UPTOWN — State Rep. Greg Harris and state Sen. Heather Steans were awarded the From the Heart award Thursday during a visit to Heartland Health Centers.
The annual award is given to those "who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to promoting and providing quality health care." The two "have been pivotal" in ensuring "the State of Illinois passes a responsible budget," according to a news release.
“We’re proud to recognize two such visionary leaders here on Chicago’s north side for their relentless efforts on behalf of our patients and the community. They have both been major sponsors in our effort to make sure that the patients we serve have affordable and accessible healthcare," said Gwenn Rausch, CEO of Heartland Health Centers, 845 W. Wilson Ave.
“We are particularly proud to honor Harris and Steans this year for their leadership during the challenging budget negotiations this legislative session, as well as for their role in the passage of the marriage equality bill,” said Rausch.
The two also worked to pass SB 788, the Medicaid Omnibus Bill, "which protects the state's most vulnerable residents. HHC, which provides services in Albany Park, Uptown, West Ridge, Rogers Park and Edgewater, works to meet the healthcare needs of low-income individuals, immigrants, refugees and the uninsured," the release said.
The state budget has been a sore subject for months since the stalemate — with no end in sight — began.
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here:
