GRAYSLAKE – The country’s top court ruled Wednesday that employers can opt out of the Affordable Care Act’s birth control mandate over religious and moral objections. However, State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) is reminding women it will not impact Illinoisans, thanks to last year’s passage of the Reproductive Health Act.

“I am disappointed with the Supreme Court’s decision to allow employers to dictate a woman’s access to contraception,” Bush said. “Employers can’t deny access to antibiotics for someone who has a sexually transmitted disease for moral reasons. How can they deny access to birth control?”

The Supreme Court made it more difficult for women to get access to birth control through their employer’s insurance, should their employer have a moral or religious objection to contraceptives.

The opinion upheld an administrative rule from President Donald Trump that significantly cut back on the Affordable Care Act’s requirement for insurers to provide coverage of preventative care and screenings without any cost sharing requirements as part of most health care plans.

However, thanks to the Reproductive Health Act, spearheaded by Bush, the court’s ruling does not supersede Illinois law. The Reproductive Health Act ensures reproductive health care is treated like all other health care in Illinois, guaranteeing women continued access to contraceptives.

“Today’s ruling further shows the importance of the Reproductive Health Act passed by the Illinois General Assembly last year,” Bush said. “The monumental measure affirms women, not politicians nor employers, can and should make their own decisions.”

GRAYSLAKE – After months of working remotely, State Senator Melinda Bush’s district office will reopen to the public on an appointment-only basis beginning Monday.

“To keep community members safe and healthy from COVID-19, we decided to work from home during the height of the pandemic,” the Grayslake Democrat said. “However, while we were still answering emails and phone calls, we recognize and believe people are best served in-person.”

Bush’s office will be open by appointment-only in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 between both staff and community members.

While it is encouraged to conduct business over the phone, via email or through Zoom, people may still visit the office by making an appointment.

To do so, they may call 847-548-5631 or visit senatormelindabush.com/contact/request-a-meeting . There is also an option on the website to make a Zoom appointment – which is highly encouraged. Walk-ins will not be accepted. Those who are medically able should wear a face covering in an effort to keep everyone in the office – and everyone who visits after them – as safe as possible.

“Opening the office will allow us to better serve the people we represent,” Bush said. “I encourage anyone with questions or concerns related to legislation, COVID-19 or other items to contact my office. We are always happy to help.”

Bush’s office will continue to be available by both phone and email.

GRAYSLAKE – State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) is encouraging local small businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19 to apply for the Lake County Small Business Assistance COVID-19 Grant Program.

“Small business owners in Lake County and throughout the state experienced unforeseen financial difficulties that will be difficult to bounce back from without help,” Bush said. “While reopening has been beneficial to many businesses, they are still constantly facing financial obligations to keep their stores clean and their employees protected.”

Lake County created the grant program in an effort to assist small businesses that have been negatively impacted by COVID-19. Starting Tuesday, July 7 at 8 a.m., county businesses can apply online for up to $30,000. The funds can be used to cover up to four months of occupancy – which includes rent, mortgage and utilities – and expenses incurred due to the pandemic – including, but not limited to, plexiglass, masks, sanitation and employee training.

The grant program will be administered by Lake County Partners with the final approval and fund dispersal performed by Lake County. Preference will be given to businesses that have not yet received federal assistance. Lake County Partners is a private, non-profit organization that focuses on economic development in Lake County.

“From rent assistance to training employees on how best keep themselves and their community safe, the grants will provide financial relief businesses so desperately need,” Bush said. “I encourage any small business in Lake County that has dealt with financial challenges to apply immediately.”

Local small businesses can apply starting Tuesday at lakecountyil.gov/4444/Lake-County-Forward. Applications will be open until July 20 at 11:59 p.m.

GRAYSLAKE — In an effort to help people focus on their finances after months of economic disparities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Melinda Bush (Grayslake) is highlighting a number of free credit reporting websites.

“The COVID-19 pandemic put unforeseen financial burdens on many families,” Bush said. “Credit reporting websites can be expensive, but it’s important to know your credit score. However, there are many free resources available, and I encourage people to take advantage of them.”

As Illinoisans across the state have experienced negative economic impacts during the COVID-19 pandemic, Bush is encouraging everyone to check their credit scores and be aware of their finances. Everyone is now eligible to receive their weekly credit report for free through Equifax, Experian and TransUnion until April 2021. For more information, please visit www.AnnualCreditReport.com.

“Regularly checking your credit can allow you to take control over your finances and lead you to financial freedom,” Bush said. “As we continue to live through these hard and unprecedented times, the best thing we can do is make sure we come out of it stronger.”