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Governor Signs Legislation Honoring Late-Senator Penny Severns; Approves Other Cancer-Related Initiatives
DECATUR -- Governor George H. Ryan today signed legislation renaming the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Research Fund after Penny Severns, the late State Senator from Decatur.
Senate Bill 248, which officially renames the fund the Penny Severns Breast and Cervical Cancer Research Fund, is one of five bills signed by Ryan today to help raise awareness and fund research to combat various types of cancer.
"The leadership, dignity and courage of Penny Severns is truly inspirational," Ryan said. "Renaming this fund after Sen. Severns is a fitting tribute to a women whose voice and spirit have brought a new level of awareness and hope to women and families throughout Illinois."
The Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Research Fund supports grants to conduct research related to the causes, prevention and treatment of breast and cervical cancer. Revenues for the fund are generated through a tax check-off on the Illinois income tax form. Since 1993 when the Research Fund was established, total taxpayer donations have averaged $122,000 annually. Last year, nearly 24,000 Illinoisans used the Breast and Cervical Cancer Research Fund check-off, raising more money than any other check-off fund. All donations are used for breast and cervical cancer research in Illinois. No money is used for administrative costs.
In addition to donations from taxpayers, the Research Fund receives an annual appropriation of $250,000 through the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Lieutenant Governor Corinne Wood, a breast cancer survivor, initiated the state's efforts to memorialize Sen. Severns through the renaming. "Renaming this fund for Penny honors a woman who personified courage in the face of adversity," said Wood. "I commend Governor Ryan for signing this bill and honoring a woman who served as an inspiration to many of us diagnosed with breast cancer."
Senate Bill 248, which takes effect immediately, was sponsored in the Senate by Senators Christine Radogno, R-La Grange; Vince Demuzio, D-Carlinville; Duane Noland, R-Blue Mound; Dave Syverson, R-Rockford and Margaret Smith, D-Chicago. House sponsors were Representatives Julie Curry, D-Mt. Zion; Rick Winkel, R-Champaign; Kevin McCarthy, D-Orland Park; Renee Kosel, R-New Lenox and Judy Erwin, D-Chicago.
Other health-related measures signed into law today by Ryan:
The legislation is effective subject to appropriation or other available funding.
"These bills are designed to combat cancer in one form or another," Ryan added. "I want to thank all those who worked to pass these measures and bring us one step closer to finding a cure for this tragic disease."
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