CHICAGO – Illinois Senate Democrats joined Governor JB Pritzker and leading quantum institutions today to celebrate the groundbreaking of PsiQuantum’s facility at Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park at Quantum Shore on Chicago’s South Side – marking the start of building state-of-the-art facilities that will make the Park fully operational and Illinois a leader in the global race for quantum technology.

“With this partnership, Illinois is at the forefront of a technological innovation that has the potential to change our lives for the better,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “I want to commend Governor Pritzker and his team for positioning our state to be a leader in quantum technology. This Quantum Park will create jobs, boost our economy and send a message to the world that Illinois is a great place to do business, now and in the future.”

The IQMP is a first-of-its-kind park designed to support the growth of quantum technology and advanced microelectronics research. It aims to bring together companies, researchers, suppliers and other partners to progress the development of quantum both in Illinois and globally. These technologies have the potential to tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges, such as improving health care, energy, the climate crises, transportation, finance and agriculture.

GRAYSLAKE – With almost one-fifth of individuals with student loan debt being denied a mortgage due to their debt-to-income ratio, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen highlighted the importance of Illinois’ SmartBuy program in increasing housing accessibility and affordability.

SmartBuy is a first-of-its-kind initiative that, through its recent round of funding, helped 533 Illinoisans eliminate $16 million in student loan debt while also achieving the dream of homeownership in only 12 weeks. Through SmartBuy, homeowners were able to purchase a home eight years earlier than traditional IHDA borrowers.

“As chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee and an educator, I’ve seen how easing student loan debt is more than financial relief — it’s the key to unlocking homeownership for a generation burdened by higher education costs,” said Edly-Allen (D- Grayslake). “The SmartBuy program will help first-time buyers achieve their homeownership dream sooner while also building a better economy for generations to come.”

CHICAGO — In response to the presence of armed federal agents in downtown Chicago over the weekend, the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus has issued the following statement:

"We condemn the presence of armed Border Patrol agents patrolling the streets of downtown Chicago. What should have been a peaceful early fall Sunday, enjoyed by families, was marred by the sight of masked, heavily armed federal agents moving through our city as if it were a war zone.

“As if their mere presence wasn’t enough, these agents went further by detaining families, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. This is not about enforcing the law; it is about wielding power to intimidate, instill fear, and target individuals based on their appearance and language.

Collins: Birth Equity plan is vital for Illinois residents

CHICAGO — State Senator Lakesia Collins joined Governor JB Pritzker, Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton and the Illinois Department of Public Health to announce the Illinois Birth Equity Blueprint that will serve as a roadmap to improving maternal health and birthing outcomes across Illinois.

“I want to thank Governor Pritzker, Lt. Governor Stratton, and the birthing justice advocates for their tireless work advancing birth equity and for recognizing the importance of this issue,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “As an advocate for birth equity, I was honored to sponsor this life-saving legislation. Every person — regardless of race or income — deserves a safe and healthy birthing experience.”

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Hastings files legislation to combat 'cost shifting' practices in insurance rate setting

SPRINGFIELD — In the wake of insurance rate hikes throughout Illinois, State Senator Michael E. Hastings has filed legislation aiming to prohibit insurance companies from engaging in “cost shifting” and to strengthen protections for Illinois consumers against unfair insurance rates.

“Cost shifting is fundamentally unfair,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Illinois families should not be footing the bill for losses in other states. This bill makes sure premiums reflect the real risks here in Illinois, not the costs of events thousands of miles away.”

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Ventura brings mental health support to Joliet Junior College

JOLIET — Between studying for exams, social expectations, new responsibilities and pressure from society to succeed, college can often be a pressure cooker for young students trying to build a life for themselves. That’s why State Senator Rachel Ventura fought to secure funding to create the new Center for Student Wellness and Support at Joliet Junior College to support students’ mental health.

“College can be a trying time in a person’s life as they try to figure out who they are. Our young people’s mental health is a top priority, and we cannot let anyone slip through the cracks,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Programs like Joliet Junior College’s Center for Student Wellness and Support demonstrate a proactive step in supporting their students with mental health and wellness services. I want students in the JJC community to know that if you feel you are struggling or just need to talk to someone, please reach out to the Center for Student Wellness and Support services.”

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CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins joined Governor JB Pritzker, Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton and the Illinois Department of Public Health to announce the Illinois Birth Equity Blueprint that will serve as a roadmap to improving maternal health and birthing outcomes across Illinois.

“I want to thank Governor Pritzker, Lt. Governor Stratton, and the birthing justice advocates for their tireless work advancing birth equity and for recognizing the importance of this issue,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “As an advocate for birth equity, I was honored to sponsor this life-saving legislation. Every person — regardless of race or income — deserves a safe and healthy birthing experience.”

The blueprint builds upon the Illinois Birth Equity Initiative, which Collins championed last year. The blueprint outlines four strategic priorities to improve maternal health, representing a multi-agency initiative across the governor and lieutenant governor’s offices, Illinois Departments of Human Services, Public Health, Healthcare and Family Services and more.

JOLIET – Between studying for exams, social expectations, new responsibilities and pressure from society to succeed, college can often be a pressure cooker for young students trying to build a life for themselves. That’s why State Senator Rachel Ventura fought to secure funding to create the new Center for Student Wellness and Support at Joliet Junior College to support students’ mental health.

“College can be a trying time in a person’s life as they try to figure out who they are. Our young people’s mental health is a top priority, and we cannot let anyone slip through the cracks,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Programs like Joliet Junior College’s Center for Student Wellness and Support demonstrate a proactive step in supporting their students with mental health and wellness services. I want students in the JJC community to know that if you feel you are struggling or just need to talk to someone, please reach out to the Center for Student Wellness and Support services.”

SPRINGFIELD — In the wake of insurance rate hikes throughout Illinois, State Senator Michael E. Hastings has filed legislation aiming to prohibit insurance companies from engaging in “cost shifting” and to strengthen protections for Illinois consumers against unfair insurance rates.

“Cost shifting is fundamentally unfair,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Illinois families should not be footing the bill for losses in other states. This bill makes sure premiums reflect the real risks here in Illinois, not the costs of events thousands of miles away.”

Cost shifting is the practice of passing the costs of out-of-state catastrophes, such as hurricanes, wildfires or floods, onto Illinois policyholders. Hastings’ measure is designed to address this practice by ensuring residents are not forced to subsidize disasters outside the state’s borders.

NORMAL – State Senator Dave Koehler welcomed the announcement that OPmobility will establish its first Illinois facility in Normal to assemble bumpers for Rivian’s R2, bringing new job opportunities and another critical investment to the Central Illinois region.

“This announcement underscores the strength of Central Illinois as a hub for innovation and manufacturing,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “OPmobility’s investment will create good-paying jobs and further establish our region as a leader in the clean energy and automotive sectors.”

OPmobility’s capital investment in Rivian’s new supplier park is supported by the Senate Democrat-backed Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) program, which is designed to attract clean energy jobs to Illinois while supporting the state’s climate goals. As a result of the company’s investment in Central Illinois and the creation of over 80 new jobs, the move includes a REV Illinois tax credit tied to these commitments.