Villanueva reaffirms March 26 as Equal Pay Day

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Celina Villanueva is reaffirming Illinois’ commitment to pay equity by recognizing March 26 as Equal Pay Day in Illinois — marking how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned the previous year.

“Equal pay is about fairness, but it’s also about economic stability for families and communities,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “When women are paid less, households have less to spend, save and invest. Closing the wage gap strengthens our entire economy.”

Senate Resolution 668 draws attention to persistent wage disparities across gender, race and identity. On average, women must work until late March to catch up to men’s prior-year earnings — but for many, the gap stretches much further. 

Read more: Villanueva reaffirms March 26 as Equal Pay Day

Senate Democrats display support to end Alzheimer’s

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus joined advocates to raise awareness for the needs of those impacted by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia by wearing purple Wednesday.

“Diseases such as Alzheimer’s and other memory conditions have a devastating impact on communities across our state, affecting patients, their loved ones, and caregivers alike,” said State Senator Rachel Ventura (D-Joliet). “Wearing purple today was a reminder of the Senate’s commitment to raising awareness, offering support, and investing in the resources healthcare providers need to treat the disease, find a cure, and end the suffering.”

Read more: Senate Democrats display support to end Alzheimer’s

Senator Simmons and AIDS Foundation Chicago Urge Investments in HIV Care and Prevention

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons was joined by legislators and advocates from the AIDS Foundation Chicago at a press conference Wednesday to rally behind Senate Bill 2814, his budget proposal that would bolster HIV and AIDS services in Illinois amid federal health care cuts.

“I reject any reduced quality of life for a person living with HIV/AIDS,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “For the fourth year in a row, I will be fighting for a budget that includes funding for HIV prevention and treatment, and helps us get to zero new HIV/AIDS diagnoses by 2030.”

Community leaders, health care providers and legislators joined Simmons to call for swift action to protect HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment services in Illinois’ Fiscal Year 2027 budget. Advocates outlined the need to reinforce HIV/AIDS funding outlined in Senate Bill 2814, including funding for critical outreach to minority populations, supportive housing programs and more.

Read more: Senator Simmons and AIDS Foundation Chicago Urge Investments in HIV Care and Prevention

Loughran Cappel recognizes Autism Awareness Day as April 2

SPRINGFIELD – To promote inclusion and advocate for the well-being of individuals with autism, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel led a measure declaring April 2 as Autism Awareness Day.

“Every person with autism brings unique gifts, perspectives and strengths that enrich our communities,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Illinois is standing as a state that chooses acceptance, understanding and belonging.”

The resolution’s purpose is to recognize both the progress and everyday struggle people with autism face. April 2 is also recognized by the United Nations as World Autism Day.

Read more: Loughran Cappel recognizes Autism Awareness Day as April 2