SHOREWOOD – Building upon the smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced millions in road and bridge improvement projects coming to the area this year.

“This plan is a symbol of the things that can be accomplished by a government that works together,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Only good can come of prioritizing public safety and good paying jobs.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Cappel represents will see 11 infrastructure projects totaling more than $18 million over the next six years.

Some of the most vital projects coming to the area this year include intersection improvement and construction engineering in Plainfield at 127^th Street.

These projects are part of IDOT’s multi-year plan, a $34.6 billion investment in construction projects for the next six fiscal years.  

The $34.6 billion will go to highway reconstruction and preservation, bridge improvements, strategic expansion, system support such as engineering and land acquisition, and safety and system modernizations. Over six years, the funding will be dispersed to improve more than 2,500 miles of roads and nearly 10 million square feet of bridges.

“Not only will these projects make our community more vibrant, it will bring forth good paying jobs,” Loughran Cappel said. “Thanks to this program, people have the opportunity to seek out a good job that can sustain them and their families for the foreseeable future.”

To find a full list of projects slated for the 49^th Senate District, visit IDOT’s website.

$35 billion Senate Democrat-backed infrastructure plan released

SPRINGFIELD – Building upon the smart infrastructure investments made by Illinois Senate Democrats through the 2019 Rebuild Illinois Capital Program, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced last week an investment of nearly $35 billion to improve roads, bridges, transit, rail and airports across the state.

“These investments in our roads, highways and bridges will create good-paying jobs, stimulate economic growth and connect our communities,” said State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield). “I am excited to see these vital improvements revitalize Illinois' infrastructure and provide working families safe transportation systems to drive to work and visit loved ones.”

Read more.

Cards for Cooper: Morrison collects cards for 8-year-old wounded in 4th of July mass shooting

HIGHLAND PARK – Cooper Roberts went to the Highland Park Fourth of July parade with his family, excited to celebrate the day. However, after a gunman opened fire on the parade – shooting 8-year-old Cooper in the chest – he was left paralyzed from the waist down.

To show Cooper the community supports him and is cheering him on throughout his recovery process, State Senator Julie Morrison is collecting store bought and handmade cards that she will then deliver to Cooper’s family.

“Almost everyone in the community has been thinking about and cheering on Cooper throughout his recovery process,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “He’s doing much better, but still has a long way to go. Let’s show him how many people care.”

Read more.

Animal advocate Holmes applauds IDOA action on pet stores skirting new puppy mill regulations

AURORA – The Illinois Department of Agriculture has sent petitions of license revocation to three pet shops in Illinois operating in violation of the Animal Welfare Act, and State Senator Linda Holmes, sponsor of House Bill 1711, commends this effort and released the following statement:

“This new state law prohibits the sale of pets from unscrupulous breeders and puppy mills and instead requires these stores to help connect shelter or rescue pets with potential adopters," said Holmes (D-Aurora).

Read more.

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Copyright 2022 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

AURORA – The Illinois Department of Agriculture has sent petitions of license revocation to three pet shops in Illinois operating in violation of the Animal Welfare Act, and State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora), sponsor of House Bill 1711, commends this effort and released the following statement: 

“This new state law prohibits the sale of pets from unscrupulous breeders and puppy mills and instead requires these stores to help connect shelter or rescue pets with potential adopters.

“Some store owners have attempted to skirt the new regulations, but the Illinois Department of Agriculture has investigated and is acting to potentially revoke their licenses. IDOA is working to ensure compliance with this and other laws that keep animals safe, and I commend their efforts in this matter.

“The newly-updated business model is growing across the U.S., and stores that follow this trend are continuing to succeed without selling poorly bred pets with a myriad of health problems and at exorbitant prices. All types of businesses must comply with regulations, and that includes pet shops.”

Holmes has a long and successful legislative record of measures related to animal health and welfare throughout her career in the Illinois Senate.

HIGHLAND PARK – Cooper Roberts went to the Highland Park Fourth of July parade with his family, excited to celebrate the day. However, after a gunman opened fire on the parade – shooting 8-year-old Cooper in the chest – he was left paralyzed from the waist down.

To show Cooper the community supports him and is cheering him on throughout his recovery process, Senator Morrison is collecting store bought and handmade cards that she will then deliver to Cooper’s family.

SPRINGFIELD – Building upon the smart infrastructure investments made by Illinois Senate Democrats through the 2019 Rebuild Illinois Capital Program, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced Friday an investment of nearly $35 billion to improve roads, bridges, transit, rail and airports across the state.

“These investments in our roads, highways and bridges will create good-paying jobs, stimulate economic growth and connect our communities,” said State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield). “I am excited to see these vital improvements revitalize Illinois' infrastructure and provide working families safe transportation systems to drive to work and visit loved ones.”

Lightford continues to promote equity for working families through promotion of sales tax holiday/span>

BROADVIEW – As a champion of education and equity, Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood), Illinois Senate Majority Leader, joined Governor JB Pritzker Thursday to promote the state’s sales tax holiday on school supplies and clothing that will take place from Aug. 5 to Aug. 14.

“As the cost-of-living rises, the School Sales Tax Holiday will give students the opportunity they deserve to be well-prepared for a successful school year,” Lightford said. “Back to school time can be stressful enough for disadvantaged families, and this year Illinois is assisting all residents with some financial relief for the betterment of our students’ educational careers.”

Read more.

Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus welcome investments in reproductive health care

SPRINGFIELD – As states across the country roll back protections on reproductive rights, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus continue to support investments in the health system to support family planning resources.

The governor recently announced an increase in Medicaid rates for abortion and abortion-related services as well as a new competitive grant program to expand Title X resources to health care providers.

"Expanding access to reproductive care in our state is more essential now than ever," said State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). "At a time when women's rights are under attack at the national level, I am proud that Illinois is taking the lead in expanding rights and access to care here."

Read more.

Feigenholtz: $15 million in additional funding is game changing for festivals and local tourism

CHICAGO – In an effort to provide additional support to the tourism sector across Illinois, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced $15 million in funding through the second round of the Tourism Attraction and Festivals Grant program with support and input by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz.

“Illinois tourism attractions, festivals and live venues bring scores of visitors to communities all around our state,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), chair of the Senate Tourism and Hospitality committee. “These grants will go a long way to rebuild the diverse attractions that makes Illinois the middle of everything.”

Read more.

Sound of the State: Improved Accessibility to State of Illinois Facilities

State Senator Robert Peters discusses legislative efforts to make the State Capitol and other State of Illinois facilities across the state more accessible to all, in this episode of the Sound of the State.

Listen here.

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The Office of the Illinois Senate President is hiring a number of positions, including Communications Specialists, Legislative Assistants and more. Learn about these positions and how to apply by clicking here.

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Copyright 2022 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

SPRINGFIELD – As states across the country roll back protections on reproductive rights, member of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus continue to support investments in the health system to support family planning resources.

Gov. JB Pritzker recently announced an increase in Medicaid rates for abortion and abortion-related services as well as a new competitive grant program to expand Title X resources to health care providers.

"Expanding access to reproductive care in our state is more essential now than ever," said State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). "At a time when women's rights are under attack at the national level, I am proud that Illinois is taking the lead in expanding rights and access to care here."

To ensure Illinoisans continue to receive quality care, Increasing Medicaid rates for abortion-related services will assist in offsetting some of the costs providers will face as states react to the overturning of Roe v. Wade. The last time rates were increased was in 2019, and the increase slated for Sept. 1 will increase the rate by nearly 20%.

“Once again, Illinois is proving itself a standout state in the nation for supporting reproductive health,” said State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin). “Not only that, we are making sure equity is at the forefront of our policies—increasing Medicaid rates for services will ensure that people can access abortions and make the best decisions for their own bodies.”

BROADVIEW – As a champion of education and equity, Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood), Illinois Senate Majority Leader, joined Governor JB Pritzker Thursday to promote the state’s sales tax holiday on school supplies and clothing that will take place from Aug. 5 to Aug. 14.

“As the cost-of-living rises, the School Sales Tax Holiday will give students the opportunity they deserve to be well-prepared for a successful school year,” Lightford said.  “Back to school time can be stressful enough for disadvantaged families, and this year Illinois is assisting all residents with some financial relief for the betterment of our students’ educational careers.” 

Senate Bill 157 lowers the state tax rate on clothes and school supplies by 5% for 10 days. The 10-day for the tax relief will begin on Aug. 5 and end on Aug. 14. Qualifying purchases include certain school supplies, clothing, and footwear with a retail selling price of less than $125 per item.