SPRINGFIELD – To broaden protections for employees speaking out against issues like harassment and discrimination, State Senator Laura Fine is leading a measure to clarify employees’ rights. The measure focuses on unlawful practices and provides protections from unfair labor practices.

“As we work to provide more opportunities to Illinoisans, we must also expand efforts to promote safety and justice in the workforce,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “In the unfortunate case an employee faces unlawful employment practices, we want to ensure their voices are protected when reporting workplace harassment.”

Current law provides essential protections by barring employers from requiring their workers to maintain confidentiality agreements regarding employment discrimination. Building on these efforts, Fine’s measure would include crucial safeguards for victims of harassment in the workplace by prohibiting employers from imposing unlawful restrictions on their employees through workplace confidentiality agreements.

SPRINGFIELD – Building upon Illinois’ shield laws that protect access to reproductive care, State Senator Karina Villa advanced a measure that would secure the licenses of health care providers and ensure access to abortion medications.

“The current federal administration presents a national threat to reproductive health care access,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “As we continue to see other states attempting to restrict care and impose their laws on people in Illinois, it is instrumental that we push back and fortify our laws to keep individuals and providers safe.”

House Bill 3637 would prohibit the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and health care institutions from taking disciplinary or non-disciplinary action against a provider’s authorization to provide medical care under their scope of practice as long as the care is lawful in Illinois. The measure would apply regardless of whether a patient is an Illinois resident or not.

SPRINGFIELD — According to a recent study, 25% of teachers use AI tools in the classroom. A bill sponsored by State Senator Mike Porfirio would provide assurance that students are learning from teachers, not AI.

“AI is a tool, not a teacher,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “Illinois must stay proactive when it comes to cutting-edge technology. This measure would protect the jobs of our teachers, and secure a legitimate education for our students.”

SPRINGFIELD — College students experiencing hunger may soon have relief, thanks to an initiative led by State Senator Graciela Guzmán to expand eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in Illinois.

“Students facing food insecurity may not be able to perform as well as their peers academically, restricting them from the same achievements and career opportunities they could reach if they had access to basic needs,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “Senate Bill 1298 would ensure no student goes hungry, helping all students achieve more academically and for their future.” 

SPRINGFIELD – Hundreds of members from the Service Employees International Union joined State Senator Lakesia Collins at the Capitol on Wednesday to speak about the challenges faced by home health care workers.

“Home care workers give their life to taking care of our communities and deserve to know Illinois has their back,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “As a former home health care worker, I know the struggle and challenges they face, and as a legislator, I am fighting for their right to be fairly paid and protected.”

Collins, a fierce advocate for SEIU and health care workers across Illinois, is proud to join advocates to support Senate Bill 120, which would increase the rate for in-home services under the Community Care Program to $32.75 to support a minimum wage of $20 an hour for direct service workers.

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler is celebrating a nearly $32 million investment in Peoria. Damera Corporation announced plans to open its first U.S. electric vehicle assembly plant, bringing 90 new full-time jobs to the region.

“Damera Corporation choosing our community for its first U.S. assembly plant speaks volumes about the talent and potential in our backyard,” said Koehler (D-Peoria) This is about good-paying jobs, cleaner transportation and our community stepping into a brighter, greener future."

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt held a press conference to highlight legislation that would stop gyms and fitness centers from cancelling or changing benefits of a promised lifetime membership.

“This bill is about fairness, trust, and making sure that when a business offers a lifetime membership, it actually means lifetime membership — not one year, not until they decide to change the deal, but for the life of the customer,” said Belt (D-Swansea).  "We’re setting a fair and clear standard that responsible businesses are already following and that gym-goers deserve.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson advocated for a package of legislation designed to foster healthier learning environments, enhance access to mental health care, and expand educational and job opportunities for some of Illinois’ most vulnerable populations during a subject matter hearing Tuesday.

“Whether it’s supporting a student’s mental health, improving the air they breathe in classrooms, or helping young adults get on the path to a good-paying job, we must continue to invest in the people and systems that shape our communities,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “These bills are about access, equity, and building a better Illinois for all.”