News

Sims leads historic measure to raise compensation for the wrongfully incarcerated

SPRINGFIELD — Taking a step toward rectifying a serious flaw in the justice system, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. is leading a landmark measure to help exonerees rebuild financially and make a smoother transition back into their community.

“We must be vigilant in making sure the criminal justice system upholds fairness,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “That means acknowledging the life-changing pain caused by wrongful incarceration and supporting the individuals and families who have been affected by this grave injustice.”

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Senate Democrats gather at the capitol for the 16th annual Latino Unity Day

SPRINGFIELD — Members of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus joined community organizations, advocates, and professionals at the State Capitol on May 5 and 6 for the 16th annual Latino Unity Day.

Over the two-day event, Senate members led panel discussions on topics ranging from Latino representation in government to key policy priorities. Lawmakers also delivered keynote remarks during the event’s legislative breakfast. This year’s theme, “Defending Our Rights, Building Our Future,” highlighted the need for strong advocacy as Latino communities confront challenges such as funding cuts to SNAP and federal actions affecting communities.

“The federal government somehow finds money for deportations, detentions, tax breaks for billionaires, and policies that make our communities feel less safe, but when we say we need healthcare, food funding, housing, schools, child care, and safety, we are told to wait,” said Senate Latino Caucus Chair Graciela Guzman (D-Chicago). “In spaces like this, we continue to advance policy because there are tangible things we can do at the state level.”

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Senate Democrats donned suits and sneakers for cancer awareness

SPRINGFIELD — As is Springfield tradition, the Illinois Senate Democrats swapped their customary loafers, high heels and flats for sneakers at the Illinois State Capitol to participate in the American Cancer Society’s nationwide Suits and Sneakers campaign, raising awareness of cancer prevention, screenings and early detection.

“The lasting impacts of cancer can be felt across our state, and residents should be aware of all the methods we have today to detect cancer early and save lives,” said State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago), chair of the Senate Public Health Committee. “The progress we continue to make every day encourages me to not only participate in Suits and Sneakers to raise awareness, but also to continue supporting the efforts of the American Cancer Society as we come together to encourage residents to stay safe and get screened.”

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Senator Patrick Joyce, Essex: Joyce advances bill strengthening crematory oversight following Chicago Heights investigation | The Chicagoland Journal

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Villa advances legislation tackling childhood homelessness

SPRINGFIELD — To provide stability in the lives of children experiencing homelessness, State Senator Karina Villa advanced a measure that would expand access to emergency housing assistance for students and their families.

“As a former school social worker, I’ve seen first-hand how housing instability suppresses a student’s ability to learn,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Children cannot be expected to focus on learning when they are worried about where they will sleep at night. Every child deserves a safe, stable place to live, and it’s our responsibility to close the gaps that leave too many families without support.”

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Ellman measure expanding access to high school coursework for middle schoolers advances

SPRINGFIELD — To ensure that more students can get ahead academically while maintaining strong instructional standards, State Senator Laura Ellman advanced House Bill 4239, which would expand access to high school-level coursework for seventh and eighth grade students.

“Students learn at different paces, and our policies should reflect that,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This measure ensures that motivated middle school students have clear, equitable access to high school coursework, without unnecessary barriers, while maintaining the high standards families expect.”

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Glowiak Hilton prioritizes railroad safety for students

SPRINGFIELD — In an effort to keep students safe, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is leading a measure to include railroad safety information in student handbooks.

“Student safety has to be at the forefront of our priorities,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “Our residents have expressed concern about schools near railroads and ensuring students understand the protocols in place to keep them safe.”

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Senator Graciela Guzmán, Chicago: Illinois Senate Democrats pass right to mask bill, send plan to House | WAND

Senator Mattie Hunter, Chicago: Illinois bill could ban use of forever chemicals in beauty products | WAND

Senator Steve Stadelman, Rockford: New Illinois bill aims to ban speculative ticket sales for live events | CBS News

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Hunter leads landmark housing bill to tackle affordability crisis

CHICAGO — State Senator Mattie Hunter is leading sweeping legislation that would reform exclusionary zoning laws and open new pathways for affordable, diverse housing across the state.

“Underserved communities across Illinois have been bearing the weight of the housing crisis for years," said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Senate Bill 4060 gives us the tools to build more housing in more places – and to do it in a way that is fair, transparent and enforceable.”

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Cervantes measure to slash parking mandates and boost affordable housing

CHICAGO — State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes is leading a transformative piece of housing legislation that will rein in excessive parking requirements imposed by municipalities and remove a key barrier to building more homes for working families.

“Every unnecessary parking space we mandate is a home we aren’t able to build,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “This measure is about putting families first and making sure communities have the tools they need to grow, welcome new residents and build housing that people can actually afford.”

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Senate Democrats highlight launch of new tax credit to incentivize sustainable filmmaking, boost Illinois' TV and film industry

CHICAGO — Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus celebrated the launch of a first-of-its-kind incentive program to promote environmentally conscious television and filmmaking, positioning Illinois as a nationwide leader in sustainable film production.

“I am proud to support an initiative that brings together innovation, job creation, and environmental responsibility,” said State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin). “Illinois is setting the standard for how states can grow their industries while building a more sustainable future.”

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Senator Mike Halpin, Rock Island: Illinois Senate passes bill to address teacher shortage with retired educators | WMOI 97.7

Senator Linda Holmes, Aurora: Proposed law takes aim at harassing people by phone, computer or gaming platform | Daily Herald

Senator Mike Simmons, Chicago: IL Senate passes bill prohibiting private schools from banning religious hairstyles | WAND

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Villivalam advances measure that would regulate the use of micromobility devices in an effort to make safety meet innovation

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Ram Villivalam spearheaded a measure through the Senate that would establish regulations for the use of toy vehicles, motor-driven bicycles and other small, low-speed electric mobility devices in Illinois.

“E-bikes and other increasingly popular micromobility devices are being utilized by our neighbors. While these devices provide more accessibility for our residents, they have also led to tragic accidents,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “It is imperative that we implement safeguards to ensure that everyone who uses a micromobility device is able to do so in a safe way.”

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Senate approves Feigenholtz bill to expand law enforcement training on hate crimes

SPRINGFIELD — Chicago’s North Side communities have experienced a steady rise in hate-related incidents in recent years, particularly those directed toward the Jewish community. A critical step in bringing justice to victims and swift punishment to perpetrators is the recorded documentation of hate-related incidents, leading State Senator Sara Feigenholtz to champion a plan that would ensure law enforcement officers are better trained to identify hate crimes in Illinois.

“Hate crimes are rising to unprecedented levels right in our own backyards — underscoring how important it is for law enforcement to be equipped to properly handle each situation,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “Expanding training for officers will allow them to fully understand and tackle the scope of the problem, strengthening community safety and fostering an environment where all neighbors feel respected.”

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Preston measure expands speech therapy coverage for stuttering

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Willie Preston is spearheading a measure that would require health insurance companies to provide coverage for rehabilitative speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering.

“Stuttering is something that a lot of people deal with, especially children,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “I want to make sure those people do not have to go through their speech troubles on their own and can get the help they need.”

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Senator Christopher Belt, Swansea: IL Senate passes bill requiring 988 info in public buildings, suicide prevention curriculum in health courses | WAND

Senator Adriane Johnson, Buffalo Grove: IL Senate unanimously passes bill protecting domestic violence survivors from digital harassment | WAND

Senator Willie Preston, Chicago: Preston measure expands speech therapy coverage for stuttering | The Chicagoland Journal

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Illinois Senate President Don Harmon's (D-Oak Park) statement on the passing of former House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie.

“Barbara Flynn Currie was a larger-than-life figure at the Capitol and a giant in Illinois government. She was a leader, a mentor, a fighter and a bit of a character. A pragmatic progressive before such labels existed, she brought preparation and purpose to everything she did.

She was both intellectually intimidating and remarkably kind. In leadership, she was often the one to tell people no. She did it with a smile and a sparkle in her eye. Barbara had that enviable Irish gift: she could tell you to go to hell and make you look forward to the journey.

Immensely intelligent and a joy to be around, she possessed a wit few dared test and arguably none ever bested.

Those who had the privilege to work with her are forever better for having known and experienced the tour de force that was Barbara Flynn Currie.

Her influence will be felt for generations in the leaders she inspired, the trails she blazed and the stronger, more inclusive state she helped build.

We honor her life and legacy. Godspeed, Barbara Flynn Currie.”