SPRINGFIELD – Recent studies and research have found concerning levels of heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury in baby foods. Even in small quantities, these metals are known to put babies at risk of developmental delays. A measure, sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine, to inform families about baby foods containing toxic heavy metals passed the Senate Public Health Committee on Tuesday.

“Unfortunately, not many parents are aware about the potential exposure to toxic heavy metals in baby food, which can lead to health issues for a growing child,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This measure is designed to provide toxin-free food that has been thoroughly tested, giving parents the peace of mind that they are giving their child the best possible nutrients.”

SPRINGFIELD — Despite the passage of the Equal Pay Act of 1963, women across the country still do not earn wages equal to those of their male counterparts —leading State Senator Celina Villanueva to name March 25, 2025 Equal Pay Day in Illinois.

"Equal pay is not just a women's issue—it is an economic issue that affects families, communities, and the overall health of our economy," said Villanueva (D-Chicago). "We must continue to push for policies that close the wage gap and ensure that every worker in Illinois is fairly compensated for their work."

Senate Resolution 158 highlights the pay disparities faced by women and other marginalized groups. The average woman must work until March 25 to earn what the average man earned the previous year.

SPRINGFIELD — Over 20 million pounds of plastic enter the Great Lakes and Chicago-area waterways annually, the majority being single-use plastics with an average use of just a few short minutes. Once in the water, plastic breaks down into smaller pieces known as microplastics — toxic particles that make their way into drinking water, harm animal life and contribute to environmental degradation.

To tackle excessive plastic pollution and safeguard Illinois’ natural resources, State Senator Cristina Castro is working with consumers, businesses and environmental experts to pass legislation to cut down on single-use plastic bags.

“Illinois can’t be a true, nationwide climate leader if we leave our natural resources behind without addressing the hazards posed by plastic pollution,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “We as legislators have a responsibility to strive toward sustainability and protect our fragile ecosystems for future generations.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin’s resolution to declare April 1 as “Skip the Plastic Day” in Illinois passed committee Thursday.

“With our landfills and waterways being filled with plastic waste, Illinois has an opportunity to stand up and be part of the solution rather than the problem,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island) “Skip the Plastic Day will bring more awareness to this issue that is impacting the whole planet.”

“Skip the Plastic Day” would urge all residents, businesses and visitors to reduce plastic waste and protect our environment. The resolution would also commend businesses for willingly participating in offering single-use plastics only at customer request. The single use plastics included under the day are straws and cutlery, though businesses are encouraged to draw down all plastic use.

SPRINGFIELD — In a recent initiative passed through the Senate Environment and Conservation Committee, State Senator Graciela Guzmán would create a task force studying the impacts of climate displacement, and develop plans to better support the communities most impacted.

“Nearly every week on the news, there are reports of a severe environmental disaster that is devastating communities around our country and across the world,” said Guzmán. “From tornadoes and blizzards that impact us in Illinois, to fires, earthquakes, and hurricanes that wreak havoc throughout our country, we are all impacted by climate change, and may be displaced by the resulting damage from these extreme storms. We need to start planning for how to best support folks who will become displaced by climate change, and work on ways to prevent damage from volatile weather in our own communities, and this initiative will help lay the ground work to address these issues.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure to expand career and technical education programs to support regional manufacturing. 

“A lot of kids grow up thinking that college is the only option to be successful, and while a four-year degree is great, there are plenty of high-paying jobs in the manufacturing industry that young people may not know about,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “For many jobs, kids might become interested because of a parent or family member, and we want to open the door for other youth without similar experiences. Further, for kids who may already be interested in technical education, this bill would give them the experience they need to get a job right away.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci is building on ongoing efforts to protect the Mahomet Aquifer – a vital sole-source aquifer supplying clean drinking water to approximately 800,000 people across 15 counties in East Central Illinois.

“Protecting the Mahomet Aquifer is not just about preserving water; it’s about safeguarding the future of our community,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “While innovation in carbon sequestration holds promise, we must prioritize the health and safety of our residents, ensuring progress never comes at the expense of our most vital resource.”

Faraci’s measure would prohibit carbon sequestration over, under or through the Mahomet Aquifer, enforcing sustainable practices and preventing harmful activities. This is crucial for residents of Central Illinois, as the aquifer is the only source of clean drinking water for at least half of the population it serves – meaning those residents would have no alternative should the aquifer become contaminated.

SPRINGFIELD – To protect consumers from unexpected fees and incorrect bookings with third-party services, State Senator Steve Stadelman is fighting to improve transparency from these providers.

“Many individuals easily fall victim to deceptive booking practices through third-party services, especially in the hotel and lodging industry,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “People are losing their money because of these services, and it will only continue if we do not take action and require them to provide mandatory disclosures to consumers.”

Senate Bill 2013 would make it illegal for third-party booking services to facilitate the reservation of a hotel room without disclosing to consumers that they are not affiliated with the hotel and that the consumer is not making a reservation with the hotel directly.