SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner presented a resolution to recognize and honor the contributions of Eva Carroll Monroe.

“Eva Carroll Monroe was a trailblazer in child welfare, opening her door for Black children,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “As a lifelong Springfield resident, it’s important to bring to light the important pioneers of our history who made a difference in Black communities.”

Senate Resolution 128 formally recognizes and honors the contributions of Eva Carroll Monroe, the founder of the Lincoln Colored Home of Springfield, the first Black orphanage in the state and second in the country. The resolution declares Aug. 4, 2026 as Eva Carroll Monroe Day in Illinois to honor her legacy.

Turner’s measure highlights Monroe’s dedication to the welfare of Black children, particularly during the Jim Crow Era, and her tireless work in creating a safe space for orphaned Black children who were excluded from other orphanages due to racial discrimination.

Senate Resolution 128 was adopted by the Senate on Wednesday.

MOLINE – In order to integrate the Western Illinois economy and drive job growth, State Senator Mike Halpin secured a $1 million upgrade to Moline’s River Drive.

“I am proud to see state dollars being put to work on infrastructure that will build jobs, growth and opportunity in Western Illinois,”said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Repairing and maintaining solid infrastructure means more blue-collar jobs, improved logistics for business, and enhanced safety for everyone on the road. This investment shows we are committed to Western Illinois’ future and improving the daily lives of our residents.”

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Cristina Castro led a measure through the Senate that would make a temporary “cocktails to-go” state law permanent and create new rules to allow more small Illinois distilleries to self-distribute spirits.

“By giving bars, restaurants and craft distilleries the ability to grow and reach more customers, we’re supporting small, independent producers and retailers across Illinois,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “We should be making it easier, not harder, to operate and grow a business in our state.”

The measure would create a class 3 craft distiller’s license, which would allow the distillery to manufacture up to 100,000 gallons of spirits annually. These licensees would then be able to apply for the ability to self-distribute up to 2,500 gallons annually.

Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus statement on armed federal agents in downtown Chicago

CHICAGO — In response to the presence of armed federal agents in downtown Chicago, the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus has issued the following statement:

"We condemn the presence of armed Border Patrol agents patrolling the streets of downtown Chicago. What should have been a peaceful early fall Sunday, enjoyed by families, was marred by the sight of masked, heavily armed federal agents moving through our city as if it were a war zone."

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Illinois Senate Democrats celebrate new quantum hub on Chicago's South Side

CHICAGO — Illinois Senate Democrats joined Governor JB Pritzker and leading quantum institutions today to celebrate the groundbreaking of PsiQuantum’s facility at Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park at Quantum Shore on Chicago’s South Side – marking the start of building state-of-the-art facilities that will make the Park fully operational and Illinois a leader in the global race for quantum technology.

“With this partnership, Illinois is at the forefront of a technological innovation that has the potential to change our lives for the better,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “I want to commend Governor Pritzker and his team for positioning our state to be a leader in quantum technology. This Quantum Park will create jobs, boost our economy and send a message to the world that Illinois is a great place to do business, now and in the future.”

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Edly-Allen highlights success of SmartBuy Program, reducing student debt and increasing housing accessibility

GRAYSLAKE — With almost one-fifth of individuals with student loan debt being denied a mortgage due to their debt-to-income ratio, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen highlighted the importance of Illinois’ SmartBuy program in increasing housing accessibility and affordability.

“As chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee and an educator, I’ve seen how easing student loan debt is more than financial relief — it’s the key to unlocking homeownership for a generation burdened by higher education costs,” said Edly-Allen (D- Grayslake). “The SmartBuy program will help first-time buyers achieve their homeownership dream sooner while also building a better economy for generations to come.”

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Sound of the State: The Safe Schools for All Act

State Senator Graciela Guzman and State Representative Lilian Jiménez discuss the Safe Schools for All Act, a new law that will protect Illinois students from having immigration authorities called on them or family members while they are in the classroom.

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CHICAGO – Illinois Senate Democrats joined Governor JB Pritzker and leading quantum institutions today to celebrate the groundbreaking of PsiQuantum’s facility at Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park at Quantum Shore on Chicago’s South Side – marking the start of building state-of-the-art facilities that will make the Park fully operational and Illinois a leader in the global race for quantum technology.

“With this partnership, Illinois is at the forefront of a technological innovation that has the potential to change our lives for the better,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “I want to commend Governor Pritzker and his team for positioning our state to be a leader in quantum technology. This Quantum Park will create jobs, boost our economy and send a message to the world that Illinois is a great place to do business, now and in the future.”

The IQMP is a first-of-its-kind park designed to support the growth of quantum technology and advanced microelectronics research. It aims to bring together companies, researchers, suppliers and other partners to progress the development of quantum both in Illinois and globally. These technologies have the potential to tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges, such as improving health care, energy, the climate crises, transportation, finance and agriculture.

GRAYSLAKE – With almost one-fifth of individuals with student loan debt being denied a mortgage due to their debt-to-income ratio, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen highlighted the importance of Illinois’ SmartBuy program in increasing housing accessibility and affordability.

SmartBuy is a first-of-its-kind initiative that, through its recent round of funding, helped 533 Illinoisans eliminate $16 million in student loan debt while also achieving the dream of homeownership in only 12 weeks. Through SmartBuy, homeowners were able to purchase a home eight years earlier than traditional IHDA borrowers.

“As chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee and an educator, I’ve seen how easing student loan debt is more than financial relief — it’s the key to unlocking homeownership for a generation burdened by higher education costs,” said Edly-Allen (D- Grayslake). “The SmartBuy program will help first-time buyers achieve their homeownership dream sooner while also building a better economy for generations to come.”

CHICAGO — In response to the presence of armed federal agents in downtown Chicago over the weekend, the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus has issued the following statement:

"We condemn the presence of armed Border Patrol agents patrolling the streets of downtown Chicago. What should have been a peaceful early fall Sunday, enjoyed by families, was marred by the sight of masked, heavily armed federal agents moving through our city as if it were a war zone.

“As if their mere presence wasn’t enough, these agents went further by detaining families, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. This is not about enforcing the law; it is about wielding power to intimidate, instill fear, and target individuals based on their appearance and language.

Collins: Birth Equity plan is vital for Illinois residents

CHICAGO — State Senator Lakesia Collins joined Governor JB Pritzker, Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton and the Illinois Department of Public Health to announce the Illinois Birth Equity Blueprint that will serve as a roadmap to improving maternal health and birthing outcomes across Illinois.

“I want to thank Governor Pritzker, Lt. Governor Stratton, and the birthing justice advocates for their tireless work advancing birth equity and for recognizing the importance of this issue,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “As an advocate for birth equity, I was honored to sponsor this life-saving legislation. Every person — regardless of race or income — deserves a safe and healthy birthing experience.”

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Hastings files legislation to combat 'cost shifting' practices in insurance rate setting

SPRINGFIELD — In the wake of insurance rate hikes throughout Illinois, State Senator Michael E. Hastings has filed legislation aiming to prohibit insurance companies from engaging in “cost shifting” and to strengthen protections for Illinois consumers against unfair insurance rates.

“Cost shifting is fundamentally unfair,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Illinois families should not be footing the bill for losses in other states. This bill makes sure premiums reflect the real risks here in Illinois, not the costs of events thousands of miles away.”

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Ventura brings mental health support to Joliet Junior College

JOLIET — Between studying for exams, social expectations, new responsibilities and pressure from society to succeed, college can often be a pressure cooker for young students trying to build a life for themselves. That’s why State Senator Rachel Ventura fought to secure funding to create the new Center for Student Wellness and Support at Joliet Junior College to support students’ mental health.

“College can be a trying time in a person’s life as they try to figure out who they are. Our young people’s mental health is a top priority, and we cannot let anyone slip through the cracks,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Programs like Joliet Junior College’s Center for Student Wellness and Support demonstrate a proactive step in supporting their students with mental health and wellness services. I want students in the JJC community to know that if you feel you are struggling or just need to talk to someone, please reach out to the Center for Student Wellness and Support services.”

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Senator Robert Peters, Chicago: Illinois braces for more patients as Wisconsin pauses abortions | Daily Herald

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