Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” — Dr. King

Today we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of justice, equality, and hope. May we strive daily to carry his work forward.

 

Sims: Clean Slate Act creates fresh starts

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. championed a transformative criminal justice reform that balances opportunities for redemption with essential public safety measures – known as the Clean Slate Act.

"We're creating real opportunities for people who've earned the right to move forward," said Sims (D-Chicago). "By making record sealing automatic for those who qualify, we're getting rid of the red tape that stops people from getting jobs, finding homes and becoming full members of their communities again.”

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Senate Democrats highlight progress as interstate shootings decrease four years in a row

SPRINGFIELD — Following efforts by members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus to prioritize public safety, the Illinois State Police announced Illinois has had a decrease in interstate shootings for four straight years. Interstate shootings statewide decreased by 31% in 2025 compared to 2024, with no fatal shootings in 2025. This is the first time in close to a decade with zero interstate shooting fatalities.

“State officials and law enforcement are working around the clock to improve public safety across Illinois,” said State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “I am happy to have contributed legislation that assists in police operations on the highway, and will continue to prioritize evidence-based solutions that gives law enforcement additional tools and keeps roads safer for residents.”

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Preston outlines measure to overhaul state's tax sale system, stop predatory speculation

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Willie Preston held a press conference Tuesday to outline his Property Justice and Community Recovery Act – long-term structural reform to stop wealth extraction from disinvested communities, which will in turn stabilize neighborhoods.

“For too long, our tax sale system has enabled predatory investors to exploit struggling homeowners and extract wealth from our most vulnerable communities,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “This legislation would flip that broken system on its head. We're working to end risk-free speculation, forgiving crushing tax debt when it's unjust, and putting properties back into the hands of residents, nonprofits and local developers who will actually invest in our neighborhoods."

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Dignity in Pay Act

Senator Cristina Castro discusses the Dignity in Pay Act, sharing her personal connection to the long struggle to ensure equity in pay for workers with disabilities, and how this legislation will enshrine and bolster opportunities for economic independence for workers.

Listen here.

 

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Christopher Belt, East St.Louis: Belt highlights expansion of job training programs at community colleges | Illinois Business Journal

Senator Dave Koehler, Peoria: ‘Transformation in action’: Illinois State celebrates groundbreaking for Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts construction project | Illinois State University

Senator Willie Preston, Chicago: IL bill could overhaul tax sale system, stabilize neighborhoods | WAND

 

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