News

Details: Category: Majority Report; Monday, August 04, 2025 01:03 PM

Ellman measure to strengthen Illinois gun storage becomes law

SPRINGFIELD – Unsecured weapons in homes have caused devastating and avoidable tragedies in recent years, particularly involving children and teenagers. State Senator Laura Ellman passed a critical public safety law to strengthen gun storage standards in Illinois, ensuring firearms are kept out of the hands of children, vulnerable populations and criminals.

“For far too long, we have witnessed the tragic consequences of unsecured firearms in homes,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Firearms, if left unaccounted for and unsecured, pose risks to those who shouldn’t have access to them. Firearm owners can help prevent gun-related incidents by ensuring their guns are securely stored away from others.”

Cunningham bill to track down illegal gun traffickers signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham’s measure to give law enforcement stronger tools to track down the criminals bringing illegal guns into Illinois neighborhoods was signed into law.

“This will give the police the tools they need to track down illegal guns and the criminals that traffic them into our communities,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “Tracing guns used in crimes and sharing data across jurisdictions will help solve crimes and keep dangerous individuals off our streets.”

Illinois leads nation with student mental health screenings under new Feigenholtz law

CHICAGO – To expand mental health screenings for Illinois’ children and tackle the staggering rise of these challenges in our youth — including increased rates of sadness, hopelessness and difficulty with schoolwork — State Senator Sara Feigenholtz led Senate Bill 1560, a new law that improves access to early detection, diagnosis and treatment among students in grades 3-12.

“This phase of the Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative is the boldest step to date,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “Universal mental health screenings in schools help with early identification, and if a child requires services, the BEACON portal is there to assist in accessing comprehensive support and behavioral health services.”

Sound of the State: A conversation on Illinois' historic new commission

In this episode of Sound of the State, State Senator Dave Koehler discusses the Freedom Trails Commission — a statewide effort to map and connect Underground Railroad sites throughout Illinois. Building on the work of the Underground Railroad Task Force, the commission will help communities share their unique histories and preserve the legacy of freedom seekers.

Listen here.

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Senator Mary Edly-Allen, Naperville: New law requires trauma-informed response training for police handling sexual assault cases | WAND

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Senator Julie Morrison, Lake Forest: New Illinois law requires seat belts on school buses | WAND

Details: Category: News; Wednesday, July 30, 2025 11:42 AM

Senate President Don Harmon, Governor JB Pritzker and Speaker of the House Chris Welch published the following op-ed in the Chicago Tribune on Wedneday, July 30, calling on transparency from State Farm on their recent insurance rate hike:

State Farm recently announced it is raising home insurance rates for nearly 1.5 million Illinois homeowners by an average of 27% and with rate hikes peaking as high as 40% for some.

That’s the largest single rate hike in recent history and will add an average of $750 a year to homeowners’ insurance bills.

At a time when the cost of living — particularly housing — is increasingly onerous for families across our state, State Farm’s move requires careful scrutiny and full transparency.

Headquartered in Bloomington, State Farm has long been a valuable Illinois company. It is Illinois’ largest home insurer.

Over the past six years, the Illinois Department of Insurance and the governor’s office have forged a steady partnership and open line of communication with State Farm’s leadership. To be clear, we value the services the company provides, the jobs it sustains and the substantial economic role it plays in our communities.

One in three Illinois homeowners hold policies with State Farm. And since these rate hikes were announced, we’ve heard from many of them. First, there’s the sticker shock of the sheer magnitude of the increase. But beyond that, there’s a deep sense of disappointment in what many feel is a violation of trust between State Farm and its loyal, local customers.

The disconnect stems from what insurance companies call the “catastrophe loss ratio” — the amount an insurer loses from disasters compared with what it collects in premiums.

State Farm’s huge rate hike raises suspicion because it is inconsistent with what we know. When insurance companies suddenly want to increase customer premiums $750 and blame it on their loss ratio, we simply ask them: Prove it.

In such cases, the Department of Insurance typically works with insurers to determine the source of major discrepancies. The department asks insurance companies for ZIP code-level data to make sure homeowners are paying fair insurance rates.

Other insurance companies work with us on this.

State Farm has refused.

State Farm rejected repeated requests for information from the Department of Insurance. Rather than being transparent and letting the numbers speak for themselves, State Farm is withholding vital information not just from the government, but also from its customers.

This lack of transparency takes on added importance when you consider that in 49 of the 50 states, regulators have authority to prohibit rate increases if the market is deemed noncompetitive or the increases are considered “inadequate, excessive or unfairly discriminatory.”

Illinois is the only state where the state government does not have any ability to prevent indiscriminate rate hikes. Special interests in Springfield have lobbied for years to keep it this way.

Momentum was already building for Illinois to change this policy and join the rest of the nation even before State Farm’s rate hike. The company’s actions now have pushed this commonsense consumer protection into the spotlight for the General Assembly’s fall session.

Taken in their totality — State Farm’s sudden, massive rate hike, the lack of transparency and the ongoing lobbying to avoid scrutiny — these events lead us to believe that State Farm may not be basing its rates on the actual data here in Illinois. As states across the country face even more extreme weather than we do, we need to make sure Illinois homeowners are not paying for losses that companies experience in other states.

We sincerely hope this isn’t the case with State Farm. But without the data, homeowners have no assurance. What we ask for is transparency in the interest of protecting homeowners, and the ability to act on the data when companies are unfairly profiting.

We are not asking for special treatment for State Farm, nor do we want the company to operate at a loss. We are seeking accountability and a level playing field.

The people of Illinois deserve nothing less.

Details: Category: Majority Report; Wednesday, July 30, 2025 11:31 AM

Collins law helps residents deal with criminal trespassing

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Lakesia Collins’ new law will give clarity to law enforcement so they can more easily remove criminal trespassers from a person’s home.

“Our intention is to make it easier for law enforcement to enforce criminal trespassing and remove squatters from property,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “We are responding to constituents who have had trouble with squatters who could not be removed without an eviction, and this will simplify the process.”

Halpin and Johnson honor Congressman Evans' memory and legacy with highway dedication

ROCK ISLAND – To honor the life and public service of former Congressman Lane Evans, State Senator Mike Halpin, alongside Representative Gregg Johnson, dedicated I-74 in the Quad Cities to his memory.

“Lane Evans was committed to this community and to this country,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “With this dedication, Illinois recognizes Evans’ service and accomplishments. Both as a mentor and a friend, Lane served as a great inspiration to me and showed what public service is all about: speaking your mind and fighting for folks in your community.”

Koehler applauds the new Adient manufacturing facility, bringing jobs and investment to normal

NORMAL – State Senator Dave Koehler commended the announcement that Adient, a global automotive seating supplier, will open a new manufacturing facility in Normal, strengthening Central Illinois’ role in the electric vehicle industry and creating 75 new full-time jobs.

“This announcement is fantastic news for Central Illinois,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Adient’s decision to locate in Normal not only builds on our region’s growing role in the EV supply chain, but it also brings new, good-paying jobs to our community.”

Sound of the State: Addressing food insecury on college campuses

In this episode, State Senator Graciela Guzmán discusses her proposal to expand SNAP eligibility for college students and address food insecurity on college campuses in Illinois. Senator Guzmán goes into detail about her personal connection to the cause, and how this legislation could help over 100,000 students access basic nutrition while pursuing their education.

Listen here.

Members In The News

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MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Laura Ellman, Naperville: Illinois cryptocurrency regulations await Pritzker's approval | WAND

Senator Robert Peters, Chicago: Illinois could strengthen workplace safety standards if federal laws are weakened | WAND

Senator Ram Villivalam, Chicago: Here’s how we can stop Chicagoland transit from falling off the fiscal cliff | StreetsBlog Chicago

Details: Category: Majority Report; Thursday, July 24, 2025 11:50 AM

Senate Democrats applaud $13 million investment in new all-electric school buses

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus celebrated the recent announcement of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s $13 million investment for 46 new all-electric school buses. The funding will facilitate the swap from older diesel-powered buses to brand new electric buses with the charging infrastructure needed to power the new fleet.

"An investment in clean transportation represents a win-win for our communities - we're protecting the health of our children while moving Illinois toward a more sustainable future. The new electric buses heading to Community Consolidated Schools District 168 in Sauk Village will mean cleaner air for our students during their daily commutes and reduced emissions in our neighborhoods,” said State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago). “This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking investment that will benefit families in the 17th District for years to come."

Lightford celebrates unveiling of Children's Adversity Index to measure exposure to childhood trauma

CHICAGO – Building off her success in leading a whole-child, trauma-informed approach to helping youth, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford is celebrating the launch of the Children’s Adversity Index – a pivotal step in identifying and addressing systemic challenges impacting communities statewide.

"The Children's Adversity Index represents exactly the kind of comprehensive, data-driven approach we need to tackle the complex challenges facing Illinois families. By mapping adversity across our communities and identifying where resources are most needed, we're moving beyond treating symptoms to addressing root causes,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “This tool will be invaluable as we work to ensure every child in Illinois has the support they need to thrive, regardless of their ZIP code.”

Johnson honored with amphitheater naming in Buffalo Grove

BUFFALO GROVE – In recognition of her unwavering dedication to public service and community advancement, State Senator Adriane Johnson will be honored with the naming of the amphitheater at Mike Rylko Community Park in Buffalo Grove.

“I am deeply humbled by this recognition and grateful to the Buffalo Grove Park District for this incredible honor,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This amphitheater has been a space for gathering, art, and connection in our community, and I am thrilled it will continue to serve residents for generations to come.”

Sound of the State — Organ donation: From recipient to advocate

In this episode of Sound of the State, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) shares his powerful personal story as a kidney transplant recipient. Belt discusses the life-changing moment he received his transplant, the struggles he faced during dialysis, and how his journey inspired him to champion organ donation legislation in Illinois.

Listen here.

Members In The News

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MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Graciela Guzmán, Chicago: Dual language education expansion awaits Pritzker's signature | WAND TV

Senator Michael E. Hastings, Frankfort: Suburban senator stresses need for reform amid State Farm homeowner rate increase | WAND TV

Senator Ram Villivalam, Chicago: Bill notifying families of NICU baby early intervention services arrives on Pritzker's desk | WAND TV

Details: Category: Majority Report; Monday, July 21, 2025 03:51 PM

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New law from Peters ensures equal pay, fair treatment on the job

SPRINGFIELD — Across Illinois, workers are showing up, doing the job and still being paid less – simply because they are a woman or a person of color. A new law from State Senator Robert Peters is changing that by holding businesses accountable and making sure workers are paid what they are owed.

“Women and people of color deserve the same esteem as other workers in similar fields, and people who have worked hard to earn benefits deserve to take advantage of them,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This law ensures businesses in Illinois treat our workers fairly, protecting their rights to equal pay and full access to their benefits.”

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Villa law secures safe public drinking water

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Karina Villa spearheaded a new law that fortifies safe drinking water standards to ensure residents have access to clean water.

“When people are out in the community, they deserve to know that the water they use is safe,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Safe drinking water standards must be enforced to secure the health of our communities.”

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Johnson honored for leadership in preventing and ending homelessness in Illinois

BUFFALO GROVE — State Senator Adriane Johnson was honored with a 2025 Home Illinois Summit Recognition of Service award for her leadership in advancing statewide efforts to prevent and end homelessness. The recognition took place at the third annual Home Illinois Summit held in Rosemont.

“Ending homelessness requires bold collaboration, accountability and a deep belief in the dignity of every person,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “I’m proud to stand with advocates, providers and state leaders to ensure Illinois leads with compassion and purpose. This recognition is a reminder that when we work together, we can create real, lasting change.”

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