Over the past months, communities across Chicagoland – our communities – and Minneapolis have been shaken by scenes that belong in history books warning us what not to become: masked federal agents jumping out of unmarked vans, grabbing residents off sidewalks, terrorizing families outside schools, hospitals and courthouses. In the most horrific incidents, they have killed innocent people exercising their constitutional rights.

Working together, the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus, and a broad coalition of advocates, passed a new law designed to restore some measure of dignity, accountability and basic constitutional order. I was proud to sponsor it — and prouder still to see it signed immediately into law by Gov. JB Pritzker.

The purpose is simple: your rights follow you everywhere. Into the courthouse. Onto campus. To the hospital. To your child’s daycare. No badge, no title, no mask puts anyone above the Constitution.

You can read the rest of my op-ed in the Wednesday Journal here:

In defense of dignity and the rule of law - Wednesday Journal

Belt's measure to allow volunteer fire departments to receive state grants

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure that would allow volunteer fire departments to apply for and receive state grants through the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal.

“We have several volunteer fire departments in the Metro East that would be able to take advantage of new funding,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Right now, only city-run fire departments have access to state grants for equipment and building upgrades, this will change that.”

Read more.

Fine highlights plan to restrict hiring of ICE agents

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Laura Fine called a press conference on Wednesday to outline crucial legislation that would protect families and curb ICE intimidation by preventing newly hired ICE agents from serving as law enforcement officers in Illinois.

“Police officers occupy positions of public trust. Given widespread concern over ICE’s violent tactics, allowing current ICE agents to police local communities undermines that trust and should be prohibited,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “My district is one of many communities across the state that has repeatedly voiced concerns about increased ICE activity in our neighborhoods, schools, shopping centers and public spaces, and it’s time we take action against threats to public safety.”

Read more.

Johnson introduces Civil Rights Safeguard Act

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Adriane Johnson stood alongside representatives from the Illinois Department of Human Rights at a press conference Wednesday to outline her legislation to strengthen and preserve Illinois’ civil rights protections amid growing federal rollbacks.

“As federal agencies retreat from enforcing long-standing civil rights protections, Illinois must step forward,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This legislation ensures our state remains a place where fairness, accountability and equal opportunity are not optional — they are the law.”

Read more.

In case you missed it

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Senator Robert Peters, Chicago: Illinois lawmakers introduce bill to expand voter registration for high schoolers | NBC Chicago 5

Copyright 2026 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

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.”

Read more.

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.”

Read more.

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

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

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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.”

Read more.

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.”

Read more.

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