ISDC

Johnson, Loughran Cappel lead efforts to expand access to menopause care and improve provider education

Morrison joins colleagues, advocates to highlight measure providing coverage for seizure detection devices

Hunter honors Reverend Jesse Jackson’s life with Senate resolution

Illinois Senate wears red for women’s heart health awareness

Senate Democrats begin FY 27 budget process

Faraci advances measure to expand financial freedom for individuals with disabilities

Details: Wednesday, March 04, 2026 03:22 PM

State Senator Paul Faraci speaks in a committee SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci advanced a measure that would modify how individuals with developmental disabilities are made aware of critical money-saving resources through the Senator Scott Bennett ABLE Program.

“This program allows individuals with disabilities to save and invest money in tax-advantaged accounts to pay for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for benefits like SSI or Medicaid,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “We have obligations to empower residents with disabilities, to commit ourselves to inclusion and to support those most in need, and improving how we advertise this service would help us fulfill those obligations.”

Ellman bill protects access to health coverage, prevents denials over past-due premiums

Details: Tuesday, March 03, 2026 06:14 PM

State Senator Laura Ellman speaks in committee.

SPRINGFIELD – With nearly one in 10 Americans lacking health insurance coverage according to the U.S. Census Bureau, State Senator Laura Ellman is working to advance legislation to ensure Illinois residents are not locked out of coverage due to past-due premium payments.

“Health care coverage shouldn’t be out of reach for someone simply because they’ve fallen behind on a previous payment,” said Ellman. “This legislation is about protecting access to care and making sure families can get insured when they need it most.”

Hastings advances bill to protect homeowners from ‘storm chaser’ contractor scams

Details: Tuesday, March 03, 2026 05:31 PM

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings advanced legislation aimed at protecting Illinois homeowners from deceptive and high pressure contractor practices that often follow severe weather and natural disasters.

“When families are rebuilding after a fire or storm, they can be susceptible to high pressure tactics,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “You get these storm chasers who promise the world and pressure homeowners to sign contracts on the spot.”

Turner calls for action to expand students’ access to service animals

Details: Tuesday, March 03, 2026 04:22 PM

Senator Turner addresses the education committee

SPRINGFIELD – School policies protecting access to service animals for students with disabilities could be strengthened under a proposal led by State Senator Doris Turner that aims to support all students, no matter their needs.

“As we continue to equip our students with resources and support in the classroom, we need to make sure they don’t face setbacks because of a lack of understanding or awareness of the law,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We have a responsibility to make sure all students feel welcome at school.”

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Member News

Simmons champions legislation to protect SNAP recipients from fraud and to establish payday advance services regulation

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons held a press conference Wednesday with Senate colleagues to champion legislation he has filed to protect SNAP recipients from fraud as well as regulate payday advance services. “My colleagues and I are determi...

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Sims announces substantial investment for Pullman Historic District redevelopment

CHICAGO – Underscoring the state’s commitment to preserving and elevating sites that honor Black leadership, economic progress and cultural resilience, State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. helped announce a transformative partnership to restore and redeve...

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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 d...

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Turner declares Aug. 4 as Eva Carroll Monroe Day

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner presented a resolution to recognize and honor the contributions of Eva Carroll Monroe. “Eva Carroll Monroe was a trailblazer in child welfare, opening her door for Black children,” said Turner (D-Springfield)...

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Halpin secures $1 million to upgrade Moline’s River Drive

MOLINE – In order to integrate the Western Illinois economy and drive job growth, State Senator Mike Halpin secured a $1 million upgrade to Moline’s River Drive. “I am proud to see state dollars being put to work on infrastructure that will build jobs...

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