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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

Guzmán fights to address campus sexual harassment and raise awareness

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Graciela Guzmán’s bill to support survivors and strengthen higher education requirements when addressing sexual violence passed committee.

“We cannot allow sexual harassment to go unaddressed on our college campuses,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “If student survivors experience digital sexual harassment or otherwise, there must be protections for them.”

Read more.

Turner, Halpin work to ban loud commercials

SPRINGFIELD — State Senators Doris Turner and Mike Halpin are spearheading a measure that would curb program viewers’ discomfort and annoyance by banning loud commercials on streaming services.

“We all know the feeling when our show or movie cuts to a commercial and the volume gets louder, forcing us to constantly adjust the volume of our TVs,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “This problem is all too familiar, and frustrating, especially for parents with young kids who need to nap during the day and individuals with hearing sensitivity.”

“Families shouldn’t be subjected to unnecessarily loud commercials when they are trying to enjoy their favorite show,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “This bill brings a commonsense change that protects consumers in Illinois.”

Read more.

Villanueva fights to advance environmental justice protections in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Celina Villanueva is leading legislation that would strengthen environmental justice protections by ensuring state regulators consider the potential impacts on communities that have historically faced disproportionate environmental burdens when reviewing pollution control permits.

“For too long, communities already facing environmental burdens have been forced to carry a disproportionate share of pollution and its impacts,” Villanueva (D-Chicago) said. “This legislation ensures that environmental justice is part of the decision-making process so we can better protect the health and well-being of residents across Illinois.”

Read more.

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Lakesia Collins, Chicago: Healing Through History: IL plan could help families receive foster care records | WAND

Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, Shorewood: Measure proposed to enhance ePAY program | The Times Weekly

Senators Mike Porfirio, Lyons Township: IL plan could help municipalities lower speed limits in urban areas | WAND

Copyright 2026 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

The Illinois State Football team took fans, alumni and all of Illinois on a football adventure as they crisscrossed the country in the FCS playoffs on their way to the most exciting national championship game at any level. Honored to meet team members during their recent Capitol visit with Senator Dave Koehler.

Morrison joins colleagues, advocates to highlight measure providing coverage for seizure detection devices

SPRINGFIELD — Alongside advocates and colleagues, State Senator Julie Morrison hosted a press conference highlighting legislation she is spearheading that would provide coverage for medically necessary seizure detection devices – bolstering treatment and diagnostic access for those suffering from seizure disorders.

“These disorders can greatly affect one’s quality of life – limiting their ability to drive, requiring additional assistance and becoming a financial strain, in addition to living with the disorder itself,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Expanding access to these devices is a critical step to ensuring longer, healthier lives.”

Read more.

Faraci advances measure to expand financial freedom for individuals with disabilities

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Paul Faraci advanced a measure that would modify how individuals with developmental disabilities are made aware of critical money-saving resources through the Senator Scott Bennett ABLE Program.

“This program allows individuals with disabilities to save and invest money in tax-advantaged accounts to pay for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for benefits like SSI or Medicaid,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “We have obligations to empower residents with disabilities, to commit ourselves to inclusion and to support those most in need, and improving how we advertise this service would help us fulfill those obligations.”

Read more.

Ellman bill protects access to health coverage, prevents denials over past-due premiums

SPRINGFIELD — With nearly one in 10 Americans lacking health insurance coverage according to the U.S. Census Bureau, State Senator Laura Ellman is working to advance legislation to ensure Illinois residents are not locked out of coverage due to past-due premium payments.

“Health care coverage shouldn’t be out of reach for someone simply because they’ve fallen behind on a previous payment,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This legislation is about protecting access to care and making sure families can get insured when they need it most.”

Read more.

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Javier Loera Cervantes, Chicago: Agency improves license processing times; PA leader calls for modernization | The Center Square

Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton, Western Springs: Lawmakers target hidden fees, predatory sales tactics with electric supply legislation | TriStates Public Radio

Senators Mike Simmons and Mattie Hunter, Chicago: IL lawmakers propose modernized SNAP benefits card to prevent fraud | WAND

Copyright 2026 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

The Chicago region has everything needed for success. Great resources, great people, great opportunities and great location.

You don’t have to take my word for it.

With more than 600 qualifying business projects across the region in 2025, Site Selection Magazine ranked Chicagoland as the top metro region in the nation. It’s the 13th year in a row the metro region has received the top designation from the industry publication.

https://siteselection.com/2025-top-metros-tier-1.../

Chicago scored higher than the Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth metro areas.

“This momentum is not accidental. It is the result of a region with unmatched logistics power, a diversified and resilient economic base, and a nearly five-million–person workforce spanning advanced research to essential operations. Add to that over 150,000 students entering the regional economy each year, competitive utilities, abundant water, scalable industrial space and a deliberate focus on vibrancy as an economic driver — and you have a market built for sustained corporate growth.” -- Andrew Hayes, vice president of marketing communications for World Business Chicago