Caucus News

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Robert Martwick’s measure to extend the highly successful Accelerated Pension Benefit Program has passed.

“Public employees dedicate years of service to our communities and programs like the Accelerated Pension Benefit Program help provide additional retirement planning tools and stability,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “Continuing the program reflects a commitment to honoring workers while responsibly managing pension obligations.”

SPRINGFIELD – To bring awareness to a condition that will be faced by more than half of all Illinoisans, State Senator Adriane Johnson championed the effort to declare Oct. 11-17, 2026 Menopause Awareness Week.

“Highlighting menopause is vital to guaranteeing that individuals receive empathy, support, medical care, and dignity they deserve during this major stage in life,” said Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “By breaking the stigma and championing education, we can improve health outcomes and empower people to navigate menopause with confidence.”

SPRINGFIELD ─ State Senator Ram Villivalam advanced a measure through the Senate to streamline implementation of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act.

“The Northern Transit Authority Act is a historic, transformative law securing the future of world-class public transit in Illinois, but our work shouldn’t stop there,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “With June 1 quickly approaching, it is imperative that we continue to work and ensure streamlined implementation throughout the transition to NITA.”

House Bill 2335 would solidify and streamline the comprehensive reforms under the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act. Signed into law in December, the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act addresses the fiscal cliff that was expected to cause mass layoffs and reduced transit service in 2026 and 2027 with necessary reforms and a transformational $1.5 billion investment.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Robert Peters – in collaboration with a coalition of civic advocates – is honoring the legacy of civil rights leaders like Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., who believed the ballot is the most powerful tool for change. To fulfill Jackson’s vision of ensuring every student graduates with both a diploma and voter registration card, Peters advanced a measure that would recognize education and civic engagement go hand in hand.

“This measure honors the life and legacy of civil rights pioneer Rev. Jesse Jackson and his vision of ensuring youth participation in our nation’s democracy,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Illinois has been a leader for progress, and connecting voter registration directly with high school graduation will keep us on our path of removing barriers and implementing equity for all.”

SPRINGFIELD – After meeting with a local student who can no longer take her service animal to school due to claims of harassment from other students, State Senator Doris Turner led a resolution to encourage the review of school policies, ensuring they align with laws regarding service animal access.

“Service animals offer critical assistance for individuals – helping to enhance independence and safety – and when students are in need of this specific accommodation at school, a lack of well-defined policies can lead to disability discrimination,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “No student should feel ostracized at school, and especially not because of a medical necessity like needing a service animal.”

Senate Resolution 542 recognizes the importance of service animals in the school setting and encourage a review of policies to ensure that all Illinois schools comply with disability rights laws governing service animal access. Under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, service animals are to assist students in equally accessing public schools and are required to be permitted to accompany a student at all school activities, whether in or outside the classroom.

DEERFIELD — Bringing awareness to genetic disorders, State Senator Julie Morrison championed a resolution in the Senate declaring September 2026 as Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month in Illinois.

“Muscular Dystrophy is a group of progressive and degenerative disorders, often affecting young children, limiting ones mobility,” said Morrison (D- Lake Forest). “It is imperative that we raise awareness and recognize disorders that continue to significantly impact Illinoisan so we can ensure continued education and research.”

According to the Center for Disease Control, roughly one in every 5,000 males aged five to nine years are living with a form of muscular dystrophy. Muscular Dystrophy is defined as a group of diseases that cause muscles to become weaker and degenerate over time. This is due to changes in the genes that make proteins needed to form healthy muscles.

SPRINGFIELD – With health care costs skyrocketing and drug manufacturers making billions in profit, State Senator Graciela Guzmán is carrying key legislation to create price caps for drugs in Illinois.

“Price should never be an obstacle to health care,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “Taking advantage of sick people who are in need of medication for profit is condemnable and we must put a stop to this practice.”

Senate Bill 3496 is an initiative to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in Illinois. This group would be tasked with identifying high cost drugs for consumers, conduct affordability reviews on said drugs and decide whether to limit the price of those drugs for the consumer.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt passed a measure through the Senate to reduce unfair barriers to employment for people living with disabilities.

“Everyone deserves a fair shot at employment,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Requiring a driver’s license for jobs that do not involve driving unfairly shuts people out of the workforce. This is especially true for people living with disabilities and their families.”

The legislation would prohibit employers and employment agencies from requiring applicants to have a valid driver’s license in job postings unless driving is an essential function of the position and is considered a business necessity.