ISDC

Details

Sen. Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford

CHICAGO – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford was one of three women to receive the prestigious Chicago Defender’s Vanguard Award for her 26 years of contributions of bettering the lives of the people of Illinois.

“Thank you to the Chicago Defender for this tremendous honor. To be recognized among such extraordinary women is truly humbling,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “In reality, this isn’t my award. This award belongs to the Black girls who were seen but not heard. The Black girls who suffered trauma at the hands of a loved one. The Black girls who were told they couldn’t be all they could be.”

The Chicago Defender’s Women of Excellence Awards celebrates local African American women who inspire others through their vision and leadership, exceptional achievements, and participation in community service. They are women who exemplify extraordinary stature, poise and grace. These women do it all while maintaining the delicate balance of filling the roles of helpmate, mother, teacher and professional.

Details

villivalam 032125SPRINGFIELD — Through a new law championed by State Senator Ram Villivalam and State Representative Kevin Olickal, Illinois becomes the first state in the nation to require schools to offer halal and kosher food meal options, providing all students with equal access to meals served in schools.

“No student should have to watch their classmates eat a school-provided lunch and be left out because there is not an option that meets their needs,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “This new law ensures everyone has access to food that respects and dignifies their dietary restrictions.”

Senate Bill 457 requires schools to provide halal and kosher food options, as well as University of Illinois hospitals and state correctional facilities, upon request. In public schools, the law requires the Illinois State Board of Education to enter into one or more statewide master contracts with a vendor and give school districts the access to the contract so they can more efficiently provide additional meal options to students, including halal and kosher.

 

Details

Senator Lakesia Collins

SPRINGFIELD – To enhance protections for Illinois seniors and prevent abuse, State Senator Lakesia Collins’ new law will prohibit retaliatory action against nursing home residents.

“Nursing homes must be accountable to our most vulnerable residents, and with this law we can safeguard Illinois seniors from neglect,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Seniors deserve a standard of living with dignity and respect.”

Under the new law, House Bill 2474, nursing homes are prohibited from retaliating against a resident who is exercising their rights. If a resident faces retaliation, they are able to file a civil suit against the nursing home and potentially recover damages.

Details

rmtd transfer centerROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman joined the Illinois Department of Transportation in highlighting the ongoing construction of the Rockford Mass Transit District expansion project. RMTD has been awarded a total of $39.4 million through the Rebuild Illinois capital plan for this project.

“Upgrading transit systems is essential if we want reliable and efficient services for riders. I’m thrilled to see the results of the expansion project that will help Rockford’s local economy and keep us moving forward,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “The continued investments in the Rockford Mass Transit District show we are dedicated to improving transportation needs all over the state.”

The project will use $32.6 million to renovate RMTD’s current vehicle storage and maintenance facility to expand storage space, fix vehicle needs and integrate electric vehicle charging infrastructure. An additional $6.8 million will fund new alternative fuel buses and vehicles.

More Articles …

  1. Fine advances safety measure to remove toxic metals in baby food
  2. Villanueva recognizes March 25 as Equal Pay Day
  3. Castro proposal tackling single-use plastic pollution passes committee
  4. Halpin propels ‘Skip the Plastic Day’ through committee

Page 2 of 644

Follow ILSenDems

Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube

Sign up for the Majority Report

Laws Going Into Effect 2025

Employment Opportunities

Find Your Senator

Senate Schedule

Bills & Resolutions

Warming Centers

Member News

SPRINGFIELD OFFICE

phone(217) 782-2728

phone309 State House
Springfield, IL 62706

Senate Floor, Illinois State Capitol, Springfield, IL

Senate President Don Harmon © 2025 Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus
FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTube
CHICAGO OFFICE

phone(312) 814-2075

phone160 N. LaSalle St., Ste. 720
Chicago, IL 60601