SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt will serve as chair of the Senate Appropriations-Public Safety and Infrastructure Committee in the 103^rd General Assembly.

“In my new role I want to ensure taxpayer dollars are being used wisely during budget negotiations,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “As the southernmost Democrat, it’s important that downstate Illinois is not forgotten. I look forward to being a voice for downstate Illinois and increasing government transparency through the budgeting process.”

Prior to serving in the Illinois Senate, Belt had an 18-year career as a law enforcement officer. He spent 16 years with the St. Clair County Probation and Detention Center and two years as the regional deputy administrator of aftercare for the central and southern regions of Illinois.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Karina Villa will lead the Senate Committee on Public Health in the 103^rd General Assembly. 

“I am honored to have been appointed as Chair of the Senate Committee on Public Health,” said Villa (D- West Chicago). “Access to strong public health services is vital, whether it be for reproductive care, mental health, nursing homes or the emergency rooms. I will fight for legislation that will improve our state’s public health with my time leading this committee.”

The Senate Committee on Public Health primarily deals with legislation and policy that will affect all types of health care for residents throughout the state. A priority of the committee this legislative session will be workplace safety.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner will serve as chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee in the 103^rd General Assembly.

“As a lifelong resident of Springfield, I understand the importance the agriculture industry plays in our daily lives,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Prioritizing farmers, encouraging students to learn about agriculture and uplifting the industry that puts food on our tables is vital.”

Turner served on the Senate Agriculture during the 102^nd General Assembly. In December, she was awarded the Jim Guilinger Legislative Award from the Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education in Springfield for her efforts in prioritizing the agriculture industry as a state legislator.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel has been appointed to chair the Senate Appropriations-Education Committee to ensure Illinois schools are adequately funded.

“As a special education teacher, I believe my work in the classroom has given me the perspective to understand what teachers need to do their job and succeed,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I’ve been a devoted advocate for teachers for many years. I want to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used wisely when funding our schools for the benefit of our students and education professionals.”

Loughran Cappel entered the professional world as a special education teacher. In 2015, Loughran Cappel became a union representative for her school’s teacher’s union — AFT-IFT Local 604 – to support other educators and help them have meaningful careers. In 2017 she served on the Joliet High School Board, where she worked to improve school safety and technical problems within the district.

SPRINGFIELD – With a looming power shortage on the grid, Illinois received a major boost to its renewable energy sector thanks to a law sponsored by State Senator Bill Cunningham.

“There is an energy shortage in Illinois right now, and it is causing uncertainly, which leads prices to spike and potentially future brownouts,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This legislation will help solve that problem by expanding renewable energy opportunities.”

The law aims to relax restrictive zoning regulations that have slowed wind and solar energy projects to a near stop in Illinois. Without this measure, the state would lose 17,000 construction jobs and over $8 billion in economic impact during construction.

CHICAGO — State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. — the Senate’s chief budget negotiator — led efforts that allowed Illinois to repay the remaining $1.36 billion unemployment insurance Trust Fund debt.

“This plan was the right thing to do for businesses, labor organizations and everyday Illinoisans,” said Sims (D-Chicago), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “I want people to know that if they need temporary help providing for their families, no matter the reason, Illinois has their back.”

The payment was made possible after a historic agreement was reached between the state, and representatives from business, labor, and bipartisan members of the General Assembly. Smart spending decisions and balanced budgets of recent years led by Sims put the state on track to be able to make the payment.

DECATUR – With the strong support of State Senator Doris Turner, the city of Decatur will receive nearly $6 million to improve transportation as part of the historic Rebuild Illinois capital program.

“Infrastructure investments are vital to expanding downstate transportation needs,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We have seen remarkable improvements through the Rebuild Illinois capital program. Expanding Decatur’s transit campus, buying additional buses and installing solar panels on the bus barn will increase accessibility for residents to get around town.”

WAUKEGAN – As part of her continued efforts to advocate and prioritize education, State Senator Adriane Johnson joined residents and other government officials in celebration of the ribbon cutting for the new Student Center at the College of Lake County.

“Education is a great equalizer,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “The new center will provide students in our district the opportunity to live out their promise and live out their dreams.”

The Lakeshore Campus Student Center will provide a promising experience for its students through its improved student services, plus state-of-the-art learning and study spaces. The 63,000 square foot building was partially funded by a $35.9 million investment through Rebuild Illinois, and is positioned in downtown Waukegan with an overview of Lake Michigan.