Parents and families in need of school supplies, health services, youth programs and other community resources are invited to attend State Senator Omar Aquino and State Representative Lilian Jiménez’s annual back-to-school health fair on Saturday, Aug. 10.

“In preparation for the beginning of the school year, access to resources like school supplies, school physicals and housing support are crucial, and our annual back-to-school fair brings these important services together in one accessible location to make it easier for parents to get ready for the new school year,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “I encourage all families to join us for this fun, free event.”

The event will be held Saturday, Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Prosser Career Academy, located at 2148 N. Long Ave. in Chicago. Food and refreshments will be provided while supplies last.

Los padres y las familias que necesitan útiles escolares, servicios de salud, programas para jóvenes y otros recursos de la comunidad están invitados a asistir a la feria anual de salud de regreso a la escuela del Senador Estatal Omar Aquino y la Representante Estatal Lilian Jiménez el sábado 10 de agosto.

“En la preparación para el inicio del año escolar, el acceso a recursos como útiles escolares, exámenes físicos escolares y apoyo a la vivienda son esenciales, y nuestra feria anual de regreso a la escuela reúne a estos importantes servicios en un lugar accesible para que sea más fácil para los padres a prepararse para el nuevo año escolar,” dijo Aquino (D-Chicago). “Animo a todas las familias a unirse a nosotros para este evento divertido y gratis.”

El evento se realizará el sábado 10 de agosto de 10 a.m. a 2 p.m. en Prosser Career Academy, ubicado en 2148 N. Long Ave. en Chicago. Habrá comida y refrescos hasta agotar existencias.

Illinois will boost reimbursement for critical health services supporting vulnerable children and families, thanks to a new law led by State Senator Omar Aquino aimed at strengthening the Medicaid system.

“In Illinois, we are advancing equity by investing in the residents and health care providers who deserve a better system that meets their needs,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “These much-needed rate increases will support safety net hospitals, children’s health centers, mental health providers and programs that ensure the health and well-being of vulnerable children and families across our state.”

The new law makes significant improvements to reimbursement rates and add-on payments to support the full spectrum of health care needs in Illinois, including increased funding for psychiatric care, skilled nursing facilities, children’s community health centers, birth centers, prosthetics and orthotics, optometry services and safety net hospitals, which serve some of the state’s most vulnerable populations.

Under a measure championed by State Senator Omar Aquino, working parents in Illinois will be able to claim a state-level child tax credit on their income taxes starting next year.

“Parents shouldn’t have to struggle to provide basic necessities to their children,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “The child tax credit will help families put money toward things that are becoming even less affordable – like groceries and school supplies – during these inflationary times. The rising cost of living makes it even more vital to get this economic relief to folks who need it.”

House Bill 4951 – the Fiscal Year 2025 revenue package – includes $50 million for a new statewide child tax credit, something Aquino has been fighting for over the past several years. Beginning next year, parents eligible for the Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit with at least one child under age 12 will receive the child tax credit – equal to 20% of the state’s EITC in 2025 and 40% of the EITC in 2026.