SPRINGFIELD — Following the advancement of House Bill 1226 through the Senate Transportation Committee, State Senator Ram Villivalam joined Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, State Representative Jay Hoffman and AARP Senior Manager of Advocacy and Outreach Ryan Gruenenfelder to raise awareness about the measure that would reduce barriers for seniors renewing their driver’s licenses.

“I am so proud that we have moved to the step of the process with this legislation as Illinois is the only state that bases behind-the-wheel driving tests on age,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago).

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler is leading a measure to ensure parents and guardians of students who receive special needs services can access their children's mental health records.

"Parents are essential in supporting their children's education and well-being," said Koehler (D-Peoria). "This bill ensures they have the information needed to make informed decisions about their child's care."

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Ram Villivalam is sponsoring a measure, in collaboration with the Associated Firefighters of Illinois, that would further protect firefighters by phasing out the use of clothing and equipment containing toxic chemicals known as PFAS.

“Firefighters risk their lives each day responding to fires, car accidents and more,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Continuing to allow for harmful chemicals to be used in their protective clothing and equipment puts their long-term health at risk.”

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been used in both protective clothing and equipment for its ability to repel water, oil and dirt and provide thermal stability and durability. Recent studies show that the use of PFAS in clothing and equipment has adverse health effects, including increased risks of cancer.

SPRINGFIELD – In a continued effort to ensure survivors of crime are treated with dignity and respect from the moment they come forward, State Senator Celina Villanueva is leading legislation to protect victims from deceptive practices during investigations.

“Survivors of crime deserve compassion and transparency—not manipulation,” said Senator Villanueva (D-Chicago). “This measure makes it clear that basic dignity and truthfulness are not an option during investigations—they’re a right.”

SPRINGFIELD — To ensure all young people have access to equitable and robust youth sports programs, State Senator Graciela Guzmán is leading legislation that would create a commission on youth sports under the Department of Human Services. 

“All children deserve the opportunity to play in a safe, supportive environment. However, without adequate or equitable investments, many young Illinoisans do not have those opportunities,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “Our state needs a youth sports commission to better understand how we can make youth sports programs more equitable and accessible, so that all children – not just those in wealthy communities – can make memories that will last them a lifetime.” 

Representing a historically underserved community and families with children who have been overlooked by state investments, Guzmán is passionate about equitable investment, especially in the next generation and programs to help them develop into the best versions of themselves. One such area is youth sports, where young people develop lifelong skills of teamwork, critical thinking, and leadership—as well as forming long-lasting friendships and talent in their sport of choice. Without equal access to youth sports programs, however, many children are robbed of these formative experiences, and can struggle with developing these skills in adulthood. 

SPRINGFIELD – All too often, students of color feel the brunt of being expelled or suspended from school, rather than being provided restorative approaches to help with their emotional and mental health – a phenomenon Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford is fighting to change.

“Our education system has failed many children by simply denying them the opportunity to sit in a classroom,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “We’re continuing to move toward a disciplinary system that prioritizes educating students by keeping them in school.”

Expulsion of students in kindergarten through second grade would not be permitted unless the child brought a firearm, knife or other object that could be used to harm another student to school.

SPRINGFIELD — Two initiatives led by State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes would ensure high school students have access to more supports when applying for college and filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, more commonly known as the FAFSA.

“Applying for financial aid through FAFSA can be a difficult and confusing process for students,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “This initiative will give students more resources to help them in this process, ensuring they are able to submit their FAFSA and potentially receive financial support so they can pursue higher education.”

After many students struggled to complete FAFSA applications for the 2024-2025 academic year, Cervantes and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission developed legislation to offer assistance for students wishing to fill out the FAFSA. First, House Bill 3096 would require high schools to designate a member of their staff to serve as a point of contact for students on matters concerning the application. This would create clarity on who young people can turn to if they have questions or need assistance with the process. 

Belt's measure raises wages for working people

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure that would strengthen prevailing wage rules to help workers receive higher pay.

“This important safeguard will help workers get a fair deal for their labor,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “We’re closing a loophole that left many workers getting the short end of the stick because that’s not what we’re about here in Illinois.”

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Murphy measure aims to protect consumers from unlicensed car sales

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy is championing a measure to crack down on unlicensed car dealers deceiving consumers with sales of defective cars.

“In our current financial landscape, consumer protection is more important than ever,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Unlicensed car sellers pose significant risks to consumers, not just financially but also by putting the lives of unsuspecting customers in danger with cars that are of questionable quality.”

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Porfirio advances bill aimed at reducing the risk of suicide among first responders

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Mike Porfirio is leading a bill to help lower the risks of suicide among first responders who face disproportionate mental health struggles due to challenges they encounter on the job.

“Our first responders are heroes who face unique risks and traumatic experiences while they fight to protect their community,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “Maintaining a task force with members who are knowledgeable about experiences our first responders go through will help us understand how we can curb suicide risks among first responders.”

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Illinois Senate Democrats commemorate local parks

SPRINGFIELD — Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus welcomed park districts from across the state to the Capitol to celebrate Parks Day.

“I am grateful for what my local park districts do day in and day out,” said State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex). “Park districts take care of our beautiful parks with walking trails and playgrounds, fitness centers, sports fields and even golf courses. These are places that make a community feel alive and vibrant – a place you want to live in.”

Read more.

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