Welcome to Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus

Porfirio measure to streamline speed limit and road safety changes for municipalities

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Mike Porfirio introduced a measure to help local authorities implement changes that would improve road safety in their areas.

“This legislation puts the safety of our community first by making it easier for local governments to implement safety precautions,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “In situations where changes to speed limits are urgently needed, we want to streamline the process for local municipalities.”

Read more: Porfirio measure to streamline speed limit and road safety changes for municipalities

Villivalam joins advocates, residents for rally celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

SPRINGFIELD -- State Senator Ram Villivalam joined hundreds of Illinois residents with Asian Americans Advancing Justice and the PAAVE Coalition in Springfield, on Wednesday, for a rally highlighting Asian American Heritage Month.

“As we celebrate the start of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage month, it is imperative that we continue to remind our community to uplift Asian American Pacific Islander voices, culture and history,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago).

The month of May first commemorated Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage in 1979 and has been celebrated as Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month since 1990. May was chosen to commemorate the first arrival of Japanese immigrants to the United States on May 7, 1843 and the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad on May 10, 1869 through the incredible effort of mostly Chinese immigrant workers.

Read more: Villivalam joins advocates, residents for rally celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander...

Murphy advances bill to keep airport sound insulation program updated

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy is leading the way to ensure families who live near O’Hare and Midway airports are eligible for sound insulation programs through new legislation.

“As the O’Hare Airport Modernization Program moves forward, we cannot allow residents who are being disturbed by airport noise to slip through the cracks when they need us,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “This legislation ensures that we use updated data to provide accurate coverage of the sound insulation program to residents who need it.”

Read more: Murphy advances bill to keep airport sound insulation program updated

Joyce advances bill to protect crematory operating standards

SPRINGFIELD – In Feb. 2025, a whistleblower came forward sharing pictures and describing a gruesome scene at Crown Cremations and Heights Crematory in Chicago Heights ─ prompting an investigation from the Office of the Comptroller that discovered the crematorium improperly stored over 100 bodies. In response, State Senator Patrick Joyce advanced a bill through committee that would expand the Comptroller’s powers to investigate crematory’s operations.

“When we send our loved ones to be cremated or buried, it is a very sacred task,” said State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex). “With this legislation we are empowering the Comptroller’s Office to ensure the best practices are followed within the funeral industry.”

Read more: Joyce advances bill to protect crematory operating standards