Senate Democrats begin FY 27 budget process

SPRINGFIELD — Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus heard the governor’s state budget proposal Wednesday and will now begin bipartisan, bicameral conversations to bring forth a balanced budget.

“The governor deserves credit for a proposal that protects our shared goals in an increasingly difficult and chaotic financial climate,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “There’s a lot to like — increased funding for public schools and universities, continued debt reduction and creative ideas on affordable housing.”

“Our work begins to craft another responsible, compassionate budget that highlights Illinois’ commitment to cementing our state as the best place to build and raise a family. Building on seven years of historic fiscal progress, Illinois will meet the challenges that lay ahead. We’ve done so before and we’ll do it again,” said Majority Appropriations Leader Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago). “While the Trump administration is focused on sowing fear and dysfunction, we will work to prioritize every resident, no matter their background, the color of their skin, their education level or their ZIP code.”

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Illinois Legislative Black Caucus responds to budget proposal, calls for equity-focused final budget

SPRINGFIELD — Following the governor’s annual budget address, the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the final state budget delivers meaningful investments in Black communities across Illinois.

“As Senate Joint Chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, I know our communities cannot afford uncertainty at any level of government,” said State Senator Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago). “With federal threats creating instability around health care, food assistance and social services, Illinois must remain steady and proactive. We have a responsibility to craft a final budget that protects our most vulnerable residents, invests in early childhood and education and strengthens economic opportunities in neighborhoods that have been historically disinvested.”

“Proposals set the tone, but budgets set the priorities,” said State Senator Willie Preston (D-Chicago), Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Senate Chair. “We appreciate the continued investments in education, housing stability and health care, but we must ensure the final budget intentionally closes the persistent gaps facing Black families. That means fully funding workforce development, expanding pathways to economic mobility, strengthening violence prevention efforts and ensuring housing initiatives like Home Illinois truly reach the communities most impacted.”

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Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus shares their key priorities after governor's budget speech

SPRINGFIELD — Members of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus have once again affirmed their dedication to standing up for Latino residents, emphasizing their strong commitment to protecting and supporting these communities amid growing threats of potential cuts from the Trump administration.

“The governor’s proposed revenue solutions to bridge the gaps in funding are a solid baseline to address the challenges our state is facing under the federal administration,” said Senate Latino Caucus Chair Karina Villa (D-West Chicago). “One thing is clear: our budget cannot be balanced on the back of working people. As budget negations continue, we will remain steadfast in our commitment to defending the services our communities depend on.”

“We hope to expand funding in the child care tax program. Expanding this program would help so many families afford essentials like diapers, baby food, childcare and more”, said State Senator Javier Cervantes (D-Chicago). “Our working families are struggling to put food on the table. With SNAP benefits changing we need to give Illinois residents all the help we can.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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