenue, Woodstock, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- August 21: Barks & Brews Pet Adoption Event, Kishwaukee Brewing, 1900 Dillard Court, Woodstock, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
- September 17: IPASS on Demand, Lake Villa District Library, 140 N. Munn Road, Lindenhurst, 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM
- October 14: Senior Resource Fair, Grand Oaks Recreation Center, 1401 IL-176, Crystal Lake, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
New events are added regularly, so please visit the Events page of my website regularly to be kept up to date about events taking place near you.
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. Please be cautious during the summer and fall months and to “look twice” when approaching intersections on rural roads and highways.