SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner, alongside State Representative Mike Coffey, Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher and Sangamon County Board Chair Andy Van Meter unveiled an economic development plan for downtown Springfield Tuesday.
“Four units of government are working together in a bipartisan manner to provide economic tools that will finance and fund the development of a new hotel and the expansion of the Bank of Springfield Center,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We all share the same vision – a thriving downtown that strengthens our capital city while supporting jobs, tourism and economic growth.”
Read more: Turner, local leaders unveil economic development plan for downtown Springfield

SPRINGFIELD – To encourage a statewide effort to promote civic learning and engagement, State Senator Karina Villa led a resolution declaring the week of March 9 through March 15 as Civic Learning Week in Illinois.
“As we continue to face challenges to the Constitution under the Trump administration, it is critical that we ensure students acquire a deep understanding of government, history and their role as active participants in our democracy,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Civic Learning Week allows us to make a collective commitment to prioritize civic learning and acknowledge the educators doing the work to instill our shared democratic values in our young people.”
SPRINGFIELD — To highlight the importance of supporting students beyond academics, State Senator Adriane Johnson championed the effort to declare March 2026 as Illinois Whole Child Month.
“Designating Whole Child Month is about recognizing that student success extends far beyond the classroom,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “We must ensure every child has the resources, support and environment they need to grow, thrive and succeed.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Karina Villa stood in solidarity with Latina lawmakers and community organizations at a press conference Wednesday, calling for culturally responsive services for survivors of gender-based violence in the workplace.
“Latina farmworkers sustain one of our state’s most essential industries, putting food on our tables, all while facing disproportionate rates of gender-based violence and workplace violations,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Today, we stand with these women and reject the misogynistic norms that, for far too long, have forced survivors of gender-based violence into silence in order to protect abusers.”
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