The Majority Report 08/16/23 - Welcoming our new senator

Details: Category: Majority Report; Wednesday, August 16, 2023 02:44 PM

Former State Representative Lakesia Collins becomes new state senator

Now-former State Representative Lakesia Collins was sworn in as the new state senator of the 5th District Tuesday evening. Collins joins the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus after serving in the Illinois House of Representatives where she was the Black Caucus Whip and chair of the Health Care Availability and Access Committee. Welcome, Senator Collins!

Harmon applauds Illinois Supreme Court ruling upholding state assault weapons ban

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) issued the following statement regarding the Illinois Supreme Court upholding the state’s assault weapons ban.

“This is a victory for common sense. Weapons of war have no place on our streets. I am proud to have worked on it and even prouder to see it upheld in court."

Castro initiative to equalize course credits for transfer across colleges and universities

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois students will soon have an easier time transferring across public colleges and universities without having to repeat courses they have already earned major credit for, thanks to an initiative championed by State Senator Cristina Castro that was signed into law Friday.

“The first iteration of the Illinois Articulation Initiative was a success,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Now that we have a blueprint set in place, it’s time to expand transfer equivalency to all major courses so that our students can graduate without barriers and begin a meaningful career.”

Loughran Cappel waives pet adoption fees for veterans

SPRINGFIELD - Veterans adopting dogs or cats will no longer have to pay a fee, thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.

“We have seen the benefits pets can give to our veterans,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Everyone deserves companionship and many have a special bond with their pets. Providing the resources to improve our veteran’s health and overall happiness was the driving force behind this law.”

Johnson's new law to expand training for ambulance drivers

SPRINGFIELD - In May of 2022, a 23-year-old resident from the district State Senator Adriane Johnson represents lost his life after an ambulance collided with his motorcycle. Over the next year, she worked with his family to honor his life and ensure that no other person is injured or killed in such a way.

“Proper training will help save lives,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “As first responders work to protect one life, we must ensure other lives are not at risk.”

Sound of the State: EpiPen affordability for Illinois families

State Senator Mike Halpin (D-Rock Island) joins the Sound of the State to highlight a new law imposing a cap on the cost of EpiPens for Illinois families.

members in the news