By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News

Legislators went back to session in Springfield earlier this week with a laundry list of things to tackle.

State Representative Tom Bennett gives us and update on what they’ve done so far.

“One major piece of legislation that passed the House on Wednesday was the hospital assessment bill package. These are Senate bills 1573 and 1773. This legislation was the product of a negotiated compromise between both parties in the House and the Senate. This important legislation governs the way that Illinois hospitals claim a Medicaid match in services they provide. It will bring close to $4 billion to Illinois hospitals and healthcare service in the coming years. The process that brought together many interested parties, along with Republicans and Democrats in good faith negotiations is the kind of method we need to see more of as we work in Springfield to solve the State’s problems,” Bennett said.

Bennett was a guest on a recent Community Forum, where he talks about more things that will be worked out in Springfield. That is available at WJEZ.com.