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Credit Unions: A Model Built For People, Not Profit
Wednesday, Mar 25, 2026 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] When you visit a credit union, you will see firsthand what makes our model fundamentally different from traditional banks. As Audrey Holocker, Branch Manager at Financial Plus Credit Union in Mendota, IL, often explains to new members, “I don’t know if you know the difference between a credit union and a bank…” — but that difference has a real impact. Banks operate with paid boards and profit-driven goals. Credit unions do not. “Credit unions are nonprofit. We’re here to serve you,” Audrey explains. When someone joins, they’re not just opening an account — “you become an owner of the credit union, and this is part of you.” That ownership structure means every dollar earned is reinvested into member value: lower loan rates, higher returns on savings, and fewer fees. As Audrey states, “What we make, we put back into the credit union to save you money.” This model supports financial stability, expands access to fair credit, and strengthens local economies. It’s why so many credit union employees like Audrey feel deeply connected to this mission. “I’m part of the movement… and I’m very proud to be a credit union member and employee.” Learn more at https://betterforillinois.org/ Paid for by Illinois Credit Union League.
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340B Hospitals Support Transparency Requirements – Pass HB 2371 SA 2 To Support Patients
Wednesday, Mar 25, 2026 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] Legislation to protect 340B, House Bill 2371 SA 2, contains NEW transparency requirements that Illinois hospitals agree with. Reporting and audits—from patient data to charity care—are normal activities in hospitals. Ensuring 340B program integrity is no exception. Illinois hospitals consider the federal 340B program a critical resource that helps provide lifesaving medications and critical healthcare services to low-income and uninsured patients. Hospitals and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) invest savings from 340B discounted drugs into health services benefiting underserved communities. Many patients in Illinois need 340B to survive. The hospitals need it too, as they expect to lose up to $57 billion in federal Medicaid funding over the next decade. The federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) regularly audits 340B providers to verify program eligibility, internal controls and compliance. HRSA audits apply to drug manufacturers as well. They include determining “that the manufacturer provided 340B drugs at or below the 340B ceiling price to participating covered entities.” Yet drugmakers have been arbitrarily limiting hospitals and FQHCs to just one contract pharmacy. HB 2371 SA 2 strengthens transparency and accountability while protecting the care communities rely on, proving that Illinois hospitals support oversight and stand firmly behind supporting their patients so they can live healthier lives. Stand with patients, hospitals and FQHCs—Pass HB 2371 at NO cost to taxpayers and with NO needed budget appropriation. Learn more.
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HB 3799 Raises Premiums And Destabilizes A Stable Insurance Market
Tuesday, Mar 24, 2026 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] Illinois’ competitive system protects consumers and keeps carriers investing here—let’s not break what works. Independent research shows slow, uncertain rate reviews push insurers out and costs up. HB 3799 was already defeated in Veto Session—keep it that way. Vote NO. Protect affordability. Vote NO on HB 3799.
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Chaos Coming July 1: Illinois’ Radical Credit Card Law Could Upend Everyday Purchases
Tuesday, Mar 24, 2026 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] Starting July 1, Illinois families could face chaos when paying for everyday purchases like groceries, gas, or a dinner out because of a new state law that changes how credit cards work. At the checkout line, shoppers may suddenly be told they cannot use their credit cards to pay for sales taxes or tips, forcing them to split payments or pay those portions in cash. It is a radical change that only benefits corporate mega-stores, while small businesses, local banks, and consumers are left to deal with the fallout. Experts who understand the global payments system have been sounding the alarm for months:
• A federal judge weighing a preemption-related matter noted the policy is “indisputably disruptive,” “costly” and calls out “business-ending consequences” for local banks and credit unions. • Crain’s Chicago Business said, “Springfield’s Swipe Fee Gamble Deserves an Appeal.” Before chaos hits on July 1, lawmakers should reverse course and repeal the Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act. Learn more at: guardyourcard.com/Illinois
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‘Why Risk It?’ 340B Bill Helps Patients And Providers, NO State Funding Needed – Pass HB 2371 SA 2
Tuesday, Mar 24, 2026 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] Seven in 10 patients of Sinai Chicago are covered by Medicaid. Looming federal funding cuts in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act are expected to leave 10-15% of Illinois Medicaid patients without coverage. When people lose Medicaid, they often go without needed prescription drugs and healthcare. Passage of House Bill 2371 SA 2 is urgently needed, said Sameer Shah, PharmD, President of Mount Sinai Hospital, to restore the 340B program in Illinois after five years of unlawful restrictions imposed by drugmakers. “Our job and our mission is to take care of the communities we serve,” said Shah, noting those without insurance have few options. “They come to the hospitals. They come to the health system. They come to the clinics. It’s our responsibility to make sure the patients leave the hospital and are set up for success with their medications.” Sinai Chicago is one of Illinois’ largest safety net providers. 340B has meant it can offer low-income patients discounted medication. It has also helped the health system expand clinical services and invest in meeting the community’s growing and diverse healthcare needs. Hospitals and Federally Qualified Health Centers will lose a vital lifeline for their patients—and face additional financial challenges—unless House members pass HB 2371 SA. “Given all the curveballs coming our way and all the cuts, why risk it? Let the 340B program continue to work the way it was designed.” Stand with patients and providers: Vote YES on HB 2371 SA this legislative session. Learn more.
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