This weekend marks Día de Muertos, a tradition rooted in the belief that life on earth serves as preparation for the next world, highlighting the importance of maintaining a strong connection with the deceased.

During this celebration, families welcome the souls of their loved ones on their annual visit. They prepare altars known as ofrendas, adorned with seasonal elements such as cempasúchil (marigold) flowers, pan de muerto bread, calaveras (sugar skulls), and more. Photographs and cherished items of the departed are also included to honor their memory.

Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus shared how they commemorate this important day.

MONEE — Senate President Don Harmon and State Senator Patrick Joyce celebrated Tuesday’s groundbreaking on Voortman Steel Machinery’s new facility in Monee. Voortman’s $51.4 million investment will allow the company to purchase and develop new property in Will County, grow Illinois’ manufacturing sector and create new, good-paying jobs for the area.

“Illinois continues to attract big production companies, boosting our business and manufacturing sectors,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “I’m thrilled to welcome yet another manufacturing company to the 40th District, bringing jobs and economic growth to the area.”

Founded in the Netherlands in 1968, Voortman Steel has grown into a leading manufacturer for plate, beam and pipe steel processing machines. Bolstered by an Economic Development for a Growing Economy incentive package and the new Invest in Illinois Fund, Voortman Steel’s Monee expansion represents another step forward for Illinois’ advanced manufacturing sector.

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Behavioral and Mental Health Chair Laura Fine held a joint subject matter hearing with State Representative Lindsey LaPointe Monday to discuss funding for addiction resources and treatments.

“As health care needs continue to evolve, it is crucial that we reflect on responsible investments to address equitable access of such care,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Hearing from subject matter experts and medical providers on the impact of their services allows us to make informed plans for future investments.”

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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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.