News

Details: Category: Majority Report; Monday, June 08, 2026 07:37 AM

Senate Democrats prioritize affordability, food security in FY 27 budget

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus passed the state’s eighth balanced budget in a row – prioritizing affordability and food security, and continuing the commitment of making Illinois the best state to live, work and raise a family.

“This balanced budget reflects the kind of disciplined choices the people we represent expect: preparing for uncertainty, restoring property tax relief and continuing to fund the programs people rely on,” said Senate Majority Appropriations Leader Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago). “Despite the unprecedented chaos of historic federal cuts nationwide, Illinois has pushed forward – crafting a budget that cements us as the best state in the nation to work with dignity, live with freedom and raise a family.”

The Fiscal Year 2027 budget represents a number of shared priorities of the caucus, including investing in educating children, protecting the state’s most vulnerable, keeping communities safe and enhancing health care.

The Fiscal Year 2027 budget is the eighth consecutive balanced budget, building on years of historic fiscal progress that included 10 credit rating upgrades, a Rainy Day Fund exceeding $2 billion and more.

This budget prioritizes affordability and food security. It includes funding for housing, education, public safety and violence prevention, nutrition assistance, economic development, human services and more – continuing to make life in Illinois safe, affordable and meaningful despite the efforts of the federal administration.

Additionally, it continues the commitment of $305 million for equitable K-12 education, restores $45 million in property tax relief grants and further builds on the progress of the Medical Debt Relief Program – which has already secured over $1 billion in debt relief for Illinoisans.

This balanced, compassionate budget reflects the needs of working people while doubling down on efforts to build a stronger safety net amid continued threats to cut funding and uncertainty from the federal administration.

“In the face of economic uncertainty and devastating federal cuts, Illinois chose stability, responsibility and compassion. This budget strengthens support for working families, protects access to hospitals and health care, invests more than 300 million new dollars in public education and provides relief for parents through a sales tax-free shopping holiday, and it does it all without raising the state income tax or sales tax,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “I’m grateful to Governor Pritzker, Speaker Welch and the members of the General Assembly for working together to once again achieve our shared goal of a responsible budget focused on protecting the people of the great state of Illinois.”

If approved by the governor, the Fiscal Year 2027 budget will take effect July 1.

Details: Category: Majority Report; Monday, May 25, 2026 06:30 AM

Illinois Senate Democrats pass nation-leading AI safety and privacy package

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois is a step closer to becoming a national leader in the realm of enhancing safety and privacy within the artificial intelligence space after members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus passed their comprehensive plan that would put forth AI protections as it relates to mental health help, identity security, price gouging safeguards and other areas that need more guardrails.

“Artificial intelligence is already shaping nearly every part of our daily lives, and Illinois cannot afford to wait for Washington to act,” said State Senator Bill Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This legislative package is the result of months of hearings and collaboration focused on creating responsible safeguards around AI, including consumer protections, data privacy, child safety and transparency in schools. Our goal is to help establish clear standards that protect the public while allowing innovation to move forward responsibly.”

Aquino measure to ban 'junk' fees passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD — To support families amid a national affordability crisis, State Senator Omar Aquino passed a measure banning ‘junk’ fees out of the Senate.

“Right now, families are feeling the pressure at checkout when they’re paying for groceries or getting gas,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “When every dollar counts, families need to know exactly how much they’re expected to pay for the services they need.”

Villivalam-backed measure would ensure mental health support for educational staff

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Ram Villivalam is leading the charge in tackling the mental health crisis thanks to a new measure that would ensure mental health support for educational staff.

“The mental health crisis continues to affect people every day,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Currently, educational staff do not have the mental health support or resources needed to get the care they deserve – and now it’s up to us to help break down these barriers so they can access care.”

Members In The News

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MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr., Chicago: Bill to boost compensation for wrongfully incarcerated moves forward | Chicago Crusader

Senator Rachel Ventura, Joliet: Illinois lawmakers advance bill to help consumers get cash back on returns | WCIA

Senator Karina Villa, West Chicago: Illinois Senate sends bill helping homeless students to Pritzker's desk | WAND

Details: Category: Majority Report; Monday, May 18, 2026 06:30 AM

Illinois Senate Democrats highlight AI safety and privacy legislation

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois is working to become a national leader in the realm of enhancing safety and privacy within the artificial intelligence space. During a press conference, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus outlined their multi-measure package that would put forth protections against harmful AI outcomes as it relates to mental health help, identity security, price gouging safeguards and other areas that need more guardrails.

“Artificial intelligence is already shaping nearly every part of our daily lives, and Illinois cannot afford to wait for Washington to act,” said Bill Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This legislative package is the result of months of hearings and collaboration focused on creating responsible safeguards around AI, including consumer protections, data privacy, child safety and transparency in schools. Our goal is to help establish clear standards that protect the public while allowing innovation to move forward responsibly.”

Hastings' landmark insurance reform passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD — Capping off years of advocacy and negotiations, State Senator Michael E. Hastings carried legislation that would protect Illinois homeowners from unfair rate hikes similar to those endured in the last few years.

“On behalf of my neighbors back home, I have made it my mission to get them the answers they deserve on their insurance bill,” said Hastings. “There is no world where insurance companies should get away with 20% or more rate hikes without having to explain where those numbers are coming from.”

Halpin measure to keep track of Illinois student loan market passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD — In the face of higher student debt for many in Illinois and across the country, State Senator Mike Halpin’s measure to keep track of the private student loan borrowing market has passed the Senate.

“With the Trump administration placing caps on federal lending for student borrowers, we need to keep track of where the Illinois student loan market is at,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Monitoring student loan default rates and loans with cosigners will give us a clearer picture of how students are doing with their debt and what actions Illinois can make to assist them.”

Members In The News

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Senator Julie Morrison, Lake Forest: Illinois Senate committee approves plan requiring speed control devices for reckless drivers | WAND

Details: Category: News; Tuesday, May 12, 2026 05:42 PM

The Illinois Senate recently hosted former Illinois First Lady Brenda Edgar as we paid homage to her late husband, former Gov. Jim Edgar.

The Senate approved a resolution that declares July 22, 2026, as Governor Jim Edgar Day in the State of Illinois in recognition of former Governor Jim Edgar's life, his legacy, and his extraordinary career in public service.

Senator President Harmon's remarks:

Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, and to all of our guests here today, Governor Jim Edgar's leadership, both in office and out, made our state a better place. Governor Edgar guided Illinois through difficult times and made hard decisions he believed were right, knowing not everyone would agree, and in fact, knowing quite a few people would disagree. His brand of steady, principled leadership, his intellectual consistency, is what endures.

As a Democrat, I can say this plainly, Jim Edgar was a true statesman. He believed government was a place to solve problems, not to stage them. And while his years in office are an important part of our history, his work afterward may be his most lasting legacy.

Through the Edgar Fellows Program, he invested in leaders on both sides of the aisle, teaching that respect, listening, and compromise are essential to good government. I've had an opportunity to spend time with many of the Fellows. You can see the Governor's influence in how they approach this work.

Government doesn't have to be, and should not be, a show. Mrs. Edgar, thank you for sharing your husband with the people of Illinois. My sympathies remain with your family, and I offer my deep appreciation for a life of service that made this state stronger.

Details: Category: Majority Report; Monday, May 11, 2026 06:32 AM

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.”

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.”

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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