CHICAGO- In response to the significant increase of heroin and opioid related overdoses and deaths in Illinois over the last 10 years, Majority Caucus Whip Iris Y. Martinez co-sponsored legislation this year that sought to combat heroin use.

“Too many people in our state are overdosing on heroin, and I viewed this initiative as an important step in solving our epidemic,” Martinez said. “This bipartisan piece of legislation ensures that public safety professionals receive training on how to administer Narcan, which can save lives by reversing the effects of heroin overdose. Additionally, it helps addicts get the treatment they need and requires the State Board of Education to create a heroin and opioid drug prevention program for schools.”

When Governor Rauner vetoed House Bill 1, also known as the Heroin Crisis Act, Martinez joined her Democratic and Republican colleagues to override his veto.

“Overriding the veto was a great example of lawmakers from both sides of the aisle coming together to address a problem plaguing our state,” Martinez said.

There were over 70 heroin overdoses reported in the Chicago area last week, underscoring the severity of the problem and that overriding the governor’s veto was the right decision.

Narcan was credited with saving dozens of lives during the string of overdoses. One of the objectives of the Heroin Crisis Act is to increase the availability of Narcan and provide training on how it can be properly administered.

“This recent surge of overdoses is terrible, and I’m glad the legislature made sure the Heroin Crisis Act became law,” Martinez said. “If the governor had gotten his way, more lives would have been placed in jeopardy.”

In observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, Majority Caucus Whip Iris Y. Martinez sat down to discuss the important contributions Hispanics are making. In conjunction with this year’s theme, “Hispanics: Honoring our Heritage, Building our Future,” Martinez talked about Ileana Sanchez, a native of Santurce, Puerto Rico, who invented a book for the blind that brought fine art to the visually-impaired community in a way they weren’t previously able to experience.

Martinez, the first Latina elected to the Illinois Senate, was also interviewed by WCIU-TV last week regarding how she is working to make a difference for her community. You can check out the interview here.

CHICAGO — Senate Majority Caucus Whip Iris Y. Martinez (D-Chicago) issued the following statement regarding Illinois State Museums being closed after today:

One of Illinois’ greatest treasures is its state museums that highlight the rich history, culture and traditions of our state. I’m saddened that the general public will be locked out from state museums.

What’s odd about the governor’s decision is that the employees will still be working, the exhibits will stay in place and the buildings will continue being heated and cooled. The governor isn’t saving the state any money. Instead, all he’s doing is ensuring that school kids and adults across Illinois can’t learn about the history of their state.

Shame on the governor for making a poor management decision that will take away educational resources from our children. I urge him to change his mind and leave the museum doors open.

CHICAGO — Today, Senate Majority Caucus Whip Iris Y. Martinez (D-Chicago) joined members of the Latino Caucus at a hearing regarding how the absence of a state budget is impacting Latino-serving providers and their clients.

“We heard riveting testimony about how the lack of a state budget is impacting Latinos,” Martinez said. “I am troubled by what I heard today. The governor needs to focus on solving the state’s budget impasse so that human service providers helping our children, seniors, the disabled and other vulnerable populations can stay in business.”

Martinez provided introductory remarks at the hearing, which featured testimony from representatives of Gads Hill Center, Latino Organization of the Southwest, La Casa Norte, El Valor, Logan Square Neighborhood Association, Corazon Community Services and other organizations.

Senator Martinez’s participation in today’s hearing is part of a broader effort she is undertaking to help Latinos. This year, she encouraged Latinos to become blood donors and discussed the importance of Latinos being adequately represented in state government.

Martinez has also spoken out about the necessity of the state funding Welcoming Centers, which serve as lifelines to our state’s newest residents by offering classes and providing information on topics such as employment training and home ownership.