Heather Steans Wins Awards

Heather was honored on October 19, 2009, by the Illinois Council against Handgun Violence (ICHV) for her work in the Illinois General Assembly.

The ICHV presented Heather with its Legislative Advocacy Award for sponsoring and passing a bill which requires law enforcement officials to revoke a Firearm Owner’s Identification Card or deny an application for the card, when a person is subject to an order of protection. This measure (HB 3991) closed a significant loophole in Illinois law and was signed into law in August 2009.

For 35 years, the ICHV has been an innovative leader in creating programs to raise public awareness and mobilize people to take action to reduce death and injury from gun violence. Once a year, ICHV takes the opportunity to recognize outstanding individuals who have been dedicated to reducing gun violence.

In September, Heather was honored by the American Heart Association’s Midwest Affiliate for her leadership on legislation to help stroke patients receive more immediate, specialized care.

Heather received the Legislative Lifesaver Award prior to the organization’s Metro Chicago Start! Heart Walk in Grant Park.

“I’m truly humbled by this honor,” Senator Steans said. “But as a senator, it is my job to make sure that people across Illinois have access to the best possible healthcare during the most critical times.”

This law created a stroke care working group to identify Primary Care Stroke Centers as well as Emergent Stroke Ready Hospitals throughout Illinois. A Primary Stroke Center means a hospital is certified by an approved, nationally-recognized certified body. An Emergent Stroke Ready Hospital is a hospital that meets the criteria for providing emergent stroke care.

This will allow stroke patients to be taken to specialized facilities immediately, rather than the nearest emergency centers that might not be properly equipped to handle their medical needs.

“It is fitting to honor Senator Heather Steans without Legislative LifeSaver award for championing this important law,” said Dr. Kathleen Grady, chairperson of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Illinois Advocacy Committee. “Because of her work, some people who would have lost their ability to walk or talk due to a stroke will now fully recover.”

Heather Steans Veto Analysis on Chicago Tonight

Click here to watch my October 19 appearance on Chicago Tonight.

Senator Heather Steans files Equal Marriage legislation

State Senator Heather Steans (D-7th) on Thursday filed the Equal Marriage Act, marking the first time such a bill had been introduced in the Illinois Senate. Senator Steans made the announcement at a press conference at the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago where she was joined by State Representative Greg Harris (D-13th) and Rick Garcia of Equality Illinois.

"In Illinois, same-sex couples have to fight to visit each other in hospitals, make health care decisions, and raise children together every day of their lives," Senator Steans said. "Common decency and the U.S. Constitution demands that this changes."

Harris has introduced Civil Unions and Same-Sex Marriage bills in the House each session for each of the past two General Assemblies.

"This is an important step that we’re taking today to have both chambers working in unison to get basic equality and fairness for all of our citizens," Harris said.

Steans said the time for equal marriage rights is now, and noted that the issue is no longer a coastal one. Five progressive states Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, and our neighboring, Iowa – now have full marriage equality. In Maine, voters will go to the polls to decide whether equal rights should be granted to same-sex couples.

"Marriage is a civil right – plain and simple," said Bernard Cherkasov, Chief Executive Officer of Equality Illinois. "The state cannot have a civil institution of marriage - with its plethora of benefits, rights, and responsibilities – and exclude from it an entire class of citizens."

In 2004, an ABC/Washington Post poll showed just 32 percent of Americans favoring gay marriage. Now, 49 percent support it, versus 46 percent opposed – the first time in ABC/Post polls where supporters outnumbered opponents. Moreover, 53 percent believe equal marriages held legally in another state should be recognized as legal in their state.

"Illinois should be on the cutting edge of this fight as well, " Senator Steans said.

"This Bill will clarify equal marriage rights for same-sex couples across Illinois – a right that is already enshrined in our constitutional language and traditions," she said. "We ask you to join this battle for freedom for all families by contacting your state legislators and asking them to join on as co-sponsors of this legislation."