SPRINGFIELD – Assistant Majority Leader Jacqueline Y. Collins was joined by advocates and co-sponsors to urge the passage of the Pawn Broker Regulation Act on Wednesday.

“Last year I passed the Predatory Loan Prevention Act to cap absurdly high interest rates and protect consumers,” said Senator Collins (D-Chicago). “We must expand the law to cover loans from other servicers so that working people are not taken advantage of and have the opportunity to build lasting economic stability.”

SPRINGFIELD - Senate Democrats joined representatives from the Obama Foundation, the Old State Capitol Foundation, Governor JB Pritzker and community members to celebrate a marker being placed at the Old State Capital in Springfield to commemorate the historic moments in 2007 and 2008 where former President Barack Obama announced his campaign for presidency.

The former president will forever hold significance to the heart of Springfield and its history. Obama served as an Illinois state senator who worked in the state capital before becoming a U.S. Senator. When serving as a U.S Senator, he announced his bid for presidency at the Old State Capitol with his family on Feb. 10, 2007. This momentous occasion marked the beginning of a great chapter in American history, for it was the impetus to America gaining its first Black President. The event drew national attention - nearly 17,000 people gathered at the Old State Capital to witness the historic event. While Obama’s political career began in Springfield in 1997, it also served as the place where he would eventually take his career to the national stage.

SPRINGFIELD — Thanks to the leadership of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus, the state will soon see a bipartisan plan to eliminate pandemic-related unemployment debt and protect benefits for workers.

“In my brief tenure as Senate President, what I’m most proud of is the work we’ve done to restore fiscal stability, said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “This agreement is yet another step forward. I applaud everyone involved for coming to the table with workable ideas and the desire to be part of a solution.”

The unemployment trust was forced to borrow $4.5 billion in federal funds to provide economic relief to an unprecedented number of unemployed workers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This payment is the third significant contribution to the outstanding loan balance. $2.7 billion was contributed in March, and $450 million in September from the unemployment fund itself due to ongoing historically low unemployment claims.

“This action is just the latest building block in our efforts to improve the financial status of our state,” said State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora). “By paying what we owe and continuing to pass responsible budgets, our state’s fiscal status only continues to improve.”

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to protect the transgender and nonbinary community from criminal prosecution for seeking out gender-affirming health care, State Senator Mike Simmons initiated a new measure protecting families who seek out gender-affirming health care from criminal and civil prosecution.

“We are witnessing almost weekly attacks around the country on the rights and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ communities including roughly 300 repressive, anti-LGBTQ+ pieces of legislation introduced by state legislatures, and more pointed attacks including the Colorado Springs nightclub shooting last week at Club Q,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “It’s time to push back and introduce sweeping protections for LGBTQ+ communities, and especially trans youth who have been subject to mean-spirited and relentless attacks on their rights.”

Happy Thanksgiving!

With much to be grateful for this year, it was important for us to reach out and wish you a very safe and happy Thanksgiving.

This day reminds us all to acknowledge the blessings of the past year and to give thanks to the people who have helped us through tough times.

I hope that your home is filled with love and warmth, and that you are able to feel a sense of togetherness. Happy Thanksgiving!

Shop small this holiday season!

We also wanted to remind you this Saturday, Nov. 26 is Small Business Saturday. This annual event was created to encourage consumers to shop at locally-owned establishments during the holidays.

When shopping for gifts or dining out, residents can help our community by patronizing small businesses as much as possible. If money is tight, lend a hand to small business owners by leaving a positive review online, referring a friend, or engaging with your favorite businesses on social media. Don't forget to shop small this holiday season!

Illinois Made Holiday Gift Guide

Illinois Made has released the 2022 Holiday Gift Guide. Discover handmade pottery, candles and more for everyone on your list — all while supporting small businesses statewide.

Copyright 2022 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

KANKAKEE – During this holiday season, State Senator Patrick Joyce is encouraging people to write uplifting notes to veterans as part of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Operations Rising Spirit Campaign.

“It is important for our veterans to know they are honored and appreciated every day,” said Joyce (D- Essex). “The Operation Rising Spirit campaign makes sure that message is relayed.”

Operation Rising Spirit was first launched in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to support residents who were unable to visit with family and friends. The successful campaign encourages veterans and facilitates their connection with the community through positive, uplifting notes sent to veterans’ homes in Anna, LaSalle, Chicago, Manteno and Quincy.

“I encourage community members and organizations to take a moment and write letters to veterans who deserve our support and well wishes,” said Joyce. “This is a small act of kindness that will be very appreciated, especially with the holiday season approaching.”

To participate, notes may be sent directly to the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Letters will be disseminated equally to the five homes:

The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Central Office

833 South Spring Street

P.O. Box 19432

Springfield, IL 62794-9432

Notes may also be sent directly through the IDVA website at https://www2.illinois.gov/veterans/services%20benefits/homes/Pages/send-a-note.aspx.

SPRINGFIELD - In the midst of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, State Senator Adriane Johnson reminds Illinois residents the importance of cancer screenings and preventative measures.

“This month, as we remember those who have succumbed to the disease, it is necessary that we also remember to do our part and get screened,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “Early detection is proven to increase the chances of survival.”

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman will host a virtual presentation and live Q&A about health insurance options through Get Covered Illinois.

Open enrollment through the Affordable Care Act ends Jan. 15, 2023. Listeners can learn about options for health insurance under Get Covered Illinois, the state’s Affordable Care Act marketplace.

Stadelman will be live with representatives from Get Covered Illinois and the Illinois Department of Insurance on Facebook Live Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. on his Facebook page.

What: Virtual Town Hall

Who: Residents of 34th legislative district and surrounding areas

When: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6

Where: State Senator Steve Stadelman’s Facebook Live