HIGHLAND PARK – Cooper Roberts went to the Highland Park Fourth of July parade with his family, excited to celebrate the day. However, after a gunman opened fire on the parade – shooting 8-year-old Cooper in the chest – he was left paralyzed from the waist down.

To show Cooper the community supports him and is cheering him on throughout his recovery process, Senator Morrison is collecting store bought and handmade cards that she will then deliver to Cooper’s family.

SPRINGFIELD – Building upon the smart infrastructure investments made by Illinois Senate Democrats through the 2019 Rebuild Illinois Capital Program, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced Friday an investment of nearly $35 billion to improve roads, bridges, transit, rail and airports across the state.

“These investments in our roads, highways and bridges will create good-paying jobs, stimulate economic growth and connect our communities,” said State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield). “I am excited to see these vital improvements revitalize Illinois' infrastructure and provide working families safe transportation systems to drive to work and visit loved ones.”

Lightford continues to promote equity for working families through promotion of sales tax holiday/span>

BROADVIEW – As a champion of education and equity, Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood), Illinois Senate Majority Leader, joined Governor JB Pritzker Thursday to promote the state’s sales tax holiday on school supplies and clothing that will take place from Aug. 5 to Aug. 14.

“As the cost-of-living rises, the School Sales Tax Holiday will give students the opportunity they deserve to be well-prepared for a successful school year,” Lightford said. “Back to school time can be stressful enough for disadvantaged families, and this year Illinois is assisting all residents with some financial relief for the betterment of our students’ educational careers.”

Read more.

Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus welcome investments in reproductive health care

SPRINGFIELD – As states across the country roll back protections on reproductive rights, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus continue to support investments in the health system to support family planning resources.

The governor recently announced an increase in Medicaid rates for abortion and abortion-related services as well as a new competitive grant program to expand Title X resources to health care providers.

"Expanding access to reproductive care in our state is more essential now than ever," said State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). "At a time when women's rights are under attack at the national level, I am proud that Illinois is taking the lead in expanding rights and access to care here."

Read more.

Feigenholtz: $15 million in additional funding is game changing for festivals and local tourism

CHICAGO – In an effort to provide additional support to the tourism sector across Illinois, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced $15 million in funding through the second round of the Tourism Attraction and Festivals Grant program with support and input by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz.

“Illinois tourism attractions, festivals and live venues bring scores of visitors to communities all around our state,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), chair of the Senate Tourism and Hospitality committee. “These grants will go a long way to rebuild the diverse attractions that makes Illinois the middle of everything.”

Read more.

Sound of the State: Improved Accessibility to State of Illinois Facilities

State Senator Robert Peters discusses legislative efforts to make the State Capitol and other State of Illinois facilities across the state more accessible to all, in this episode of the Sound of the State.

Listen here.

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SPRINGFIELD – As states across the country roll back protections on reproductive rights, member of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus continue to support investments in the health system to support family planning resources.

Gov. JB Pritzker recently announced an increase in Medicaid rates for abortion and abortion-related services as well as a new competitive grant program to expand Title X resources to health care providers.

"Expanding access to reproductive care in our state is more essential now than ever," said State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). "At a time when women's rights are under attack at the national level, I am proud that Illinois is taking the lead in expanding rights and access to care here."

To ensure Illinoisans continue to receive quality care, Increasing Medicaid rates for abortion-related services will assist in offsetting some of the costs providers will face as states react to the overturning of Roe v. Wade. The last time rates were increased was in 2019, and the increase slated for Sept. 1 will increase the rate by nearly 20%.

“Once again, Illinois is proving itself a standout state in the nation for supporting reproductive health,” said State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin). “Not only that, we are making sure equity is at the forefront of our policies—increasing Medicaid rates for services will ensure that people can access abortions and make the best decisions for their own bodies.”

BROADVIEW – As a champion of education and equity, Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood), Illinois Senate Majority Leader, joined Governor JB Pritzker Thursday to promote the state’s sales tax holiday on school supplies and clothing that will take place from Aug. 5 to Aug. 14.

“As the cost-of-living rises, the School Sales Tax Holiday will give students the opportunity they deserve to be well-prepared for a successful school year,” Lightford said.  “Back to school time can be stressful enough for disadvantaged families, and this year Illinois is assisting all residents with some financial relief for the betterment of our students’ educational careers.” 

Senate Bill 157 lowers the state tax rate on clothes and school supplies by 5% for 10 days. The 10-day for the tax relief will begin on Aug. 5 and end on Aug. 14. Qualifying purchases include certain school supplies, clothing, and footwear with a retail selling price of less than $125 per item.

MARYVILLE – State Senator Kris Tharp joined leaders Wednesday to announce a new expansion of Tyson’s Caseyville facility, and the plan to create an estimated 250 jobs in the Metro East region.

“I am proud that Tyson has recognized Illinois’ world-class manufacturing capabilities and, as a result, has continued their significant investment in our community,” said Tharp (D-Bethalto). “The creation of more than 200 new jobs will promote continued growth and economic expansion in the greater Metro East region.”

Additional funding will prioritize workplace efficiency and facilitate ease of production for current and future employees. The facility, which produces Hillshire Farm® and Jimmy Dean® products, will expand its production of snack and breakfast items through the addition of several new production lines and increased square footage.

EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt joined Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to announce a $9.9 million investment to improve the sewer collection system in Cahokia Heights.

“Families who call Cahokia Heights home have dealt with persistent sewage and flooding issues in their homes, neighborhoods and community for decades,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “With this investment, I appreciate Gov. Pritzker and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for acknowledging the importance and urgency of updating the sewage infrastructure and helping us address flooding concerns.”

Made possible through the Rebuild Illinois grant program, the $9.9 million is slated to be used to rehabilitate and replace approximately 35 lift stations, 5,800 feet of cured-in-place pipe liner and 3,500 feet of slip lining in the main trunk line.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is celebrating $1.5 billion in economic development and 700 jobs coming to central Illinois as the Illinois EPA gives the green light to build a new natural gas-fueled power plant in Pawnee.

“The Lincoln Land Energy Center will create good paying jobs right in our backyard,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “When we look at the realm of companies we hope move to central Illinois, those that will positively contribute to our society are at the top of the list – and that’s an attribute of EmberClear’s Lincoln Land Energy Center.”