CHICAGO — State Senator Omar Aquino joined Governor JB Pritzker at the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture to announce the creation of Puerto Rico Town as an official State-Designated Cultural District.

“In Illinois, diversity is our strength, and the State-Designated Cultural Districts Program is shining a much-deserved light on some of our state’s most culturally and historically rich communities, including Puerto Rico Town,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “These designations will help Illinoisans celebrate our lineage and traditions of our communities.”

NORMAL – State Senator Dave Koehler joined Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in celebrating the opening of a new cutting-edge advanced manufacturing training center at Heartland Community College.

“As a leader in clean energy, the State of Illinois is prioritizing preparing our regional workforce for local jobs in the clean energy economy,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “By investing in Heartland Community College’s Electric Vehicle Energy Storage training facility, the State is giving students access to specialized skill training while showing them the vast number of clean energy career opportunities available right here in Illinois.”

Heartland's electric vehicle manufacturing program – which launched at a temporary site in August 2021 – provides students with training, certificates and degrees in Electric Vehicle and Energy Storage Technology. The program also provides intensive upskill Electric Vehicle Technology Certificates for individuals with prior traditional automotive training and experience. Additionally, the facility will provide a space for advanced manufacturing programs in robotics, renewable energy and automation.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner announced Tuesday that two areas of Springfield are being recognized as State-Designated Cultural Districts.

"During my time on Springfield City Council, I began working on ways to integrate our Black history while incorporating economic development opportunities throughout our communities,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “These official designations are essential to preserving our history, highlighting our important legacy and significant contributions from the Great Migration and onward.”

CHICAGO — Members of the Senate Democratic Caucus joined Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to celebrate communities across the state being honored as State-Designated Cultural Districts.

State Senator Natalie Toro, who represents Humboldt Park, is thrilled her community is being recognized in this way.

“The Humboldt Park community has such a rich and vibrant culture,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “The State-Designated Cultural Districts Program and this official designation allows us to share and preserve our heritage and traditions while building a critical foundation for continued investment.”

“In Illinois, diversity is our strength, and the State-Designated Cultural Districts Program is shining a much-deserved light on some of our state’s most culturally and historically rich communities, including Puerto Rico Town,” said Majority Caucus Chair Omar Aquino (D-Chicago). “These designations will help Illinoisans celebrate our lineage and traditions of our communities.”

State-Designated Cultural Districts are communities, towns or specific geographic areas that have a distinct shared historical and cultural identity that binds the community together. By designating these areas as Cultural Districts, communities can gain more support to preserve historic, culturally significant structures, as well as foster cultural development and education. The program also aims to celebrate communities’ unique cultural identities, elevate their traditions and languages, and encourage economic development to these vibrant areas.

Senate Democrats begin process for fiscally responsible FY 25 budget

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus heard the governor’s state budget proposal Wednesday and will immediately begin bipartisan, bicameral conversations to bring forth a balanced budget that prioritizes Illinoisans in all corners of the state.

“The governor’s proposal is a good start. Senate Democrats look forward to the discussion of how to balance our serious needs with fiscal realities in the weeks and months ahead,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “My goal is to cross the finish line with a bipartisan, balanced budget that reflects our shared goals of responsibility and security and invests in key priorities for the State of Illinois.”

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Illinois Black Caucus calls for real investments following governor's proposal

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus called a press conference Wednesday to offer their responses to Governor Pritzker’s annual budget address.

“We saw a proposed budget that acknowledges a handful of issues that disproportionately affect Black communities, such as gun violence, maternal mortality rates, and economic access and equity,” said State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago), Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Senate chair. “The ILBC fought hard to enact four key pillars to reform Illinois and dismantle systemic racism across the state. I look forward to fighting alongside my colleagues to ensure adequate funding reaches the communities that need it most as we move forward with budget negotiations.”

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Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus outlines priorities following governor's budget adddress

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus outlined a number of their investment priorities focused on Latino communities following the governor’s budget address Wednesday.

“We are pleased that the proposal strives to address items of importance to the Latino community, from health care to education,” said Senate Latino Caucus Chair Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Our community is growing and it’s not going anywhere.”

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SPRINGFIELD – Military service members on active duty status who represent part of a public body – such as a village board, school district or township –may soon be allowed to attend meetings remotely, thanks to a new measure passed by State Senator Mike Porfirio.

“It is our duty to create a more inclusive and adaptable environment for all members of our community, especially those who selflessly serve in the military,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township), a member of the Navy Reserve. “This legislation reflects our commitment to ensuring service members on active duty status can participate in discussions and decisions that impact our communities and the people they have dedicated their lives to protecting.”

SPRINGFIELD – The achievements of Career and Technical Education programs across the state will be recognized this February under a measure sponsored by State Senator Mike Halpin.

“Many CTE programs allow students to receive a debt-free education that sets them up with a good job,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “I believe there is agreement out there across our community and state that college isn’t for everyone. We need to be proud of our young people going to vocational school, as our state wouldn’t be able to build any infrastructure without them.”

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus called a press conference Wednesday to offer their responses to Governor Pritzker’s annual budget address.

"The stability and progress that was mentioned by Governor Pritzker today has helped many communities, but we expect that help to trickle down to the Black community,” said State Representative Carol Ammons (D-Chicago), Illinois Legislative Black Caucus House chair. “Our goal is to not just put it into the budget, but to get it out to our communities. We look forward to redressing investments in the Black community, because as we invest in the Black community everyone knows that is an investment all other communities benefit from.”

Black Caucus members joined to address the parts of the governor’s budget proposal relating to the ILBC’s four-pillar legislative agenda aimed to rid Illinois of systemic racism. Members echoed a resounding responsibility to speak to the issues in the Black community that do not quite translate into the budget investments.