Koehler's new law puts vaccine guidance at the forefront

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Dave Koehler’s House Bill 767, legislation designed to put clear, expert vaccine guidance at the center of Illinois’ public health response, has become law.

“Families deserve clear, evidence-based guidance when making health decisions for their children,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This law requires expert input to drive our immunization policies, makes those recommendations public and adds practical protections so pharmacies can continue serving their communities safely and effectively.”

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Johnson champions legislation to strengthen safety and privacy protections for public officials

SPRINGFIELD — To better protect the safety and privacy of public officials and their families, Senator Adriane Johnson championed legislation to remove personal information from the public domain and prevent online targeting.

“Public service should never come with threats to personal safety,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “We’ve seen far too many examples of harassment and intimidation directed at officials for simply doing their jobs. This measure provides common-sense protections that keep our public servants and their families safe, without compromising government transparency.”

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Peters' measure to raise juvenile detention age, focus on rehabilitation

SPRINGFIELD — An initiative from State Senator Robert Peters aims to raise the minimum age at which minors can be detained and limit the use of detention in certain situations where the minor is not charged with a violent crime, making it clear the state is moving away from harsh detention practices and prioritizing rehabilitation.

“Our juvenile justice system should focus on rehabilitation over punishment,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “By raising the age at which a minor can be detained and emphasizing alternative methods, we’re giving young people a fair chance at reformation without subjecting them to the damaging effects of detention at an early age.”

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Strengthening free press protections

From newsroom intimidation to national security transparency, State Senator Steve Stadelman shares candid insights on the real-world pressure journalists face — and how Illinois’ new protections aim to defend the public’s right to know.

Listen here.

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Laura Fine, Evanston: New Illinois law supports nursing mothers, begins in 2026 | Yahoo

Senator Linda Holmes, Aurora: Statewide Paint Recycling Program Debuts in Illinois | PR Newswire

Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr., Chicago: Clean Slate Act: Bill automatically sealing nonviolent felony records awaits Pritzker's signature | WAND

Copyright 2025 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

Happy Thanksgiving!

With much to be grateful for this year, it was important for us to reach out and wish you a very safe and happy Thanksgiving.

This day reminds us all to acknowledge the blessings of the past year and to give thanks to the people who have helped us through tough times.

We hope your home is filled with love and warmth, and that you are able to feel a sense of togetherness.

To hear a special Thanksgiving message from Senate President Don Harmon, click here. Happy Thanksgiving!

Shop small this holiday season!

As we head into the heart of the holiday season, we want to share a friendly reminder that Small Business Saturday is coming up on Nov. 29. This nationwide celebration encourages all of us to support the local shops, restaurants and family-owned establishments that make our community unique.

Whether you’re picking out gifts, grabbing a meal or simply exploring your neighborhood, choosing to spend locally has a real impact. Even if you’re watching your budget this year, there are still meaningful ways to lift up small businesses, such as leaving a kind review, recommending them to a friend, or showing your support by engaging with them on social media.

Every bit helps. Let’s come together to uplift the small businesses that keep our community vibrant, connected and thriving. Remember to shop small this holiday season!

Copyright 2025 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

Illinois Senate Democrats celebrate the opening of IATSE Local 2's new training center

CHICAGO — Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus applauded the opening of a new training center for the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 2 Stagehands, thanks to a $5 million grant they backed.

“Our entertainment workforce displays great creativity and passion for their craft,” said State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin). “Supporting their efforts to develop and train workers in this arena will bring greater opportunities for more pillars of the filmmaking community to call Illinois their home.”

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Ellman commemorates opening of new Philip J. Rock Center and School facility for deaf-blind students

GLEN ELLYN — State Senator Laura Ellman joined local, state and community leaders to celebrate the grand opening of the new Philip J. Rock Center and School, the nation’s only publicly-funded residential school dedicated to serving students who are deaf-blind.

“As the only publicly-funded residential school in the country for students who are deaf-blind, the Philip J. Rock Center and School has helped students discover their strength and independence for generations,” said Ellman (D–Naperville). “I’m thrilled that Illinois is supporting this incredible place, ensuring its impact reaches even more families across our community.”

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Belt celebrates groundbreaking on new grocery store in Venice

VENICE — State Senator Christopher Belt joined leaders from across the Metro East region to break ground on a new grocery store in Venice as part of the Illinois Grocery Initiative — marking an important milestone in expanding access to fresh, affordable food for local residents. The groundbreaking represents a critical joint effort to revitalize the city, which was made possible through a $2.4 million state grant and private funding.

“We have had some great days here in Venice, first for our bill signing, then to award this grant, and now we are here to put a shovel in the ground,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “I don’t have a crystal ball, but I think we’ll be here again when the grocery store is completed to celebrate what we have accomplished.”

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Impacts of federal budget decision on education in Illinois

From reducing access to health care and meals for public school students, to slashing options for student loan repayments, the federal administration’s budget makes devastating cuts across education – from preschool to college.

State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, a former teacher, joins the Sound of the State to discuss the impact HR1 has on our students.

Listen here.

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Omar Aquino, Chicago: Bill creating safety zones, allowing immigrant families to file civil lawsuits against ICE heads to Pritzker's desk | WAND

Senator Don Harmon, Oak Park: Illinois lawmakers pass behavioral healthcare parity law, send plan to Pritzker's desk | WAND

Senator Mike Simmons, Chicago: Illinois Senate passes bill banning rent junk fees, House ends session without voting on plan | WAND

Copyright 2025 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

Sims: Clean Slate Act is about creating pathways to opportunity for people who have earned a second chance

SPRINGFIELD — Marking a significant step forward in criminal justice reform, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. led a transformative approach to providing second chances while maintaining critical public safety protections.

"The Clean Slate Act is about creating pathways to opportunity for people who have earned a second chance," said Sims (D-Chicago). "By automating the sealing process for eligible records, we're removing unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles that keep people from finding employment, securing housing, and fully reintegrating into their communities. At the same time, we've been deliberate in maintaining strong public safety protections and ensuring law enforcement has the access they need."

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Fine legislation addressing foster care liability coverage passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD — In order to protect community based foster care agencies from the increasing costs and the decreasing availability of liability insurance, State Senator Laura Fine passed legislation to analyze the current foster care liability insurance landscape in Illinois.

“Foster care and adoption services must maintain liability coverage to operate in the state,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Without sustainable insurance options, these foster agencies are at risk of shutting down altogether.”

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Cervantes legislation to protect immigrant workers passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD — At a time when immigrant workers are facing unprecedented surveillance and discrimination, State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes is fighting to protect employees from unfair retaliation from their workplace through new legislation.

“Every employee makes mistakes, especially when filling out confusing, lengthy paperwork,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “It is unfair to hold immigrant employees to a wholly different standard where making such a mistake can result in them losing their job. As many immigrants are more afraid of losing work because of their immigration status than ever before due to the current political climate, I am proud to be making one element of their lives less anxiety-inducing through this legislation.”

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Celebrating Veterans Day

This Veterans Day, let’s come together to celebrate our service members for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. We must also honor the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country – you will never be forgotten.

The men and women who serve in our military are nothing short of American heroes, and they deserve our utmost respect and gratitude. If you are currently serving or did a tour of duty in the past, thank you for your service. Your bravery and dedication to protecting American families and our greatest ideals is incomparable.

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Don Harmon, Oak Park: Advocates celebrate final passage of the Equality for Every Family Act | Windy City Times

Senator Michael E. Hastings, Frankfort: Illinois Sen. Hastings cold spa regulation bill passes House and Senate | Will County Gazette

Senator Julie A. Morrison, Lake Forest: Statewide act pushes Illinois from ‘F’ to ‘A’ on human trafficking report card | Yahoo

Copyright 2025 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved