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

Senator Morrison to host hearing on audit of treatment of LGBTQ youth in DCFS care

Details: Monday, October 25, 2021 12:23 PM

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) will lead a hearing Tuesday to further dive into a recent audit that found the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services was not respecting the needs of LGBTQ youth in care.

“LGBTQ youth in care are disproportionately likely to become homeless and deal with mental health struggles,” Morrison said. “We must ensure all children are placed in understanding environments that accept them and support their authentic selves.”

Senators Fine and Villa advocate for mental health workforce

Details: Monday, October 25, 2021 11:00 AM

mentalhealth 102521 SPRINGFIELD – State Senators Laura Fine (D-Glenview) and Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) led a hearing of the Senate Behavioral and Mental Health Committee on Friday to listen to testimony regarding mental and behavioral health workforce shortages.

“Finding a solution to labor shortages in the mental and behavioral health community is imperative to protecting people who rely on their services,” Senator Fine said. “Mental health care is health care, and it’s important that we find a way for patients across Illinois to receive the timely, accessible treatment they deserve.”

Senator Holmes announces $935,000 in Aurora-area Back to Business grants

Details: Friday, October 22, 2021 11:15 AM

AURORA – State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) has announced more encouraging news for local businesses recovering from the pandemic who have received grants in the latest round of the Back to Business grant program.

The B2B program is providing millions in American Rescue Plan dollars for small businesses negatively affected by the pandemic. Grants range from $5,000 to $150,000 per business and can be used to cover a wide range of operations, such as staff and overhead costs.

October declared Hindu Heritage Month in Illinois

Details: Thursday, October 21, 2021 09:10 AM

hinduheritage 102021 SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) passed legislation in the Illinois Senate declaring October 2021 as Hindu Heritage Month in Illinois.

“Hindus have furthered our state’s cultural diversity and economic prosperity,” Villivalam said. “As the senator of one of the most diverse districts in the state and the first Hindu to serve in the Illinois state legislature, I am proud to be a chief co-sponsor of legislation to honor the contributions of Hindu communities across Illinois.”

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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