Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus statement on armed federal agents in downtown Chicago

CHICAGO — In response to the presence of armed federal agents in downtown Chicago, the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus has issued the following statement:

"We condemn the presence of armed Border Patrol agents patrolling the streets of downtown Chicago. What should have been a peaceful early fall Sunday, enjoyed by families, was marred by the sight of masked, heavily armed federal agents moving through our city as if it were a war zone."

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Illinois Senate Democrats celebrate new quantum hub on Chicago's South Side

CHICAGO — Illinois Senate Democrats joined Governor JB Pritzker and leading quantum institutions today to celebrate the groundbreaking of PsiQuantum’s facility at Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park at Quantum Shore on Chicago’s South Side – marking the start of building state-of-the-art facilities that will make the Park fully operational and Illinois a leader in the global race for quantum technology.

“With this partnership, Illinois is at the forefront of a technological innovation that has the potential to change our lives for the better,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “I want to commend Governor Pritzker and his team for positioning our state to be a leader in quantum technology. This Quantum Park will create jobs, boost our economy and send a message to the world that Illinois is a great place to do business, now and in the future.”

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Edly-Allen highlights success of SmartBuy Program, reducing student debt and increasing housing accessibility

GRAYSLAKE — With almost one-fifth of individuals with student loan debt being denied a mortgage due to their debt-to-income ratio, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen highlighted the importance of Illinois’ SmartBuy program in increasing housing accessibility and affordability.

“As chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee and an educator, I’ve seen how easing student loan debt is more than financial relief — it’s the key to unlocking homeownership for a generation burdened by higher education costs,” said Edly-Allen (D- Grayslake). “The SmartBuy program will help first-time buyers achieve their homeownership dream sooner while also building a better economy for generations to come.”

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Sound of the State: The Safe Schools for All Act

State Senator Graciela Guzman and State Representative Lilian Jiménez discuss the Safe Schools for All Act, a new law that will protect Illinois students from having immigration authorities called on them or family members while they are in the classroom.

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MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Michael E. Hastings, Frankfort: Hastings introduces bill to protect consumers in insurance rate setting | Suburban Chicagoland

Senator Kimberly A. Lightford, Maywood: ISBE to host listening sessions on new plan to boost math performance statewide | WTTW

Senator Rachel Ventura, Joliet: Pritzker helps Joliet Junior College open new student wellness center | Shaw Local

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Collins: Birth Equity plan is vital for Illinois residents

CHICAGO — State Senator Lakesia Collins joined Governor JB Pritzker, Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton and the Illinois Department of Public Health to announce the Illinois Birth Equity Blueprint that will serve as a roadmap to improving maternal health and birthing outcomes across Illinois.

“I want to thank Governor Pritzker, Lt. Governor Stratton, and the birthing justice advocates for their tireless work advancing birth equity and for recognizing the importance of this issue,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “As an advocate for birth equity, I was honored to sponsor this life-saving legislation. Every person — regardless of race or income — deserves a safe and healthy birthing experience.”

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Hastings files legislation to combat 'cost shifting' practices in insurance rate setting

SPRINGFIELD — In the wake of insurance rate hikes throughout Illinois, State Senator Michael E. Hastings has filed legislation aiming to prohibit insurance companies from engaging in “cost shifting” and to strengthen protections for Illinois consumers against unfair insurance rates.

“Cost shifting is fundamentally unfair,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Illinois families should not be footing the bill for losses in other states. This bill makes sure premiums reflect the real risks here in Illinois, not the costs of events thousands of miles away.”

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Ventura brings mental health support to Joliet Junior College

JOLIET — Between studying for exams, social expectations, new responsibilities and pressure from society to succeed, college can often be a pressure cooker for young students trying to build a life for themselves. That’s why State Senator Rachel Ventura fought to secure funding to create the new Center for Student Wellness and Support at Joliet Junior College to support students’ mental health.

“College can be a trying time in a person’s life as they try to figure out who they are. Our young people’s mental health is a top priority, and we cannot let anyone slip through the cracks,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Programs like Joliet Junior College’s Center for Student Wellness and Support demonstrate a proactive step in supporting their students with mental health and wellness services. I want students in the JJC community to know that if you feel you are struggling or just need to talk to someone, please reach out to the Center for Student Wellness and Support services.”

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MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Robert Peters, Chicago: Illinois braces for more patients as Wisconsin pauses abortions | Daily Herald

Senator Mike Porfirio, Lyons Township: Illinois passes Drew Price Act to improve firefighter safety | Greater Southwest News-Herald

Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr., Chicago: Illinois cash bail debate continues two years after reform | FOX Illinois

Copyright 2025 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) spoke about the importance of civic engagement to a packed auditorium at Oak Park-River Forest High School as part of their Civics Service Learning Fair.

Harmon was part of a panel discussion including State Rep. Camille Lilly, State Rep. LaShawn Ford and Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi.

Hundreds of juniors and seniors participated, learning about nonprofit and volunteering opportunities in our community.

Students also browsed 29 tables representing local nonprofits at the event.

The Civics Service Learning Fair is held twice a year at OPRF High School for students enrolled in the Civics class.

Statement from the Latino Caucus on ICE activity

CHICAGO — The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus released the following statement regarding ICE activity in Chicagoland:

“The federal administration’s decision to ramp up ICE activity in the Chicago area is divisive and appears to be a pretext for potentially deploying the National Guard. Our message remains clear: neither is welcome here."

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Sims highlights historic education investments

CHICAGO — State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. celebrated the start of the school year by highlighting prioritized investments into education – from securing greater teacher opportunities to enhancing infrastructure.

"Today is a culmination of our commitment to investing in both our students' education and their health,” said Sims (D-Chicago) “Illinois' record investments in our schools are paying dividends across our communities.”

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Ready? September is National Preparedness Month

As we observe National Preparedness Month, it’s important for residents to prioritize their safety and readiness for emergencies. This month serves as a reminder to prepare for potential disasters and emergencies, ensuring individuals and families can effectively respond when unforeseen events occur.

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MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Bill Cunningham, Chicago: Illinois lawmakers explore options to ease rising energy bills | FOX Illinois

Senator Adriane Johnson, Buffalo Grove: New Illinois law allows student teachers to be paid | WAND

Senator Doris Turner, Springfield: Illinois will require suicide prevention contact info on school employee IDs next year | WAND

Copyright 2025 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

Senate President Don Harmon issued the following statement after a man visited Gov. JB Pritzker's house to post threatening images and language on social media:

"Even as people across the nation call for an end to hateful rhetoric and for a calmer, more reasonable version of political discourse, yesterday a man went to the governor’s home to threaten him and make online posts inciting violence. That is never OK.