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

Guzmán plan to expand SNAP eligibility for college students passes Senate

Details
Category: Senator Graciela Guzmán News
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 05:31 PM
  • SNAP
  • Food Insecurity
  • College Students
  • HB1298

Senator Guzman speaking on the Senate floor. SPRINGFIELD — College students experiencing hunger may soon have relief, thanks to an initiative led by State Senator Graciela Guzmán to expand eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in Illinois.

“Students facing food insecurity may not be able to perform as well as their peers academically, restricting them from the same achievements and career opportunities they could reach if they had access to basic needs,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “Senate Bill 1298 would ensure no student goes hungry, helping all students achieve more academically and for their future.” 

Read more: Guzmán plan to expand SNAP eligibility for college students passes Senate

Collins joins SEIU advocates in Springfield

Details
Category: Senator Lakesia Collins News
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 05:23 PM
  • Collins
  • SEIU
  • Home Health Care Workers
  • Rally

CollinsSEIUSPRINGFIELD – Hundreds of members from the Service Employees International Union joined State Senator Lakesia Collins at the Capitol on Wednesday to speak about the challenges faced by home health care workers.

“Home care workers give their life to taking care of our communities and deserve to know Illinois has their back,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “As a former home health care worker, I know the struggle and challenges they face, and as a legislator, I am fighting for their right to be fairly paid and protected.”

Collins, a fierce advocate for SEIU and health care workers across Illinois, is proud to join advocates to support Senate Bill 120, which would increase the rate for in-home services under the Community Care Program to $32.75 to support a minimum wage of $20 an hour for direct service workers.

Read more: Collins joins SEIU advocates in Springfield

Koehler applauds Damera’s $32 million EV assembly plant investment in Peoria

Details
Category: Senator Dave Koehler News
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 02:58 PM
  • Peoria
  • Electric Vehicles
  • Assembly Plant

peoria 1200x800PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler is celebrating a nearly $32 million investment in Peoria. Damera Corporation announced plans to open its first U.S. electric vehicle assembly plant, bringing 90 new full-time jobs to the region.

“Damera Corporation choosing our community for its first U.S. assembly plant speaks volumes about the talent and potential in our backyard,” said Koehler (D-Peoria) This is about good-paying jobs, cleaner transportation and our community stepping into a brighter, greener future."

Read more: Koehler applauds Damera’s $32 million EV assembly plant investment in Peoria

Belt moves to ban bait-and-switch gym membership sales tactic

Details
Category: Senator Christopher Belt News
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 02:23 PM
  • Belt
  • Transparency
  • Turner
  • Gym Memberships
  • Slideshow
  • SB314

Senator Belt speaking at the press conference, flanked by Senator Johnson and Senator PrestonSPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt held a press conference to highlight legislation that would stop gyms and fitness centers from cancelling or changing benefits of a promised lifetime membership.

“This bill is about fairness, trust, and making sure that when a business offers a lifetime membership, it actually means lifetime membership — not one year, not until they decide to change the deal, but for the life of the customer,” said Belt (D-Swansea).  "We’re setting a fair and clear standard that responsible businesses are already following and that gym-goers deserve.”

Read more: Belt moves to ban bait-and-switch gym membership sales tactic

Johnson advocates for student wellness, safety, and workforce development with legislative package

Details
Category: Senator Adriane Johnson News
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 11:12 AM
  • Mental Health
  • ISBE
  • Education
  • Johnson
  • SB79
  • SB1359
  • SB2193
  • YouthBuild Illinois

Sen. Adriane Johnson

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson advocated for a package of legislation designed to foster healthier learning environments, enhance access to mental health care, and expand educational and job opportunities for some of Illinois’ most vulnerable populations during a subject matter hearing Tuesday.

“Whether it’s supporting a student’s mental health, improving the air they breathe in classrooms, or helping young adults get on the path to a good-paying job, we must continue to invest in the people and systems that shape our communities,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “These bills are about access, equity, and building a better Illinois for all.”

Read more: Johnson advocates for student wellness, safety, and workforce development with legislative package

Lawmakers, advocates rally at Illinois Capitol to demand real solutions to gun violence

Details
Category: Member News
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 10:37 AM
  • Peters
  • Villanueva
  • Reimagine Public Safety Act

ISDC RPSASPRINGFIELD – As chants rose in the air – a sea of orange gathered beneath the statue of Lincoln, signs held with grief and hope – members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus stood alongside survivors, advocates and community leaders in a powerful call to action: fully fund the Reimagine Public Safety Act and end the epidemic of gun violence through community-led solutions.

“When we fund community organizations, prioritize healing, and give young people opportunities to thrive, we’re not just responding to violence – we’re preventing it. This is about putting resources where they belong: in our neighborhoods, with the people doing the work every day,” said State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). “I’ll keep fighting to make sure our communities get what they need to feel safe, seen and supported.”

Every name lost to gun violence carries with it a story of stolen potential, of families left grieving and of communities struggling to heal. As gun violence continues to claim lives across the state, advocates at the Capitol demanded increased, sustained funding and legislative backing to fully realize the vision of the RPSA. Speakers highlighted the need to expand outreach efforts, support community-based organizations and treat gun violence as the public health crisis it is.

Read more: Lawmakers, advocates rally at Illinois Capitol to demand real solutions to gun violence

Glowiak Hilton prioritizes safety of foster children

Details
Category: Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton News
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 09:11 AM
  • DCFS
  • Glowiak Hilton
  • Foster Children
  • HB871

Sen. Glowiak Hilton

SPRINGFIELD — To further protect children in state care from being placed in dangerous home environments, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton advanced legislation that would expand the list of individuals prohibited from taking on the care of a child in foster or adoptive capacities.

“Children under state care have already endured hardship, including the loss of their familiar living situation,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “This legislation aims to close dangerous loopholes to ensure their placements are as safe and stable as possible.”

House Bill 871 would prohibit the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services from placing a child in a foster or adoptive home with an individual who has a record of human or sex trafficking.

Read more: Glowiak Hilton prioritizes safety of foster children

Koehler helps create stipend program to help future teachers

Details
Category: Senator Dave Koehler News
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 05:49 PM
  • Koehler
  • HB 1375
  • Student Teachers
  • Stipend

Senator Dave Koehler

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler is leading legislation to ease the financial burden on student teachers and provide incentives for experienced educators to mentor Illinois’ next generation of teachers.

“Our state needs talented, dedicated teachers and that starts with removing some of the financial hurdles students face when pursuing an education degree,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This program will help aspiring teachers afford the costs of student teaching while rewarding experienced educators who guide them along the way.”

House Bill 1375 would establish a stipend program through the Illinois Board of Higher Education, offering student teachers stipends of up to $10,000 per semester for a maximum of two consecutive semesters. The program also would include stipends of $2,000 per semester for cooperating teachers who mentor student teachers, which are also limited to two consecutive semesters each year.

Read more: Koehler helps create stipend program to help future teachers

More Articles …

  1. Edly-Allen advances measure strengthening sports official background checks, protecting student athletes from harm
  2. Villivalam advocates for the support of Illinois auto dealers
  3. Morrison bill expands state police’s authority to investigate online crimes against children
  4. Senate Democrats welcome Illinois students for annual Tech Day
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10

Page 3 of 732

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