SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Willie Preston held a subject matter hearing in the Senate Executive Committee to discuss the need for health insurance companies to provide coverage for speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering.

“This bill makes a powerful statement about Illinois’ commitment to accessible and affordable health care,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “We are working to remove financial and administrative barriers to those seeking speech therapy services.”

Senate Bill 3972 would require health insurers to cover habilitative and rehabilitative speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering.  While current law considers speech therapy a covered habilitative service for those under 19, insurance coverage is clouded by exclusions and limitations of the individual’s policy.

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus took a moment during the legislative session Wednesday to honor and recognize veterans just days after Veterans Day.

The caucus proudly includes three members who served in the military: Senators Michael E. Hastings (Army), Mike Porfirio (Navy and Current Navy Reserve), and Mark Walker (Army) – all who thanked their fellow veterans and reflected on their own experiences while serving.

“As a veteran myself, we must share our experience and our stories,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “We must teach young people how important service and patriotism is. We must do more in the legislature to support our veterans after returning home. We have the power and we must use Veterans Day as a reminder that freedom isn’t free.”

Members also spoke about the importance of educating the younger generation about the importance of veterans and emphasized the importance of never giving up on passing meaningful legislation to support our troops.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago), Senate chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, issued the following statement in response to hateful, racist text messages targeting Black Americans in Illinois:

“The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus is deeply alarmed by the recent reports of racist text messages targeting Black Americans in Illinois and across the nation. These messages, part of a disturbing and growing nationwide trend, are a direct attack on the dignity and humanity of Black people and all marginalized communities. We stand in solidarity with those affected.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler and the members of the Underground Railroad Task Force put forth their statewide plan to connect existing local projects and new projects to create a cohesive history of the Underground Railroad in Illinois, while establishing new educational and tourism opportunities.

“Despite nationwide efforts to restrict education about our country’s history of racism, Illinois remains committed to shining a light on our past so we can move forward,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Our bipartisan initiative will shed light on Illinois’ historic ties to the Underground Railroad, and honor the brave individuals who fought against slavery and oppression so many years ago.” 

The task force – created through legislation led by Koehler – has spent the last year meeting to devise a strategy for sharing, growing and celebrating the history of the Underground Railroad in Illinois.

Celebrating our veterans

This Veterans Day, let us come together to celebrate our United States service members for their willingness to serve and protect our country. We must also honor the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The men and women who serve in our military are nothing short of heroes, and they deserve our utmost respect and gratitude.

If you are currently serving or did a tour of duty in the past, thank you for your service. Your bravery and dedication to protecting American families and our greatest ideals is incomparable.

There are many resources available for our veterans. For more information, visit the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs or locate your closest Veteran Service Officer. You have fought for us, and now we will fight for you.

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CREST HILL – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel received the Bridge Builder Award from the Illinois Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s an honor to receive the Bridge Builder Award from the Illinois Chamber of Commerce,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Supporting Illinois’ businesses has always been one of my top priorities. As a small business owner, I understand the challenges businesses face. It’s important to work collaboratively with my colleagues in the General Assembly to continue uplifting businesses across Illinois.”

The Bridge Builder Award recognizes two legislators from each chamber, one from each caucus, who display a willingness and effectiveness in reaching across the aisle to work together to make Illinois a more attractive place to conduct business.

This weekend marks Día de Muertos, a tradition rooted in the belief that life on earth serves as preparation for the next world, highlighting the importance of maintaining a strong connection with the deceased.

During this celebration, families welcome the souls of their loved ones on their annual visit. They prepare altars known as ofrendas, adorned with seasonal elements such as cempasúchil (marigold) flowers, pan de muerto bread, calaveras (sugar skulls), and more. Photographs and cherished items of the departed are also included to honor their memory.

Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus shared how they commemorate this important day.

MONEE — Senate President Don Harmon and State Senator Patrick Joyce celebrated Tuesday’s groundbreaking on Voortman Steel Machinery’s new facility in Monee. Voortman’s $51.4 million investment will allow the company to purchase and develop new property in Will County, grow Illinois’ manufacturing sector and create new, good-paying jobs for the area.

“Illinois continues to attract big production companies, boosting our business and manufacturing sectors,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “I’m thrilled to welcome yet another manufacturing company to the 40th District, bringing jobs and economic growth to the area.”

Founded in the Netherlands in 1968, Voortman Steel has grown into a leading manufacturer for plate, beam and pipe steel processing machines. Bolstered by an Economic Development for a Growing Economy incentive package and the new Invest in Illinois Fund, Voortman Steel’s Monee expansion represents another step forward for Illinois’ advanced manufacturing sector.