News

Villanueva honors farmworkers and Dolores Huerta

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Celina Villanueva led two resolutions through the Illinois Senate to honor the legacy of farmworkers and uplift one of the most influential labor leaders in American history. The measures designate March 31, 2026 as Farmworkers Day and April 10, 2026 as Dolores Huerta Day in Illinois.

“Farmworkers have long carried this country on their backs while too often being denied the protections and recognition they deserve,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “As the granddaughter of a Bracero worker who came to this country during and after World War II to work in our fields — and as a proud Latina — I’m honored to help ensure their sacrifices and contributions are seen, valued and remembered — not just in words, but through the policies we fight for every day.”

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Senate Democrats display support to end Alzheimer's

SPRINGFIELD — Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus joined advocates to raise awareness for the needs of those impacted by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia by wearing purple.

“Diseases such as Alzheimer’s and other memory conditions have a devastating impact on communities across our state, affecting patients, their loved ones, and caregivers alike,” said State Senator Rachel Ventura (D-Joliet). “Wearing purple today was a reminder of the Senate’s commitment to raising awareness, offering support, and investing in the resources healthcare providers need to treat the disease, find a cure, and end the suffering.”

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Holmes measure updates prosecutors' options to charge phone and electronic harassment offenders

SPRINGFIELD — In Illinois, law enforcement officers and prosecutors who charge suspects accused of harassment are seeing options to update the law to reflect today’s technology. State Senator Linda Holmes filed legislation to reflect the realities of how offenses are being committed in present day.

“The means to harass someone continues to expand from phones to electronic devices, offering platforms on which to send demeaning, frightening messages,” Holmes (D-Aurora) said. “Emails, social media, forums and gaming are being used by those intending to cause emotional distress to the recipient, so laws need to be amended to address each offense separately.”

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Copyright 2026 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

Harmon working with state leaders to figure out next moves in wake of sudden West Suburban closing announcement

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon was surprised and disappointed by the sudden announcement that West Suburban Medical Center is cutting off patient care. He is working with the governor’s office and state agency leaders to find a new facility for its patients.

Here’s President Harmon full statement:

“Our first priority is getting the patients safely relocated to other facilities.

Representative Lilly and I are doing everything we can to make sure that we retain a significant health care facility that serves the community’s needs.

While West Suburban’s problems have been well documented, I was surprised by the sudden announcement. We’d been working to try to prevent this very situation.

I’ve been in touch with state agency leaders and the governor’s office about next steps for the patients, the good folks who work at the hospital and overall community.

West Suburban has long been a mainstay in our community. Our youngest daughter was born there, and I made more than a few visits to the ER when I was a boy.

This is a sad day.”

Sims applauds record-breaking investments made by film industry in Illinois

CHICAGO — State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. announced film production expenditures in Illinois reached a record-breaking high of $703 million in 2025, thanks to expanded incentives and workforce investments. This effort, which supported an estimated 18,000 in industry hires for the year, represents a 25% increase in film expenditures since 2019.

“The success of the Illinois film sector is a testament to the importance of strategic investments in the state's creative industries,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “This most recent expansion of the Illinois Film Production Tax Credit will increase job opportunities while bolstering our local economy throughout the state.”

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Porfirio continues support for veteran suicide prevention through extending advisory council

SPRINGFIELD — To address the increase in suicide rates among veterans in the United States, State Senator Mike Porfirio has advanced legislation to extend the Breakthrough Therapies for Veteran Suicide Prevention Advisory Council.

“We must be consistent in our effort to support suicide prevention efforts for veterans,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “This crisis will not solve itself; I will continue to urgently support new treatment solutions for our dedicated service members.”

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Collins pushes for more supports for youth transitioning to independence

SPRINGFIELD — As a former youth in care, State Senator Lakesia Collins is moving legislation to support young people’s transitions to independence by ensuring information about transitional services is communicated to youth in a clear and timely manner.

“Many young people in foster care do not receive the proper support they need to transition into adulthood and have to work that much harder to overcome barriers to simply living their life,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “It is vital for the state to continue monitoring evidence-based approaches that work for today’s youth, ensuring they have all the support they need to succeed and thrive.”

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Copyright 2026 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon joined community leaders, partners and supporters to celebrate a major milestone for Beyond Hunger as the organization prepares to move into a larger space to expand its services.

“For nearly half a century, Beyond Hunger has been quietly, consistently and compassionately serving thousands of families across our region,” Harmon said. “This milestone isn’t just about a building — it’s about opportunities to reach more families, bring programs together under one roof and expand the ways we support people with dignity and care.”

Harmon thanked Chief Executive Officer Jennie Hull, along with the donors, volunteers, and partners who made the project possible, noting that efforts like this reflect a community committed to looking out for one another.

“When a community invests in something like this, it’s making a statement about its values — that every family deserves access to healthy food and that when challenges arise, we meet them together,” Harmon said.

He congratulated the Beyond Hunger team and expressed confidence that the new facility will allow the organization’s impact to grow for years to come.

Congratulations to Elyse Smith of Oak Park, who has been recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education as a Cook County Co-Regional Teacher of the Year and finalist for 2026 Illinois Teacher of the Year.

A National Board Certified kindergarten teacher at Horace Mann Elementary School, Elyse has spent 20 years helping young students build strong foundations in literacy, learning and confidence. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom — including visiting every student’s home at the start of the school year to build meaningful partnerships with families.

Thank you, Elyse, for your extraordinary commitment to Oak Park students and for making such a lasting difference in our community.

Read more Elyse and other great teachers here: Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year