SPRINGFIELD — Senate President Don Harmon issued the following statement regarding the Derek Chauvin verdict.

“George Floyd’s murder reignited the fight for justice across this country in the never-ending hope that someday justice might be found.

This verdict will not undo the tragedy and suffering.

But it should serve as a historic marker in our ongoing work to build a just and equal society.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) issued the following statement on news of the verdict in Derek Chauvin’s trial:

“With today’s verdict, Derek Chauvin has been held accountable for the murder of George Floyd. At a basic minimum, this is what we need, and I am relieved to see the verdict. But we must ask ourselves now what justice will look like for George Floyd.

“Justice is broad and systemic, and this verdict tells us that the system must change from the ground up. George Floyd was executed on camera in a matter of minutes. His daughter will never see him again. Derek Chauvin has had many months and more of due process, all while communities across the country anxiously awaited this decision, not at all confident that Chauvin would face consequences even in light of the fact that his crime was caught on film.

“That this was in doubt, that we feel relieved that there will be consequences, speaks to how much the system needs changing. Chauvin is one officer whose misconduct will be punished. This must cease to be the exception, or more Black lives will be routinely taken from us.”

BUFFALO GROVE – State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) released the following statement in response to news that former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has been found guilty on all the counts he faced over the death of George Floyd:

“Over a year ago, George Floyd’s death spurred unrest across the nation. Today’s verdict offers some consolation that racism, bigotry and violence carry consequences.

“However, I am still not satisfied with this version of ‘justice’—no verdict could truly restore what has been lost. George Floyd’s daughter will still grow up without a father.

“In his memory, and in her honor, we will continue working toward true justice for all, building on the momentum of the activists that have laid the path for us, to create a better world for this generation and the next.”

CHICAGO – Nearly a year after the world saw George Floyd murdered on tape, a jury found ex-police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of his murder. State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) released the following statement in reaction to his verdict:

“Last summer, the entire world was horrified by a murder that lasted eight minutes and 46 seconds. Though a trial was not necessary to prove what we all saw with our eyes, I am satisfied that this time, the criminal justice system worked.

“Though Derek Chauvin’s direct actions resulted in George Floyd’s murder, Chauvin is not the only one responsible for this tragedy. Chauvin and his actions are a part of a larger problem in this country, where racism has been embedded in our largest systems, policing included.

“Convicting Chauvin is just the beginning, and we must take more action to dismantle systemic racism, similar to the SAFE-T Act in Illinois, if we want to increase equity in the criminal justice system.

“I vow that as long as I am living, I will do all that I can to support and enact such measures. I hope that George Floyd’s family is able to find peace and comfort with this verdict.”

CHICAGO – A jury found ex-police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of murdering George Floyd, nearly a year after the world watched Floyd’s death on tape. State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

 “While I’m pleased that the jury made the right decision, this verdict will not bring George Floyd back. As a country, we still have a long way to go to fully eradicate racism.

“I will continue to work with my colleagues to enact legislation that rectifies some of the horrors Black, Brown, and other marginalized communities have had to endure at the hands of police and other branches of government struggling with built-in racist policies and cultures.

“I hope that this verdict brings some sense of resolve to George Floyd’s family and that the dialogue on how to better race relations continues in this country.

“We have to be better, and we all have a part to play to ensure there are no more tragedies like the murder we witnessed last summer.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) released the following statement after a Minnesota jury found former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of the 2020 murder of George Floyd:

“Today, a jury decided that Derek Chauvin will be locked up and will face justice for murdering George Floyd, but we are still a long way from delivering George and his family the justice they truly deserve.

“True justice would be creating a society where police don’t murder unarmed Black people.

State Senator Jacqueline Collins and advocacy group leaders urged passage of her plan to require virtual visitation options at long-term care facilities in a virtual press conference Tuesday.

Collins (D-Chicago) said she’s sponsoring Senate Bill 2137 to fight the severe isolation that those in long-term care facilities have faced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Collins was joined by AARP Illinois at the press conference, which was conducted via Zoom.

"We know that over the past year of this pandemic, nursing home residents have suffered beyond what is imaginable. Many have lost their friends or caregivers, and have had to live in fear for their own health and safety. Nursing homes in communities of color have been especially hard hit," Collins said. "Senate Bill 2137 offers much-needed relief to these residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to ensure that nursing homes are better equipped to protect their residents from social isolation in the long term."

VILLA PARK – To continue his commitment to advocate for people with developmental disabilities, State Senator Tom Cullerton (D- Villa Park) met with members of the Ray Graham Association on Monday.

“I had a great time meeting with Christian from the Ray Graham Association today. I always enjoy getting the opportunity to meet with local Ray Graham participants. The work Ray Graham does and the services they provide are essential for the disability community in the 23^rd District and DuPage County,” Cullerton said. “I will continue to make this community a priority as we work to pass a budget and various pieces of legislation aimed at supporting organizations like the Ray Graham Association.”

The Ray Graham Association is non-profit organization that serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout DuPage, Will, Cook, Grundy and Kane counties. The group helps people with disabilities find jobs and ensure themselves independence through interview training, resume writing, and learning to dress for success.

The Ray Graham Association, which was founded in 1950, now serves over 2,000 people with disabilities and employs nearly 350 people. It believes in a person-centered approach to care and community, and provides people with disabilities and their families an array of services that cater to their individual needs, strengths and dreams.

“After this unprecedented year, support for this community is more important than ever,” Cullerton said. “I hope to continue meeting with organizations like the Ray Graham Association to learn how I can best advocate for the funding and support they need.”

To support people with disabilities, Senator Cullerton is co-sponsoring Senate Bill 1787, which would expand and accelerate state support services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

*Photo attached. Caption: Sen. Cullerton meets with Christian, a participant with the Ray Graham Association. Credit: Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus.