Glenview, IL….This week, State Representative Elizabeth Couslon provided the keynote speech at the National Association for Support of Longterm Care’s (NASL) annual meeting in Chicago. As a physical therapist, Rep. Coulson has made health care reform one of her top priorities in the state legislature.

Rep. Coulson spoke about the shortage of therapists in Illinois and across the nation, the federal therapy cap for Medicare coverage and national health care reform. Continue reading »

Glenview… State Representative Elizabeth Coulson (R-Glenview) is encouraging all first through eighth grade students to participate in her 8th Annual Summer Reading Club by reading eight books over the summer. Each child that reads the required number of books and completes the application will be congratulated with an Ice Cream Party in September.

“Each year, dozens of area students become members of my Summer Reading Club. This is a great program for children because it allows them to keep their minds and imaginations active over the summer,” Rep. Coulson said.

Once a child completes reading eight books of their own choosing, they simply fill out an application, which asks a parent, guardian or family member to attest to their reading. To request a Summer Reading Club Form, either stop by Rep. Coulson’s district office at 3801 W. Lake Ave. in Glenview or contact the office at (847) 724-3233. Completed forms must be submitted by September 1. Continue reading »

Springfield, IL….Demonstrating her commitment to students with special needs, State Representative Elizabeth Coulson authored legislation that will create a smoother transition for students with special needs from school to post-school activities. The Illinois House approved House Bill 979 unanimously.

Specifically, the legislation provides that a child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) in effect after their 14th birthday must include measurable post-secondary transition goals related to education, employment and independent living skills. The bill also requires that the plan connect the student with resources and follow-up connections for their transition. Continue reading »

Springfield, IL….State Representative Elizabeth Coulson is urging area residents to become aware about the risks of the swine influenza outbreak in the United States and Mexico. Though not confirmed, nine probable cases are being tracked by the Illinois Department of Public Health. These cases all appear to be mild and none of the individuals have been hospitalized. Nevertheless, it is important to be familiar with this flu virus, risk factors, and steps to maintain good health.

Swine influenza is a respiratory disease caused by Type A influenza viruses, predominantly found in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen, and as we have recently seen, it is possible for swine flu viruses to spread from person to person. Continue reading »

Springfield, IL….The Illinois House unanimously adopted a resolution adopted by State Representative Elizabeth Coulson that will increase environmental standards. House Resolution 163 creates a task force to study local government development standards and processes and their effect on watershed, wetlands and floodplains.

“There are a variety of critical issues that must be considered when developing near a watershed or floodplain. We need to ensure that our local governments are following the highest standards possible when they are approving development near our natural resources,” Rep. Coulson said. Continue reading »

Glenview…Today, Governor Pat Quinn signed into law legislation championed by State Representative Elizabeth Coulson that will ensure children who need habilitative services due to a trauma or injury at a young age or a congenital or genetic birth defect have health care coverage.

Specifically, Senate Bill 101 mandates insurance companies to provide coverage for occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy for children under the age of 19 with congenital or genetic defects that developed at birth or at a young age.  The legislation passed in the House and Senate unanimously.

“Today is a life-changing day for many families who have been facing enormous medical bills to ensure that their children with autism, cerebral palsy or injury from a trauma, receive the care and treatment they need.  Habilitative services are critical in helping children with disabilities grow, develop and function independently,” Rep. Coulson said. Continue reading »

Glenview, IL….Credited for her longstanding support of ethics reform legislation, State Representative Elizabeth Coulson (R-Glenview) was recently appointed to the newly-created Joint Committee on Government Reform which will aim to increase integrity within state government. Additionally, she was appointed to Illinois’ Legislative Ethics Commission, an eight-member, bipartisan commission whose duties include enforcing the state’s Ethics Act reviewing ethics complaints, and appointing the special Legislative Inspector General.

The Joint Committee on Government Reform is a result of Senate Joint Resolution 1 and was introduced to address an integrity crisis caused largely by the impeachment of former Governor Rod Blagojevich and the corruption scandals surrounding his administration. Continue reading »

Glenview…An ardent advocate for children with disabilities, State Representative Elizabeth Coulson (R-Glenview) championed legislation that will require health care coverage for children who need habilitative services due to a trauma or injury at a young age or a congenital or genetic birth defect.  Senate Bill 101 was unanimously approved by the Senate.

Specifically, the legislation mandates insurance companies to provide coverage for occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy for children under the age of 19 with congenital or genetic defects that developed at birth or at a young age.”This legislation will ensure that children with autism, cerebral palsy, injury from trauma or other similar conditions will receive the treatment and care they need. Habilitative services can greatly enhance a person’s ability to function independently and can be just as crucial as treating a person’s medical needs,” Rep. Coulson said. Continue reading »

Springfield, IL…Following weeks of testimony regarding various corruption practices by the Governor, State Representative Elizabeth Coulson (R-Glenview) and the Illinois House voted unanimously to impeach Governor Rod Blagojevich today. This historic vote initiates an impeachment trial in the Senate where a two-thirds majority is required to remove the Governor from office.

“As a lawmaker who is committed to serving the true interests of the people of this state, I sincerely believe the most responsible decision for the legislature is to remove the Governor from office. His criminal investigation and all of the alleged wrongdoing hinders his ability to govern and our ability to focus on the state’s most important issues,” Rep. Coulson said.A longtime proponent of ethics reform, Rep. Coulson believes state officials must be held accountable and operate within the highest ethical framework. The evidence presented to the House Special Investigative Committee demonstrates a blatant abuse of power by the Governor. Continue reading »