SPRINGFIELD — To give downtown Chicago business owners a concrete path to address the needs of their communities and generate revenue that can be used to revitalize business corridors across the city, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz advanced legislation that would allow for the creation of Business Improvement Districts.

“After three years of work, we are giving Magnificent Mile business owners the freedom to chart their own path on a downtown revitalization plan,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “Through Business Improvement Districts, our vibrant city centers will have the flexibility and authority to direct their own spending, development and revival.”

Senate Bill 3679 would set the foundation for Chicago businesses to form a Business Improvement District – or BID – and collectively fund improvement projects. Business owners would have direct oversight on how the funds are utilized for projects within the district. BIDs only apply to commercial properties, meaning homeowners and residential properties would not pay any additional fees.

SPRINGFIELD – To increase efficiency in emergency response, State Senator Julie Morrison led a measure through the Senate to outline training on how to access the medical ID function within health apps on cellphones.

“With the majority of people having a cell phone on them at all times, it’s easy for people to have their own digital medical ID,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This measure will help first responders keep up with technology and use this feature to save lives.”

SPRINGFIELD - To expand access to the Illinois’ Early Childhood Construction Grant program, State Senator Ram Villivalam passed legislation through the Senate that would make community-based not-for-profits eligible for $40 million.

“As a father of two, I understand the importance of having access to quality early childhood education,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Our next generation is quickly growing up and it is important that we invest in resources to provide them with the quality education they need to succeed.”

The measure would allow the Capital Development Board to approve Early Childhood Construction Grants for nonprofit early childhood entities in the state – broadening eligibility to new providers, including nonprofits that rent or lease their space from another nonprofit entity.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois residents are one step closer toward receiving relief from noisy highway traffic, thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings. 

“Illinois is the heart and soul of the nation’s interstate highway system,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Our roads, bridges and highways further our state’s mission to serve as an economic hub. However, at times this comes with noisy consequences for our neighbors who live near highways.”

The Hastings-led initiative will require the Illinois Department of Transportation to implement an expansion in their noise suppression program to give those who live near existing highways some relief.”

SPRINGFIELD — After more than five years of dedicated service to residents of the 27th District, State Senator Ann Gillespie is stepping down from her role to become the new acting director of the Illinois Department of Insurance.

“We have the chance to impact so many lives with what we do here,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “I’m grateful the people of the 27th District sent me here, and I am incredibly grateful for the privilege of being an Illinois state senator.”

Gillespie, who has served in the Illinois General Assembly since 2019 and represented Chicago’s northwest suburbs, was recognized with a retirement resolution on Friday.

During her tenure in the Senate, Gillespie was a legislative leader for health care access and quality. She spearheaded efforts to expand affordable coverage in Illinois by establishing a state-based insurance marketplace aimed at reaching traditionally underinsured communities. Recognizing the importance of improving conditions in nursing homes across Illinois, Gillespie passed legislation to overhaul the state’s nursing home assessment and reimbursement methods.

SPRINGFIELD - To assist in recruiting and retention of women in technology positions, State Senator Laura Ellman passed legislation through the Senate to create the Women in Technology Task Force.

“I am extremely proud of the women in my district who worked so hard to get this legislation drafted,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “They are passionate about how important parity is in technology, and the risks of when only one group of individuals implements technology that impacts every aspect of modern life.”

The measure would create the Women in Technology Task Force. It would study the recruitment and retention of women in technology positions, as well as their corresponding management chain. The task force would also seek to increase the representation of women in jobs that are based around technology.

Senate Bill 2682 passed the Senate Friday and now heads to the House for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – Parents would have better understanding of the signs and symptoms of Type 1 diabetes in their children under a measure State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. passed through the Senate.

“Providing education on Type 1 diabetes isn’t just a tool – it is a lifeline that can give children guidance toward better self-care and resilience,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Schools have an opportunity to make a difference both in students’ education and their health.”

Students and their families would be more educated on symptoms, intervention and treatment of Type 1 diabetes under a proposal led by Sims. Senate Bill 3473 would require the Illinois State Board of Education and Department of Public Health to put together informational resources on the disease and display it on ISBE’s website. Public and charter schools would also hand out the information to parents or guardians when enrolling their child.

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford led the charge through the Senate to create a new state agency – the Department of Early Childhood – to streamline the administration of early childhood education care programs and services.

“The foundation of a child’s success and well-being is built starting the moment they are born,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “As a state, it is our duty to provide the necessary support and resources to build such stability. The creation of this unique agency will break ground on our transition to a whole, trauma-informed approach to meeting children’s diverse needs.”

The Department of Early Childhood – which would be created through Senate Bill 1 – would focus on administering early childhood education programs. The new agency would be dedicated to making access to such state programs easier for parents and providers to navigate.