News

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

Copyright 2026 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

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

Copyright 2026 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

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.”

Peters presents plans to protect Illinois consumers from surveillance-based pricing

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Robert Peters outlined a plan he’s spearheading that would ban companies from collecting personal data from Illinois consumers for the purpose of price discrimination during a subject matter hearing.

“The Surveillance-Based Price Discrimination Act is commonsense legislation that would protect all of our state’s consumers from price gouging and data privacy threats,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Our residents have already endured years of inflation, and now we are facing an affordability crisis while some of the biggest corporations rake in record profits. We cannot sit back and watch the unjust targeting of the finances, privacy and equality of Illinoisans.”

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Ventura's historic AI protection package heard in committee

SPRINGFIELD — A comprehensive package of legislation sponsored by State Senator Rachel Ventura aimed at protecting Illinois residents from the worst dangers of unchecked AI technology is set to be heard in the Senate AI and Social Media Subcommittee.

“As artificial intelligence technology expands and accelerates at an alarming rate, now is the time to set guardrails against potential abuses and damages before it’s too late,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “These bills put people first by setting clear rules, increasing transparency and protecting consumers, workers and communities.”

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Turner measure to uplift small businesses

SPRINGFIELD — In an effort to boost small businesses, State Senator Doris Turner is leading a measure to set aside reinvestment funds for capital expenses, such as building improvements, equipment and technology.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, boosting local economies while bringing entertainment, food and more to our neighborhoods,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “It’s important that we give business owners the necessary tools to help them be successful, expand and thrive.”

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Senator Mike Porfirio, Lyons Township: Porfirio recognized for veterans’ suicide prevention efforts | Southwest Regional Publishing

Senator Mike Simmons, Chicago: IL House Democrats pass rental junk fee ban, send bill to Pritzker's desk | WAND

Senator Karina Villa, West Chicago: IL plan increasing access for mental health crisis care awaits House action | WAND

Copyright 2026 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

It was a pleasure to welcome students from Southern Illinois University’s Paul Simon Public Policy Institute to the Capitol for the recent Women’s Civic Day.
This annual program highlights the important role women play in public service and helps inspire the next generation of leaders to get involved and make a difference.
https://paulsimoninstitute.siu.edu/intiatives/womens-government-day.php

Grateful for the thoughtful conversation and encouraged by the talent and commitment these students bring to Illinois’ future.
Paul Simon Public Policy Institute

Southern Illinois University Carbondale
#WomenInLeadership #NextGeneration