New residential facility supporting medically complex youth in care thanks to funding secured by Senate Democrats

CHICAGO — State Senator Natalie Toro celebrated the ribbon cutting ceremony of Maryville’s St. Catherine of Siena—a new facility to serve youth in care with complex medical needs in the district she represents that was made possible through funding secured in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget.

“All children deserve high-quality health care—especially when they are experiencing complex and intense symptoms,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “Continued investments will ensure more young people can access lifesaving care, and be set up for success in the future.”

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Faraci introduces measure to protect Mahomet Aquifer from sequestration activity

CHAMPAIGN — State Senator Paul Faraci has introduced legislation to prohibit carbon capture and sequestration activities over, under or through the Mahomet Aquifer – a vital sole-source aquifer supplying clean drinking water to over 500,000 residents across 14 counties in East Central Illinois.

“The Mahomet Aquifer is a lifeline for many residents, and while carbon sequestration can play a role in addressing climate change, we need to ensure it doesn’t put our community’s water at risk,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “This measure is about exercising caution to protect the health and safety of our residents and safeguarding this crucial resource for our future generations.”

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Collins receives Richard J. Phelan Profile in Courage Award

CHICAGO — State Senator Lakesia Collins joined Planned Parenthood of Illinois to receive the Richard J. Phelan Profile in Courage Award for her efforts to improve equity in reproductive care and maternal and infant health.

“It is a great honor to be among the fierce champions selected for this award, and I am proud to stand alongside Planned Parenthood as we champion reproductive freedom across Illinois,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Being among such passionate advocates fighting for bodily autonomy is truly inspiring.”

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Copyright 2024 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci has introduced legislation to prohibit carbon capture and sequestration activities over, under or through the Mahomet Aquifer – a vital sole-source aquifer supplying clean drinking water to over 500,000 residents across 14 counties in East Central Illinois.

“The Mahomet Aquifer is a lifeline for many residents, and while carbon sequestration can play a role in addressing climate change, we need to ensure it doesn’t put our community’s water at risk,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “This measure is about exercising caution to protect the health and safety of our residents and safeguarding this crucial resource for our future generations.”

CHICAGO—State Senator Natalie Toro celebrated the ribbon cutting ceremony of Maryville’s St. Catherine of Siena—a new facility to serve youth in care with complex medical needs in the district she represents that was made possible through funding secured in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget.

“All children deserve high-quality health care—especially when they are experiencing complex and intense symptoms,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “Continued investments will ensure more young people can access lifesaving care, and be set up for success in the future.”

The temporary housing program will serve up to 10 youth in care who are ready to be discharged from intensive medical facilities but are still in need of transitional care due to their complex medical needs.

Senate Democrats laud new I-55 interchange at Illinois 59 bringing new era of safety, mobility and economic growth to Will County

WILL COUNTY — State Senators Meg Loughran Cappel and Rachel Ventura celebrated the governor’s announcement that a $93.5 million project to reconstruct a new interchange at Interstate 55 and Illinois 59 is nearing completion. Set to open for traffic in the coming months, the project represents the fruits of another major investment in Will County made possible by the historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program.

"Will County is growing, and with that growth, it demands a skilled labor force capable of not just meeting but exceeding the challenges of a dynamic marketplace," said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). "As we celebrate the I-55 at Illinois 59 Access Project, we have to acknowledge the work Will County has done to be a transportation hub in Illinois while bringing good-paying jobs with good benefits for local people and companies to our community."

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Simmons receives LGBTQ+ Leader Award from State Treasurer Frerichs

CHICAGO — State Senator Mike Simmons was recognized by Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs with the Illinois LGBTQ+ Leader Award during a celebration commemorating LGBTQ+ History Month in Chicago.

“As the first openly gay senator in the state of Illinois and the third openly gay senator in the country, I bring my lived experiences as well as my constituents' with me every day,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Since taking office three years ago, I have fought to protect LGBTQ+ rights in Illinois through empowering organizations and taking legislative action to advance the rights of LGBTQ+ folks across the state.”

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Latino Caucus celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month by engaging the community and honoring trailblazers

During Hispanic Heritage Month, members of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus honored the rich history, significant contributions and lasting influence of the Latino community in Illinois and throughout the nation.

“I represent my heritage everyday by showing up for our Latino communities, whether that is through my advocacy in Springfield or support in the district,” said ILLC co-chair Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Representing my heritage means celebrating our culture and advocating for our community every day, not just during special months.”

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We are hiring!

Are you interested in working in Illinois government in a fast-paced, inclusive work environment? The Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus is looking to hire communications professionals in their Springfield office.

View the job posting here.

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Copyright 2024 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

CHICAGO – State Senator Mike Simmons was recognized by Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs with the Illinois LGBTQ+ Leader Award during a celebration Wednesday commemorating LGBTQ+ History Month in Chicago.

“As the first openly gay senator in the state of Illinois and the third openly gay senator in the country, I bring my lived experiences as well as my constituents' with me every day,”said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Since taking office three years ago, I have fought to protect LGBTQ+ rights in Illinois through empowering organizations and taking legislative action to advance the rights of LGBTQ+ folks across the state.”

The event celebrated the societal impact and leadership of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people and their allies. Treasurer Frerichs presented awards to leaders in the military, medicine, education, advocacy and activism, government, athletics, and fine arts.

CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins joined Planned Parenthood of Illinois to receive the Richard J. Phelan Profile in Courage Award for her efforts to improve equity in reproductive care and maternal and infant health.

“It is a great honor to be among the fierce champions selected for this award, and I am proud to stand alongside Planned Parenthood as we champion reproductive freedom across Illinois,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Being among such passionate advocates fighting for bodily autonomy is truly inspiring.”

The Richard J. Phelan Profile in Courage Award — named after the late Cook County Board president who restored abortion services at the county’s health system in 1992 — is presented to individuals who champion reproductive rights and freedoms through their public service.

WILL COUNTY – State Senators Meg Loughran Cappel and Rachel Ventura celebrated the governor’s announcement that a $93.5 million project to reconstruct a new interchange at Interstate 55 and Illinois 59 is nearing completion. Set to open for traffic in the coming months, the project represents the fruits of another major investment in Will County made possible by the historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program.

"Will County is growing, and with that growth, it demands a skilled labor force capable of not just meeting but exceeding the challenges of a dynamic marketplace," said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). "As we celebrate the I-55 at Illinois 59 Access Project, we have to acknowledge the work Will County has done to be a transportation hub in Illinois while bringing good-paying jobs with good benefits for local people and companies to our community."

Prior to rebuilding the interchange, only northbound I-55 could exit to northbound Illinois 59 and from southbound Illinois 59 to southbound I-55. With the ramps opening, both directions of I-55 can access both directions of Illinois 59 and vice versa.

ROCKFORD – Following Stellantis’ announcement of delaying their investment in the Belvidere Assembly Plant in his district, State Senator Steve Stadelman is urging the company to follow through on their 2023 commitment to invest nearly $5 billion to revive the plant.

“Delaying the revitalization of the plant jeopardizes the economic security of our community, as well as the trust between Stellantis and the United Auto Workers,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “The deal we reached last October is good for our community and all parties involved, and it needs to be honored by Stellantis.” 

Belvidere Assembly Plant has been producing cars since 1965. Initially owned by Chrysler, the plant was purchased by Stellantis, a company owning several car brands including Dodge and Ram. A year after the buyout, Stellantis announced the plant was going to be “indefinitely closed” starting in 2023.