ISDC

Latino Caucus celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month by engaging the community and honoring trailblazers

Lightford among top notable Black leaders in Illinois

Senate Democrats celebrate over $305 million in federal grant funding to support infrastructure projects

September is National Preparedness Month

Villanueva law safeguards and upholds reproductive rights

Martwick measure to provide security for widows of Chicago first responders becomes law

Details: Friday, May 13, 2022 06:08 PM

SPRINGFIELD – Widows of Chicago firefighters and police are one step closer to receiving additional support after a measure advanced by State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) was signed into law.

“Despite the false narrative of an overgenerous pension system, widows of Chicago first responders have been living with great financial hardship for decades,” Martwick said. “This adjustment is essential if we are going to support the widows of our Chicago firefighters and police officers who put themselves in the line of duty to keep all of us safe. I’m pleased that we are taking this small step to support the families who sacrifice so much for all of us.”

Turner’s plan to establish a more equitable banking system signed into law

Details: Friday, May 13, 2022 06:03 PM

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) championed a recently signed law to ensure unbanked communities can establish a more equitable opportunity for residents.

“There are millions of people around the country, who due to the barriers of account balances and minimum deposit requirements, do not have a reliable bank,” Turner said. “This law will allow for communities to take a stand and create the conditions that allow for a more equitable banking experience.”

Loughran Cappel: New law allows mental health days for teachers

Details: Friday, May 13, 2022 05:58 PM

CappelTeacherMentalHealthDays SPRINGFIELD – Teachers will now be able to take excused mental health absences thanks to a new law that was led by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.

“As society continues to increase the importance of addressing mental health as part of health care, we must ensure that our teachers have the ability to address issues they are dealing with,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “It’s vital that we give them the time they need to unplug and focus on their mental well-being.”

Gillespie removes regressive school fees for homeless students

Details: Friday, May 13, 2022 05:54 PM

GillespieHomelessStudentFeeWaiver ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – A measure offered by State Senator Ann Gillespie to waive school fees for students experiencing homelessness was signed into law on Friday.

“A student’s ability to pay should not determine the learning resources they have available to them,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “Students of all backgrounds deserve access to the tools they need for success, and this law ensures that our most vulnerable students will have them.”

Follow ILSenDems

Member News

Preston announces $1.5 million to save Pike House

CHICAGO – State Senator Willie Preston joined the Eugene S. Pike House Foundation, Beverly Area Arts Alliance and Commissioner Stanley Moore Saturday to announce significant state funding secured by Preston to save, renovate and reinvigorate the Pike...

Read more...
Funding for workforce training coming to 20th District thanks to Toro

CHICAGO — State Senator Natalie Toro joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in announcing $15 million in funding for the Job Training and Economic Development program, including more than $280,000 for workforce training i...

Read more...
Holmes joins Morrison on new law clarifying drone use in communities

AURORA – In 2023, State Senator Linda Holmes collaborated with State Senator Julie Morrison to allow law enforcement agencies to use drones for public safety. This year, they cosponsored Senate Bill 2849 to give local governments authority to set rea...

Read more...
Holmes announces $4.5 million in Illinois EPA’s no-interest loans to replace lead water lines in Batavia

AURORA – An additional $4.5 million has been provided by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for Batavia’s ongoing lead water line replacement program, State Senator Linda Holmes announced Friday. The city will replace approximately 150 lead...

Read more...
Preston applauds FDA ban on brominated vegetable oil

CHICAGO - Senator Willie Preston commended the Food and Drug Administration for its decision to ban brominated vegetable oil, a harmful food additive that has posed significant health risks to consumers for decades. "It’s great that the FDA has final...

Read more...