Caucus News

SPRINGFIELD — State Senators Mattie Hunter and Elgie R. Sims, Jr. applauded a new program through the Illinois Housing Development Authority designed to expand the talent pipeline and increase diversity within the housing development field.

“The Next Gen program is a vital step forward in our efforts to build a more inclusive and equitable housing landscape in Illinois,” said State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago). “By supporting a diverse group of housing developers with training and financing, we are opening the door to new opportunities and expanded access to affordable housing.”

The Next Generation Capacity Building Initiative will provide training and technical assistance to reduce barriers for BIPOC developers engaged in the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program. This joint initiative between IHDA and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation is part of the state’s continuing efforts to support the capacity and growth of a diverse pool of affordable housing developers in Illinois.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Natalie Toro is working on new legislation to ensure protections for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence by expediting the process to receive protective orders against perpetrators and increasing workplace safeguards.

“For too long, people have fallen victim to violence or assault after concerns for their safety were not taken seriously,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “It is time we turn our commitment to believing survivors into policy and strengthen protections for survivors to prevent further harm.”

Protective orders are vital for the safety of survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking by separating an alleged offender from the alleged victim. Nearly 56,000 protective orders were filed in Illinois during 2021 alone. However, these orders are only effective if they are served or if a short order notification is issued.

CHICAGO – In recognition of environmental leadership, State Senators Sara Feigenholtz and Ram Villivalam recently received awards from the Illinois Environmental Council.

Feigenholtz received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Villivalam received the Milestone Achievement Award.

“Residents of the 6th District have and will always be passionate when it comes to protecting our air and water,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “We will continue to incentivize clean and renewable energy, hold polluters accountable and pass laws for future generations.”

Feigenholtz and Villivalam have championed and supported cutting-edge environmental legislation during their time in the General Assembly.

Illinois Legislative Jewish Caucus issues statement on Israel

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Legislative Jewish Caucus issued the following statement on Israel:

“The Illinois Legislative Jewish Caucus is shocked and saddened to learn of the massive terrorist attack against Israel that is still playing out at this moment. We stand with the State of Israel as she stood with the United States during our most horrific moments."

Read more.

Energy leaders Koehler, Ellman support Illinois as hydrogen hub

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois was chosen as a regional clean hydrogen hub to drive clean manufacturing by President Biden and U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, an effort State Senators Dave Koehler and Laura Ellman have been leaders on.

"Here in Illinois, we are taking the lead on a nationwide effort to decarbonize,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Illinois’ prime location, strong workforce and clean energy agenda will be displayed on the national level. I’ve known our state is a leader in decarbonization efforts, and I will continue supporting Illinois’ move to clean hydrogen.”

Read more.

$21 million for CEJA Contractor Incubator Hubs announced to help Illinois’ clean energy transition

CHICAGO — Through the passage of the Senate Democrat-backed 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is launching $21 million in funding to develop 13 community-based contractor incubator hubs across the state.

“With a goal of moving Illinois toward a carbon-free future, the CEJA Contractor Incubator Hubs are critical to supporting clean energy contractors across Illinois,” said State Senator Bill Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This $21 million program will provide Illinois’ small businesses with the resources and tools necessary to prepare for a clean energy future.”

Read more.

Gillespie, Peters named Community Health Center Champions

SCHAUMBURG — In recognition of their work to improve health care access and quality for Illinois residents, the Illinois Primary Health Care Association honored State Senators Ann Gillespie and Robert Peters this month with the 2023 Community Health Center Champion award.

“Serving over a million Illinoisans annually, community health centers play a vital role in making quality health care accessible,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights), who chairs the Senate Appropriations – Health and Human Services Committee. “Working to ensure our health care system supports both patients and providers has been one of my priorities as a senator, and it’s an honor to be recognized by IPHCA for these efforts.”

Read more.

We are hiring!

The Office of the Illinois Senate President and the Senate Democratic Caucus are seeking qualified candidates for several positions, including: Assistant Legal Counsel, Associate Legal Counsel, Communications Specialist, District Outreach, Legislative Assistant, Policy & Budget Analyst, and Spanish Language Media Specialist.

View current job postings.

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CHICAGO — State Senator Robert Martwick joined community leaders on Tuesday to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Eli’s Cheesecake’s expanded facility.

“Eli’s Cheesecake is one of the largest specialty cheesecake and dessert companies in the country,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “Seeing this third-generation family-owned business expand their legacy speaks to the continued economic growth of our communities.”

The $10 million investment and expanded facility — which is the company’s first expansion in almost 30 years — will create at least 50 new local jobs. The expansion nearly doubles the size of the bakery, allowing for increased bakery operations, including additional production and packaging lines, warehousing and welfare areas. The facility also includes Eli’s Corporate Offices and the Eli’s Cheesecake Bakery Café.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois was chosen as a regional clean hydrogen hub to drive clean manufacturing by President Biden and U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, an effort State Senators Dave Koehler and Laura Ellman have been leaders on.

"Here in Illinois, we are taking the lead on a nationwide effort to decarbonize,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Illinois’ prime location, strong workforce and clean energy agenda will be displayed on the national level. I’ve known our state is a leader in decarbonization efforts, and I will continue supporting Illinois’ move to clean hydrogen.”

Seven regional clean hydrogen hubs were selected to receive $7 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to accelerate the domestic market for low-cost, clean hydrogen. Illinois was one of three states chosen as the Midwest Hydrogen Hub, with Indiana and Michigan.

SCHAUMBURG — In recognition of their work to improve health care access and quality for Illinois residents, the Illinois Primary Health Care Association honored State Senators Ann Gillespie and Robert Peters this month with the 2023 Community Health Center Champion award.

“Serving over a million Illinoisans annually, community health centers play a vital role in making quality health care accessible,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights), who chairs the Senate Appropriations – Health and Human Services Committee. “Working to ensure our health care system supports both patients and providers has been one of my priorities as a senator, and it’s an honor to be recognized by IPHCA for these efforts.”

CHICAGO — Through the passage of the Senate Democrat-backed 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is launching $21 million in funding to develop 13 community-based contractor incubator hubs across the state.

“With a goal of moving Illinois toward a carbon-free future, the CEJA Contractor Incubator Hubs are critical to supporting clean energy contractors across Illinois,” said State Senator Bill Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This $21 million program will provide Illinois’ small businesses with the resources and tools necessary to prepare for a clean energy future.”

The program establishes a network of 13 community-based hubs across the state offering incubator services designed to assist clean energy contractors and small businesses – especially those from underserved areas – grow their businesses. The organizations that will run CEJA Contractor Incubator Hubs will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity process.