Welcome to the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus

Porfirio champions legislation to increase road safety through Senate

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Mike Porfirio advanced two pieces of legislation that would create safer roadways for drivers, pedestrians and students on buses.

“We need to prioritize legislation that empowers our communities to make road safety changes where they need it most urgently,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “We must also be fair to drivers by ensuring that any revenue collected through traffic infractions are reinvested into initiatives that keep our community safe.”

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Preston bill creates more pathways to trades and technical careers

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois high school students may soon have more choices in their classes, thanks to a measure by State Senator Willie Preston that would allow alternatives to foreign language courses.

“Every student’s path looks different,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “Some young people want to go straight into the workforce, learn a trade or skill they can actually use after graduation. We should be opening doors for students, not boxing them into a one-size-fits-all approach.”

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Ellman advances legislation modernizing prescription drug delivery rules

SPRINGFIELD — To provide greater flexibility for healthcare providers and businesses receiving prescription drug deliveries while maintaining safeguards for controlled substances State Senator Laura Ellman advanced House Bill 4953, reducing burdens for businesses operating across multiple sites while preserving accountability and safety standards.

“This is a commonsense update that reflects how many health care operations function today,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “We can improve efficiency without compromising patient safety or oversight.”

Current law generally requires wholesale drug distributors to deliver pharmaceuticals only to the address listed on a license and to individuals whose authorization to receive the drugs has been verified. Under the bill, non-controlled prescription drugs could also be delivered to a health care entity authorized by the license holder and reported to Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

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Peters measure to honor legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., empower young voices in democratic process

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Robert Peters – in collaboration with the Rainbow PUSH Coalition – is honoring the legacy of civil rights leaders like Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., who believed the ballot is the most powerful tool for change. To fulfill Jackson’s vision of ensuring every student graduates with both a diploma and voter registration card, Peters is spearheading a measure that would recognize education and civic engagement go hand in hand.

“Voting is a cornerstone of our democracy, but too often, young people leave high school without ever being invited or encouraged to participate in that process,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “By connecting voter registration directly to graduation, we would be removing barriers and setting the expectation that every young person has both the right and responsibility to have a voice in their future.”

Read more: Peters measure to honor legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., empower young voices in democratic...