SPRINGFIELD — Members of Illinois Legislative Black Caucus (ILBC) are offering support for the state’s Learning Renewal Guide, a set of recommendations to help local schools address learning loss by students due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Over the past year, Illinois students and families have faced unprecedented educational disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” ILBC Joint Caucus Chair state Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, said. “We owe it to students to ensure they receive a high quality education and that they are able make up for learning loss caused by the pandemic.”

JOLIET – State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) toured the Rialto Square Theater in Joliet on Monday afternoon in an effort to bring attention to local venues whose operations have suffered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Rialto opened in 1926 and has been a pillar of our community ever since,” Connor said. “It’s been hard to see so many local theaters unable to open for business because of the pandemic, and facing a lot of financial struggles as a result.”

The Rialto Theatre is not currently open for shows due to COVID-19 capacity limitations, but continues to be maintained by the Will County Metropolitan Exposition and Auditorium Authority.

“Once those constraints are lifted, I certainly hope that people return to this beautiful Joliet landmark and ensure its continued vitality as the heart of downtown Joliet,” Connor said. “The Rialto holds a great deal of rich community history and I look forward to seeing it return to its pre-pandemic glory.”

Those wishing to learn more about the history of the Rialto Square Theatre can visit rialtosquare.com.

 CHICAGO – Tuesday afternoon, State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) held a hearing in light of rising opioid overdose deaths in Cook County over the past year.

 “I think it’s necessary to reanalyze substance addiction in a way that is not criminalizing the addict,” Van Pelt said. “Substance abuse is a disorder, and people need treatment, not punishment. The drug companies, dealers, doctors and pharmacists should be held accountable for the role they play in these overdoses.”

 Gloria Banks, member of Mothers Opposed to Violence Everywhere, testified that users are victims, and dealers are the ones who should be criminalized. Banks’ brother Jay died last December of an overdose.  Banks said she doesn’t believe it to be an accident, but rather a homicide.

MARYVILLE – To improve roadway drainage infrastructure in Glen Carbon, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) and State Rep. Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville) secured an $18,750 state grant to help the village make much-needed upgrades.

“This grant will help ensure roadways are safe for motorists,” Crowe said. “I commend village officials on being proactive in applying for state funding opportunities, and I look forward to construction starting.”

“I’m happy to see this important project come to fruition and I applaud the work of the village in getting this done,” Stuart said. “Improving our roads will have a positive impact across our entire community.”

The Village of Glen Carbon has received a state grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity totaling $18,750 to construct a drainage outfall at the corner of Glen Crossing Road and Jamie Lynn Drive.

Throughout the grant application process, Crowe and Stuart advocated on behalf of the village at the state level by signing onto letters in support of the project in efforts to help Glen Carbon secure funding.

Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Celebrates Passage of Health Care Reform Measures

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus (ILBC) is celebrating passage of the Illinois Health Care and Human Service Reform Act, a broad-based measure addressing challenges facing Illinois families including health care access, infant and maternal mortality, mental health and substance abuse treatment, and hospital access in low-income communities.

“For months, we’ve listened to various health professionals break down all the disparities in our health care system that exist for Black, Brown and low-income Illinoisans,” State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) said. “Rectifying the injustices in our state’s health care system is a must, and there is no better time to enact such monumental legislation, with measures that will better everyone’s experience and potentially save lives.”

Read more.

Morrison’s secure drop box bill heads to governor

SPRINGFIELD — A safer way to turn in vote-by-mail ballots may soon be on its way to counties across the state after a measure by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) to implement more secure drop boxes passed the General Assembly last week.

“We should make it simpler to vote – even in a non-COVID world,” Morrison said. “Everyone should have a safe and secure way to cast their ballot.”

House Bill 1871 would allow election authorities to establish permanent ballot drop boxes to accept vote-by-mail ballots.

Read more.

Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus celebrates Women's History Month

SPRINGFIELD — In honor of Women’s History Month, some of our women legislators paid tribute to Jane Addams, Ida B. Wells, Gwendolyn Brooks and Maria Cerda: four women who paved the way for generations of leaders, and whose legacies of service and progress live on today. Thanks to Senators Melinda Bush, Laura Fine, Julie Morrison, Rachelle Crowe, Laura Ellman, Ann Gillespie, Celina Villanueva, Meg Loughran Cappel, Adriane Johnson, Laura Murphy and Mattie Hunter for sharing their stories.

Watch our video.

Hastings expansion of sick leave for airline employees passes Senate Labor Committee

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) passed legislation through the Senate Labor Committee last week that would expand sick leave options for airline employees.

“In Illinois, we understand that it’s unacceptable to force dedicated, hardworking people into a choice between paying their bills and caring for a loved one. Family comes first, always,” Hastings said. “Through this legislation, we reaffirm our commitment to fighting for working families."

Read more.

We want your input on redistricing

The Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus recently launched a series of statewide redistricting hearings, seeking public input as lawmakers begin the once-a-decade process of drawing new legislative boundaries to ensure communities receive equal representation. Senate Democrats are committed to a redistricting process guided by the principles of transparency, fairness and reflecting the diversity of Illinois.

This week, the Senate will host a number of those hearings. The dates are as follows:

• Kankakee and Will Subcommittee: Monday, March 29 at 5 p.m. (Virtual Hearing)
• Redistricting Committee: Tuesday, March 30 at 3 p.m. (Hybrid Hearing)
  This is a hybrid committee, so you can watch or participate either online or in-person at the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture in Chicago.
• Southern Illinois Subcommittee: Thursday, April 1 at 5 p.m. (Virtual Hearing)
• Chicago North Subcommittee: Friday, April 2 at 3 p.m. (Virtual Hearing)

To watch any of the committees, visit ilga.gov then click “audio/video” under the Senate tab at its start time. Additionally, if you would like to testify or submit written testimony to the Illinois State Senate Redistricting Committee or any of its subcommittees contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

There are also more hearings to come. Visit the “hearings” tab on our redistricting website at ilsenateredistricting.com to learn more.

In case you missed it

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BUFFALO GROVE – With COVID-19 test positivity rates and hospitalizations on the rise, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) urges Lake County residents to wear masks, practice social distancing and take advantage of a new state-run vaccination site opening in Waukegan on April 1.

“A resurgence of COVID-19 could endanger lives and livelihoods in our community. We cannot risk a backslide,” Johnson said. “The vaccine is our most effective defense against the virus—please don’t let your guard down, and get vaccinated as soon as you are able.”

FRANKFORT – The Senate Energy and Public Utilities committee, chaired by State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort), held the first public hearing on the Coal to Solar and Energy Storage Act Tuesday.

“We have embarked on a journey that will culminate with increased investment in our state’s capacity for clean energy and in our working families,” Hastings said. “Our top priorities must be guaranteeing our infrastructure can maintain the necessary baseload to power Illinois homes, solidifying our status as a leader in energy generation and distribution space, and sustaining good paying jobs.”

PARK FOREST – To raise awareness of the risk and tragic consequences of being entrapped or engulfed in a grain bin, Senate Agriculture Chair Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is joining the Illinois Department of Labor and farm safety experts during Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week.

“This week brings industry professionals to the table to discuss how small changes can prevent dangerous hazards while working in or around a grain bin,” Joyce said. “Grain bin entrapments can happen quickly. The more we can do to educate farmworkers, the more tragedies we can prevent.”

While workers should avoid entering grain bins if possible, safety measures can greatly diminish the risk if they must enter. To help farmers and grain workers become familiar with these risk-reducing practices, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is partnering with grain industry leaders to host a week of free, virtual educational events for anyone who handles grain.

Starting at 10 a.m. each morning from March 29 to April 2, farmers and grain workers are invited to participate in virtual safety training programs designed to save lives. Registration for these free daily training sessions can be found here. 

“Following just a few safety rules can make a big difference in reducing the hundreds of injuries and deaths that occur each year. It is vital that farmers and other agricultural workers put safety first, especially when working around grain-storage facilities,” said Michael Kleinik, Director of the Illinois Department of Labor.

Joyce encourages farm workers to participate in these free trainings to prevent loss of life and injuries. With questions or for additional information, visit StandUp4GrainSafety.org.