New Castro law to support craft distilleries, make cocktails-to-go permanent

SPRINGFIELD — A new law led by State Senator Cristina Castro will make a temporary “cocktails to-go” state law permanent and create new rules to allow more small Illinois distilleries to self-distribute spirits.

“Supporting restaurants and bars is also supporting small distilleries and local producers across the state,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “We want to make sure local businesses have the easiest path possible to operate, succeed and create jobs in our communities.”

Senate Bill 618 creates a class 3 craft distiller’s license, which allows distilleries to manufacture up to 100,000 gallons of spirits annually. These licensees can then apply for the ability to self-distribute up to 2,500 gallons annually.

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New Cervantes law expands protections for immigrant workers

SPRINGFIELD – To protect employees from unfair retaliation from their workplace, State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes led new legislation to shield immigrant workers from surveillance and discrimination based on their perceived immigration status.

“With the increase in ICE raids and anti-immigrant sentiment at an all-time high, our immigrant workers do not feel safe in the workplace,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “This law will help ease their minds by establishing protections against discrimination, regardless of their status.”

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Ventura leads charge to expand Illinois broadband access

SPRINGFIELD – Despite repeated promises from the federal government, high-speed internet access remains a distant goal for many communities — especially in rural Illinois, where service is often spotty, unreliable or altogether unavailable. In response to federal inaction and recent funding withdrawals, State Senator Rachel Ventura championed on a new law that will provide a strategic state-level response to a growing digital divide.

“Access to broadband has become critical for many aspects of daily life, especially in education. This law prioritizes anchor institutions to quickly improve our state’s broadband network in the most cost-effective way possible,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “By utilizing existing and nearby infrastructure, vulnerable communities can increase access to high-speed internet, allowing them better integration into statewide networks and resources.”

The Illinois Century Network (ICN) delivers wholesale internet services to public entities across the state — including schools, libraries and higher education institutions. However, without sufficient federal investment, the burden of expanding reliable broadband increasingly falls to the state.

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Sims leads new law to protect Illinois from reckless federal budget

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. led the charge to insulate Illinois taxpayers from damaging federal policy shifts, ensuring the state's Fiscal Year 2026 budget remains intact despite the federal administration’s cuts to vital programs.

"The federal administration is recklessly cutting programs that Illinois families rely on, but we won't let their irresponsibility destabilize our state budget," said Sims (D-Chicago). "This law protects Illinois taxpayers and preserves our ability to fund schools, health care and essential services.”

Read more: Sims leads new law to protect Illinois from reckless federal budget