Latest news with #Faraci
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Illinois House passes carbon sequestration protections for Mahomet Aquifer
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (NEXSTAR) — The Illinois House of Representatives passed a bill to stop carbon sequestration projects from being constructed near or underneath the Mahomet Aquifer, which provides clean drinking water for almost one million people in Illinois. 'As many know of the Mahomet Aquifer in Central Illinois is a sole source, clean drinking water for nearly a million people in our state,' Rep. Carol Ammons (D-Urbana) said on the floor. 'This bill puts in additional protections for the Muhammad Aquifer. Many of which have been negotiated in the Senate with Senator Faraci, which I want to thank him for his work and certainly thank all of the members here for their support for this important initiative to protect our drinking water.' PREVIOUSLY: Bill to ban carbon sequestration projects around the Mahomet Aquifer passes out of Senate The bill follows up on first-of-their-kind regulations on carbon sequestration projects in the state. The technology is often pointed to as necessary for meeting the state's emission targets, but federal regulations are severely lacking. The state's regulations signed into law last May would put extensive safety requirements on the construction of these projects. However, those regulations did not include any specific protections for the aquifer. This bill had bipartisan support. Democrat lawmakers Carol Ammons and Paul Faraci sponsored the legislation, but Republicans Senator Chapin Rose and Representative Brandun Schweizer were also cosponsors. 'It's been a long time coming. There's a lot of constituents within the Greater Mahomet Aquifer area that have concerns with the sequestering through and underneath the Mahomet Aquifer. I know it's relatively local to Central Illinois, but it also affects greater Illinois if something were to happen to that aquifer.' The bill passed with 91 voting in favor and 19 voting against. It now heads to the Governor's desk. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
‘Shocked, stunned, and saddened': Illinois officials react to Health Alliance discontinuing plans
CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — State officials are speaking out in support of Health Alliance employees and customers after the health insurer announced that all of their plans will be discontinued — with the exception of Medicare Advantage — at the end of the year. Health Alliance discontinuing plans at year's end; Medicare Advantage to continue State Senator Paul Faraci (D-Champaign) said this decision will leave thousands in a critical position. 'I am deeply concerned and disappointed by Health Alliance's recent decision to end health care coverage for many of its members. The impact of this is far-reaching, as it places thousands of people at risk of losing critical health coverage. I urge Health Alliance, which has been a long-trusted provider for families across our communities, to protect their members, rather than leaving them with uncertainty surrounding the care they need,' Faraci said. Faraci also added in his statement that he will work to help find a solution for those impacted. We must work together to ensure the thousands of impacted individuals, including 600 Health Alliance employees, are not left vulnerable. I stand ready to support a solution that keeps our constituents' health and well-being at the forefront. State Senator Paul Faraci Insurance expert breaks down implications of Health Alliance's discontinued services State Senator Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) said he is 'shocked, stunned, and saddened,' to learn that Health Alliance will cease operations by 2026. 'The affected employees, their families, and the tens of thousands of local insureds who rely on Health Alliance for access to care are foremost on my mind. My office will stand by to try and help in any way we can in job training and recruitment efforts for the impacted employees,' Rose said. In his statement, Rose added that he is already working to find new options for Health Alliance customers. Moreover, I have already reached out to the state's CMS Director, who is in charge of the group health insurance contract under Gov. Pritzker, to see what healthcare options will be available come open enrollment in May for the countless families who currently utilize Health Alliance for their insurance provider. Continuity of care and access to trusted physicians must be the priority as thousands of local members will now be forced to find a new insurance carrier. Being able to choose your medical care team going forward is an absolute imperative. State Senator Chapin Rose Horizon Health expanding to Tilton Senator Chris Balkema (R- Channahon) is based in Will County. He assured constituents there are resources available to them at this time. My heart goes out to the families and employees impacted by this difficult news. Losing a trusted healthcare provider creates uncertainty and stress, and I want everyone affected to know they are not alone. To the employees facing job loss, we will do everything we can to connect you with resources and new opportunities. I am committed to working with state and local partners to ensure families have the information and support they need to navigate this transition. Senator Chris Balkema Balkema added that his office is available to answer any questions or concerns. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
