ISDC
  • Home
  • Senators
    • Alphabetical
    • Committees
    • Leadership
    • Find My Senator
  • Caucus News
    • ILBC Committee Roundup
    • Subscribe
    • Majority Report
  • Issues
    • Agriculture
    • Budget
    • Business
    • Criminal Law
    • Diabetes
    • Economic Development
    • Education
    • Environment
    • Ethics
    • Health
    • Higher Education
    • Law Enforcement
    • Seniors
    • Transportation
    • Veterans
  • Multimedia
    • Monthly Minute
    • Photo of the Day
    • Sound of the State
  • Resources
    • Bills / Resolutions
    • Fact Sheets
    • For Educators
    • I Like Illinois
    • Illinois Compiled Statutes
    • Illinois General Assembly
    • Internships
    • Media Guidelines
    • NCSL
    • Senate Schedule
  • About the Senate
  • Contact Us
    • How to contact a Senator
    • Employment
    • Submit Feedback
  • ILBC Pillars
    • Pillar 1
    • Pillar 2
    • Pillar 3
    • Pillar 4
  • COVID-19

The Majority Report 04/21/25 - Protecting our residents

Details
Category: Majority Report
Monday, April 21, 2025 03:36 PM
  • Koehler
  • Majority Report
  • Peters
  • Rehabilitation
  • Juvenile Justice
  • Developmental Disabilities
  • Faraci

Sen. Faraci

Faraci-backed program to protect missing individuals with developmental disabilities

SPRINGFIELD — When a person with developmental disabilities goes missing, time is of the essence – but existing alert systems do not always address their unique needs. A measure from State Senator Paul Faraci is looking to change that by creating the Golden Search Awareness Program, ensuring law enforcement, families and communities have the tools to respond effectively.

“For families with loved ones who have developmental disabilities, a missing persons case is even more urgent,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “This bill will make sure we have a system in place that recognizes these challenges and brings people home safely.”

Read more.

 

Sen. Peters

Peters: Our juvenile justice system should focus on rehabilitation over punishment

SPRINGFIELD — In a major step toward reforming Illinois’ juvenile justice system, a measure from State Senator Robert Peters aims to raise the minimum age at which minors can be detained from 10 to 12 years old, making it clear the state is moving away from harsh detention practices and prioritizing rehabilitation.

“Our juvenile justice system should focus on rehabilitation over punishment,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “By raising the age at which a minor can be detained and emphasizing alternative methods, we’re giving young people a fair chance at reformation without subjecting them to the damaging effects of detention at an early age.”

Read more.

 

Sen. Koehler

Koehler's legislation supporting student leaders passes Senate, heads to House

SPRINGFIELD — Legislation sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler to support student leaders serving on state higher education boards passed the Senate.

"Our student board members represent thousands of their peers and help shape decisions that directly affect colleges and universities across Illinois," said Koehler. "Offering this scholarship recognizes their dedication and encourages more students to participate in leadership roles."

Read more.

 

Members In The News

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Julie Morrison, Lake Forest: Illinois bill classifies gambling disorder as drug abuse | The Pantagraph

Senator Steve Stadelman, Rockford: Bill cracking down on license plate flippers in Illinois passes Senate | WCIA

Senator Rachel Ventura, Joliet: Illinois bill would remove cannabis odor as probable cause for police to search car | Fox 32 Chicago

 

Copyright 2025 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

Sims celebrates record-breaking film production expenditures

Details
Category: Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. News
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 04:08 PM
  • Film Production Tax Credit
  • Film and TV Workforce Training Program

sims 041525CHICAGO – Illinois’ national standing in the film and television industry continues to rise – most recently after seeing $650 million in film production expenditures for the second year in a row.

“Illinois continues to lead the nation in attracting film and television companies from around the world thanks to the Film Production Tax Credit,” said State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago). “The film industry brings millions of dollars to Illinois’ economy – and, in turn, enhances opportunities for good-paying jobs in the communities that need them most.”

Read more: Sims celebrates record-breaking film production expenditures

Fine outlines plan to test baby food for toxic heavy metals

Details
Category: Senator Laura Fine News
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 09:55 AM
  • Slideshow
  • SB73
  • Toxic Food

Senator FineSPRINGFIELD – To implement safeguards preventing toxic heavy metal exposure for young children, State Senator Laura Fine outlined legislation at a press conference on Friday that would inform parents about any harmful toxins in baby food.

“When parents think they’re feeding their child nutritious baby food, and learn they might be potentially putting their child at risk, it is horrifying, ” said Fine (D-Glenview). “It is important that parents have access to information about the contents of the baby food they’re purchasing, and this measure ensures transparency between manufacturers and consumers.”

Senate Bill 73 would require manufacturers to test samples of their baby food products for toxic elements – such as arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury – and disclose this information directly on the product’s website.

The measure also requires manufacturers to make certain information about their product publicly available on their website, including the name and level of each toxic heavy metal found in the food, the product name, UPC, and a link to the FDA’s website with information about the health risks of toxic heavy metal exposure for children. Links to this information must also be easily accessible on the products themselves, through a QR code.

“We need to support Illinois families and future parents in their effort to nurture their children – our future generations,” said Fine. “By giving parents access to critical information about the contents of their baby’s food, they can better protect their children from unnecessary exposure.”

Senate Bill 73 passed the Senate last week and awaits further action.

[VIDEO] – Link: https://youtu.be/HXguhfNH4JQ?si=W3uWP5KB-bpdYlld

Simmons bills would ease restrictions on cyclists in Illinois

Details
Category: Senator Mike Simmons News
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 08:49 AM
  • Simmons
  • SB 2111
  • Bicycilists
  • SB 2285

Senator Mike Simmons \ Bike Riding

SPRINGFIELD – An avid cyclist himself and supporter of bike riders, State Senator Mike Simmons passed two bills through the Senate that would remove current prohibitions on bicyclists in Illinois.

“Current rules prevent cyclists from doing what is safe in favor of what is required by law,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “We want to remove and clear up language surrounding bike riders to give all travelers better and safer options when cycling.”

Under the new legislation, Senate Bill 2111, bicyclists would be able to treat stop signs as yield signs only when it is safe to proceed if they give a signal, slow to a reasonable speed and yield to the right of way. This would not apply to railroad crossings or youth under age 18.

Read more: Simmons bills would ease restrictions on cyclists in Illinois

The Majority Report 04/14/25 - Enhancing safety standards

Details
Category: Majority Report
Monday, April 14, 2025 04:07 PM
  • Majority Report
  • Murphy
  • Ellman
  • Feigenholtz
  • Johnson
  • Youth Mental Health
  • 2-1-1 Helpline
  • Gun Safety Standards
  • Emergency Evacuation Plans

Sen. Ellman

Ellman to strengthen Illinois gun safety standards

SPRINGFIELD — For far too long, unsecured firearms in homes have led to devastating and preventable tragedies, especially among children and teenagers. In response to this ongoing crisis, State Senator Laura Ellman is championing a critical public safety measure to strengthen gun storage standards in Illinois, ensuring firearms are securely stored and kept out of the hands of minors and individuals at risk. Senate Bill 8, which passed the Senate last week, would strengthen Illinois’ safe storage laws and expand protections to help keep guns out of the hands of children, at-risk individuals, and criminals.

“For far too long, we have witnessed the tragic consequences of unsecured firearms in homes,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Firearms, if left unaccounted for and unsecured, pose risks to those who shouldn’t have access to them. Firearm owners can help prevent gun-related incidents by ensuring their guns are securely stored away from others.”

Read more.

 

Sen. Johnson

Johnson advances measure to strengthen access and accountability for 2-1-1 helpline

SPRINGFIELD — To improve coordination and oversight of the 2-1-1 helpline that connects Illinois residents to vital health and human services, State Senator Adriane Johnson championed legislation to bolster reporting standards and statewide collaboration.

“Families across Illinois rely on 2-1-1 to get help during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “We have a responsibility to make sure this system is responsive, transparent and consistently high quality across every community.”

Read more.

 

Sen. Murphy

Schools would be more prepared for emergencies under Murphy's measure

SPRINGFIELD — With worries about hazardous material explosions on the rise, schools would be required to establish emergency evacuation plans under a measure from State Senator Laura Murphy.

“It’s vital to establish clear plans before an emergency happens, which is why our schools need to know how to best protect their students should the unthinkable happen,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Evacuation plans developed with emergency management experts give schools the tools they need to act quickly and confidently in a hazardous spill – saving time, reducing chaos and protecting lives.”

Read more.

 

Sen. Feigenholtz

Feigenholtz works to connect schools, families with one-stop shop for youth mental health care

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois teachers and families would have better tools to identify behavioral and mental health needs for youth to connect them with community-based supports under a measure led by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz.

“My focus has always been on prioritizing behavioral health care and social services that reinforce our commitments to Illinois children and families, and this legislation continues that important work,” Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) said. “This initiative will help teachers connect students with school-based supports but also create stronger pathways to behavioral health care and services at home and in the community.”

Read more.

 

Members In The News

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Cristina Castro, Elgin, and Laura Fine, Glenview: IL Senate Democrats lay out a plan to reduce the state's plastic pollution | WAND

Senator Steve Stadelman, Rockford: Illinois bill requires financial advisors to report suspected elder financial abuse | MyStateline

Senator Karina Villa, West Chicago: Illinois bill would limit laws that evict tenants for too many 911 calls | Chicago Sun-Times

 

Copyright 2025 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

Collins bill would further support new mothers on Medicaid

Details
Category: Senator Lakesia Collins News
Friday, April 11, 2025 03:56 PM
  • Medicaid
  • L.Collins
  • Mothers
  • SB 2437
  • Doulas

State Senator Lakesia Collins

SPRINGFIELD – To support mothers across Illinois, State Senator Lakesia Collins is leading a measure to give people enrolled in Medicaid better access to maternal health services.

“We are enabling the continuous support for mothers to have a doula by their side and be able to rely on their services,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “With this legislation, we continue our commitments to the mothers of Illinois, and especially those on Medicaid, with better support and more resources available throughout their pregnancy.”

Under Senate Bill 2437, hospitals and birthing centers would be required to give patients enrolled in Medicaid the option to select a certified doula through the Illinois Medicaid-Certified Doula Program. Covered doula services can include counseling and support, newborn care, development of a birth plan, attendance at health care appointments, support during labor and delivery and more.

Read more: Collins bill would further support new mothers on Medicaid

Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus condemns growing anti-immigration tactics

Details
Category: Member News
Friday, April 11, 2025 02:51 PM
  • Immigration
  • Villanueva
  • Villa
  • ILLC
  • Cervantes
  • Guzmán

Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus

SPRINGFIELD – Following an increase in anti-immigration tactics utilized by the federal government, the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus (ILLC) restates its support for immigrants across the country.

The ILLC condemns recent federal actions expanding mass deportation efforts by targeting individuals with legal immigration status, including U.S. citizens and international students. The ILLC is concerned about recent reports that the federal administration is detaining individuals with proper documentation, including lawful permanent residents and visa holders, and detaining individuals based on their perceived immigration status. The ILLC released the following statement:

“Ordering the arrest and deportation of numerous individuals by revoking their protected status without due process sets a precedent for dehumanizing tactics and government overreach that threatens the security of immigrants across the U.S. 

Read more: Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus condemns growing anti-immigration tactics

Loughran Cappel advocates for special education teachers

Details
Category: Senator Meg Loughran Cappel News
Friday, April 11, 2025 11:23 AM
  • Loughran Cappel
  • Special Education
  • Teachers
  • SJR 2

State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel

SPRINGFIELD – To address concerns about high caseloads that may hinder the ability of special education teachers to provide individualized care, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel presented a resolution to the Senate Wednesday.

“I know firsthand how hard special education teachers work to support their students’ diverse learning needs,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “When more caseloads are being piled onto educators, reduced effectiveness and burnout is inevitable.” 

Senate Joint Resolution 2 would direct the Illinois State Board of Education and the Professional Review Panel to conduct a study on the impact of implementing maximum caseloads for special education teachers. The resolution requests ISBE to submit a report of their findings to the General Assembly and governor by Dec. 31, 2026.

Read more: Loughran Cappel advocates for special education teachers

More Articles …

  1. Turner measure to combat deed fraud passes Senate
  2. Simmons bill to remove barriers to housing passes Senate
  3. Halpin combats plastic pollution
  4. Parental Alienation Awareness Day recognized in Illinois thanks to Ventura
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13

Page 9 of 728

Follow ILSenDems

Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube

Sign up for the Majority Report

Laws Going Into Effect 2025

Employment Opportunities

Find Your Senator

Senate Schedule

Bills & Resolutions

SPRINGFIELD OFFICE

phone(217) 782-2728

phone309 State House
Springfield, IL 62706

Senate Floor, Illinois State Capitol, Springfield, IL

Senate President Don Harmon © 2025 Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus
FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTube
CHICAGO OFFICE

phone(312) 814-2075

phone160 N. LaSalle St., Ste. 720
Chicago, IL 60601