CHICAGO – State Senator Willie Preston joined the Eugene S. Pike House Foundation, Beverly Area Arts Alliance and Commissioner Stanley Moore Saturday to announce significant state funding secured by Preston to save, renovate and reinvigorate the Pike House.

“This investment not only honors the rich history of our community, but also ensures future generations will have the opportunity to connect with and learn from this important landmark,” said Preston. "I am incredibly grateful to have been able to secure this generous funding to preserve our heritage.”

Preston announced he has secured $1.5 million in state funding to save the historic Pike House.

Aquino announces new investments in quantum coming to Humboldt Park

CHICAGO – State Senator Omar Aquino joined state leaders and EeroQ Corporation leadership to announce new investments in the company’s quantum headquarters in Chicago’s Humboldt Park community.

“I’m pleased that EeroQ will continue to grow in Humboldt Park, where their quantum facility expansion will house technology development and world-class workers that could make life-changing discoveries,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “The state of Illinois is making critical investments in the technology of the future with each quantum computing company we support with State-sponsored incentives.”

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Policy priorities and engagement take center stage of 'Raices' conference

CHICAGO – The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus held an impactful "Raices" conference this year, where its Senate members engaged with community members and organizers. The mid-September event featured roundtable discussions that fostered dialogue around policies and priorities, allowing attendees to share their ideas and concerns.

This collaborative environment not only facilitated networking but also aimed to shape the 2025 Raices policy priorities, ensuring that community voices are heard and represented in legislative efforts.

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Lightford among top notable Black leaders in Illinois

CHICAGO – From executives to advocates, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford found herself as the only state elected official to be honored as one of Crain’s 100 notable Black leaders.

“I am honored to be recognized by Crain's Chicago Business as one of the city's notable Black leaders. As Senate Majority Leader, I have focused on advancing policies that create more opportunities and address longstanding inequities for the Black community in Illinois,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “There is still much work to be done, but I am committed to driving meaningful change and making a positive impact on the lives of all Illinoisans.”

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Copyright 2024 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In conversation with legislators from across the country, State Senator Mike Simmons was proud to attend the White House States Convening on Child Care on Friday morning, where he highlighted his passage of Illinois’ first permanent child tax credit, advocated for more accessible child care, and discussed the importance of fair compensation for child care workers. 

“I am honored to have been invited back by the Biden-Harris Administration to participate in the White House Convening on Child Care on Friday morning. I was especially proud to share that since last year’s convening, I and my colleagues have passed the first permanent child tax credit in Illinois, legislation that was directly informed by 7th District single moms who participate in my People’s Legislative Council initiative,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). 

The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus held an impactful "Raices" conference this year, where its Senate members engaged with community members and organizers. The mid-September event featured roundtable discussions that fostered dialogue around policies and priorities, allowing attendees to share their ideas and concerns. This collaborative environment not only facilitated networking but also aimed to shape the 2025 Raices policy priorities, ensuring that community voices are heard and represented in legislative efforts.

Several panels centered on equity, justice, and community development, offering Senate members of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus profound insights into the needs and aspirations of community members. These discussions deepened their understanding of pressing issues, fostering a collaborative approach to addressing the challenges faced by the community.

CHICAGO – State Senator Omar Aquino joined state leaders and EeroQ Corporation leadership to announce new investments in the company’s quantum headquarters in Chicago’s Humboldt Park community.

“I’m pleased that EeroQ will continue to grow in Humboldt Park, where their quantum facility expansion will house technology development and world-class workers that could make life-changing discoveries,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “The state of Illinois is making critical investments in the technology of the future with each quantum computing company we support with State-sponsored incentives.”

As part of the state's comprehensive incentive package, EeroQ received an EDGE for Startups tax credit, and has committed to making a $1.1 million investment, creating five new full-time jobs and retaining eight full-time jobs.

CHICAGO – From executives to advocates, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford found herself as the only state elected official to be honored as one of Crain’s 100 notable Black leaders.

“I am honored to be recognized by Crain's Chicago Business as one of the city's notable Black leaders. As Senate Majority Leader, I have focused on advancing policies that create more opportunities and address longstanding inequities for the Black community in Illinois,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “There is still much work to be done, but I am committed to driving meaningful change and making a positive impact on the lives of all Illinoisans.”

For more than 26 years, Lightford has been an instrumental part of the Illinois State Senate – currently serving as the Senate’s Majority Leader, chair of the Senate Assignments Committee and chair of the Early Childhood Education Committee. Her steadfast leadership and commitment to the betterment of the people of Illinois secured her spot as a 2024 honoree.

Villivalam hosts fifth subject matter hearing on how transit mitigates climate impact

CHICAGO — Senate Transportation Chair Ram Villivalam held a subject matter hearing Thursday to discuss how public transit mitigates climate impact.

“As public transit continues to positively impact our climate, it is imperative that we have discussions about what we can do to continue making progress,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Today’s hearing included discussions about what is being done proactively to ensure that public transit helps mitigate the current climate impact, the importance of public transit to Lake County and North Cook County residents, and what can be done going forward.”

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Illinois Equal Justice Foundation honors Sims with “Good Government Award”

CHICAGO — State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. received the Good Government Award from the Illinois Equal Justice Foundation for his advocacy to fund legal aid programs — helping more than 2.3 million Illinois residents seek justice.

“Our government’s primary responsibility is to protect the rights of all people and I am proud to advocate for greater state funding for civil legal aid and the IEJF to live up to this basic responsibility,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Through its grant making, IEJF champions the legal needs of our most underserved communities to ensure everyone is protected by our civil justice system.”

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September is National Preparedness Month

As we observe National Preparedness Month, it’s important for residents to prioritize their safety and readiness for emergencies. This month serves as a reminder to prepare for potential disasters and emergencies, ensuring individuals and families can effectively respond when unforeseen events occur. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency offers comprehensive resources and guidance through its website, ready.illinois.gov, to help residents prepare for various emergencies.

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MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Cristina Castro, Elgin: Elgin Community College breaks ground on new $85 million manufacturing, tech center | Shaw Local

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Senator Celina Villanueva, Chicago: Villanueva applauds funding for local workforce training | Lawndale News

Copyright 2024 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

CHICAGO – Senate Transportation Chair Ram Villivalam held a subject matter hearing Thursday to discuss how public transit mitigates climate impact.

“As public transit continues to positively impact our climate, it is imperative that we have discussions about what we can do to continue making progress,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Today’s hearing included discussions about what is being done proactively to ensure that public transit helps mitigate the current climate impact, the importance of public transit to Lake County and North Cook County residents, and what can be done going forward.”

Across the Regional Transit Authority region, public transit is expected to hit a $730 million fiscal cliff in 2026, as federal COVID-19 pandemic funding is running out.