Sunday, September 15, 2019 || By Michael Romain || @maywoodnews

Featured image: Illinois Department of Human Services Secretary Grace B. Hou, Commissioner Brandon Johnson, Sen. Kimberly Lightford and Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch during the Way Back Inn’s Legislative Open House on Aug. 30. | Shanel Romain

During a panel discussion in Maywood last month, area lawmakers addressed the possible consequences of the state’s recent gambling expansion and legalization of recreational marijuana, with many pointing out the significant increase in funds for mental health and addiction treatment services that will be allocated by the state from here on out.