SPRINGFIED, ILL – A Republican student group’s inflammatory social media post glorifying violence and dehumanizing immigrants has no place in our society, said Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, in a statement supporting the University of Illinois’ investigation of the incident. Here is Harmon’s full statement:

“The imagery and message posted by college Republicans at the University of Illinois is vile and bigoted. It glorifies violence, dehumanizes immigrants and echoes some of the darkest moments in our history. It has no place in our society.

“All students — especially immigrant and international students — deserve to feel safe and respected. I support the university’s immediate review, and I urge campus leadership to treat this incident with the seriousness it warrants. Free expression is not a shield for hate. Illinois will always stand for dignity and reject bigotry and the toxic politics of dehumanization.”

Read more here:

‘Fell the enemies:’ Illini Republicans support ICE amid killings - The Daily Illini

Illini Republicans at University of Illinois under fire – Chicago Tribune

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Senate Democrats highlight over $17 million awarded to pre-apprenticeship programs across the state

SPRINGFIELD — Thanks to the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus more than $17 million in funding is being sent to 39 program recipients to expand the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The program, which serves up to nearly 2,000 community members statewide, creates a qualified talent pipeline of diverse candidates in the construction and building trades.

“The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program is essential to expanding opportunities for individuals in the construction trades,” said State Senator Christopher Belt (D – East St. Louis). “I’m thrilled to see the continued success of this program and its critical impact on Illinoisans, particularly those from communities historically underrepresented in the trades.”

“Through programs like the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, the state has created pipeline of diverse talent within the trade industry,” said State Senator Cristina Castro (D – Elgin). “These apprenticeship programs provide a range of opportunities and a pathway to a long-term career for the next generation of Illinoisans.”

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Feigenholtz leads measure to allow Illinoisans to bet on Academy Awards

SPRINGFIELD — Betting on the Oscars could soon be legal in Illinois under a new proposal from State Senator Sara Feigenholtz, opening the door for wagers on major entertainment awards alongside traditional sports betting.

“Cinema lovers, entertainment gurus and Oscar party-goers in my district are always looking for fun and creative opportunities to attract more visitors to our neighborhood bars,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “With Academy Awards betting, the possibilities are endless.”

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Ventura champions measures requiring car dealers to provide buyers with vehicle history report

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Rachel Ventura introduced a new measure that would require car dealers to provide a vehicle history report to buyers with the purchase of any used car.

“Buyers deserve to know exactly what they’re getting when they make a purchase, especially for an investment as important as buying a vehicle,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This legislation will ensure accountability and transparency in vehicle transactions, ensuring customers don’t end up surprised by serious defects or issues after they’ve already paid a significant amount of money for a new car.”

Read more.

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Michael E. Hastings, Frankfort: Hastings introduces legislation to strengthen cannabis safety and prevent child access | Suburban Chicagoland

Senator Robert Peters, Chicago: New push to protect Illinois workers from extreme cold after subzero week | Fox 32 Chicago

Senator Doris Turner, Springfield: State Senator Doris Turner reflects on reform efforts to honor Sonya Massey | NPR Illinois 91.9

Copyright 2026 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” — Dr. King

Today we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of justice, equality, and hope. May we strive daily to carry his work forward.

Sims: Clean Slate Act creates fresh starts

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. championed a transformative criminal justice reform that balances opportunities for redemption with essential public safety measures – known as the Clean Slate Act.

"We're creating real opportunities for people who've earned the right to move forward," said Sims (D-Chicago). "By making record sealing automatic for those who qualify, we're getting rid of the red tape that stops people from getting jobs, finding homes and becoming full members of their communities again.”

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Senate Democrats highlight progress as interstate shootings decrease four years in a row

SPRINGFIELD — Following efforts by members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus to prioritize public safety, the Illinois State Police announced Illinois has had a decrease in interstate shootings for four straight years. Interstate shootings statewide decreased by 31% in 2025 compared to 2024, with no fatal shootings in 2025. This is the first time in close to a decade with zero interstate shooting fatalities.

“State officials and law enforcement are working around the clock to improve public safety across Illinois,” said State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “I am happy to have contributed legislation that assists in police operations on the highway, and will continue to prioritize evidence-based solutions that gives law enforcement additional tools and keeps roads safer for residents.”

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Preston outlines measure to overhaul state's tax sale system, stop predatory speculation

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Willie Preston held a press conference Tuesday to outline his Property Justice and Community Recovery Act – long-term structural reform to stop wealth extraction from disinvested communities, which will in turn stabilize neighborhoods.

“For too long, our tax sale system has enabled predatory investors to exploit struggling homeowners and extract wealth from our most vulnerable communities,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “This legislation would flip that broken system on its head. We're working to end risk-free speculation, forgiving crushing tax debt when it's unjust, and putting properties back into the hands of residents, nonprofits and local developers who will actually invest in our neighborhoods."

Read more.

Dignity in Pay Act

Senator Cristina Castro discusses the Dignity in Pay Act, sharing her personal connection to the long struggle to ensure equity in pay for workers with disabilities, and how this legislation will enshrine and bolster opportunities for economic independence for workers.

Listen here.

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Christopher Belt, East St.Louis: Belt highlights expansion of job training programs at community colleges | Illinois Business Journal

Senator Dave Koehler, Peoria: ‘Transformation in action’: Illinois State celebrates groundbreaking for Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts construction project | Illinois State University

Senator Willie Preston, Chicago: IL bill could overhaul tax sale system, stabilize neighborhoods | WAND

Copyright 2026 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

Senate Democrat-led landmark energy relief Measure becomes law

CHICAGO — Taking both affordability and sustainability into account, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus led a landmark law that is projected to save Illinois households more than $13 billion in energy costs over the next two decades.

“As Illinois and the rest of the nation face spikes in energy prices, this new law brings much-needed relief for families and gives our state the resources to protect its residents from unprecedented federal cuts,” said State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This law accomplishes our goal of saving Illinoisans hundreds of dollars on utility bills annually while transitioning the state to a more reliable energy grid.”

"This law gives Illinois the tools to keep costs under control and prepare our energy system for the future,” said State Senator Bill Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “It’s about making smart investments today that pay off for consumers tomorrow.”

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Turner and Senate Democrats announce $2 million investment for homelessness relief

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Doris Turner announced an investment of $2 million in community organizations dedicated to combatting homelessness in Central Illinois. These grant investments are part of the state’s interagency Home Illinois Plan, an initiative intended to drive state funding and policy toward preventing and eventually reaching functional zero homelessness – a goal where the state prevents homelessness whenever possible and ensures that if homelessness does occur, it is brief, rare and singular.

"With this funding, we are fulfilling our responsibility to help our neighbors stay housed and support our communities as they recover from the far-reaching effects of housing instability," said Turner (D-Springfield). "Every family in Illinois deserves a safe, secure place to call home, and this investment is essential to helping more families find stability, hope and a path forward."

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Edly-Allen law protects domestic violence surviviors using workplace resources for documentation

SPRINGFIELD — In Illinois, 42% of women and 26% of men will face violence from an intimate partner. To ensure survivors are not further burdened at work, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen championed a new law to protect employees using workplace resources for documentation purposes.

“Survivors of domestic violence should not have to worry about workplace retaliation,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “Survivors should not be penalized for protecting themselves. This law can — and will — save lives.”

Read more.

Interesting New Laws for 2026

2026 is here, and with a new year comes new laws that will affect families in all corners of Illinois.

More than 250 new laws take effect this year – from one that bans discriminatory AI in the workplace to another that enhances missing persons investigations.

In this episode, learn about ten of the new laws taking effect in 2026.

Listen here.

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Cristina Castro, Elgin: Illinois State Fire Marshal to keep track of firefighter deaths | WICS News Channel 20

Senator Laura Ellman, Naperville: Lock ‘em up: What state’s new Safe Storage Act means for gun owners, safety | Daily Herald

Senator Doris Turner, Springfield: IL law requires guidance for AI in elementary, secondary education | WAND News

Copyright 2026 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

What's new in 2026

The end of the year is here, and with a new year comes new laws that will affect families in all corners of Illinois.

More than 250 new laws will take effect next year – from one that bans discriminatory AI in the workplace to another that enhances missing persons investigations. These include:

• Senate Bill 8: Increases gun storage safety requirements and reporting requirements for lost and stolen firearms.
• Senate Bill 24: Prohibits law enforcement agencies from observing a waiting period before accepting a missing persons report. It requires information from a missing persons report to be entered into the agencies’ data systems upon receipt of the report.
• Senate Bill 212: Requires employers to provide paid break time to nursing mothers so they may express or “pump” breast milk for their child.
• Senate Bill 314: Requires a physical fitness center to clearly disclose any change in the cost of or reduction in benefits to a customer’s gym membership at least 60 days before the automatic renewal of the membership.
• Senate Bill 710: Allows the Department of Natural Resources to issue two free deer permits to individuals who qualify for the youth-only deer season. Allows IDNR to issue nuisance permits to landowners whose property is being damaged by deer.
• Senate Bill 1274: Allows a sexual assault services voucher provided by a hospital to be used for a taxi or rideshare service to transport a survivor home, to a shelter or to the transfer hospital.
• Senate Bill 1548: Establishes a Golden Search Awareness Program to raise awareness of missing persons with developmental disabilities.
• House Bill 2517: Expands implicit bias training for health care workers in Illinois to include training in potential maternal health risk factors associated with increased mortality rate.
• House Bill 3247: Codifies a child’s right to receive a public education and to participate in public school events and activities regardless of the child’s immigration status or the immigration status of their parents or guardians.
• House Bill 3773: Makes it illegal for employers to use AI that discriminates against workers based on protected characteristics or uses ZIP codes as a stand-in for those traits in areas like hiring, promotion, job training and more.

Dozens of other laws take effect Jan. 1, 2026. Find the full list by clicking here.

Copyright 2025 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved