SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson advanced a measure to enhance air quality in schools – leading to better health outcomes for students.

“Minority groups and under resourced communities are disproportionately impacted by asthma, pollution and viral illness,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “Schools should be a safe place – yet many are under-ventilated. It is necessary that we study the poor air quality in schools and identify solutions.”

House Bill 4903 would task the Illinois State Board of Education, in consultation with the Illinois Department of Public Health, to compile resources to assess air quality and maintain ventilation systems in schools. ISBE would implement outreach strategies to make these resources available to elementary and secondary schools.

SPRINGFIELD – Finding out your vehicle is totaled can be a difficult situation and the last thing you want to do is research the cost of each part of your car. State Senator Julie Morrison introduced a measure to require vehicle insurance companies to do that work for you.

“I am committed to increasing transparency between insurance companies and consumers,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This initiative will save people time and energy during an already trying occurrence.”

SPRINGFIELD — Senate Democrats joined forces with advocates and partners Tuesday at the Illinois State Capitol to bolster support for funding to save after-school programs.

“As a father raising two sons, I’m constantly looking to create a nurturing and supportive environment that they can thrive in,” said State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago). “This is precisely what after-school programs offer to the young members of our communities.”

21st Century Community Learning Centers is a federal program that provides funding for after-school programs that support the creation of community learning centers for youth who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools. Advocates are rallying for Senate Bill 2943, which would appropriate $50 million in funding to support over 40,000 youths currently enrolled in programs.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson advanced a measure Tuesday to enhance student knowledge on climate control.

“Our youth are already engaged on the topic of climate change and are eager to learn more about the real solutions and how it impacts all aspects of society,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “Learning opportunities should be available to students to further their understanding of potential solutions to the issues climate changes poses.”

House Bill 4895 would task public schools in Illinois with providing learning opportunities on the environmental and ecological impacts of climate change and solutions for addressing the crisis. Schools would be granted the flexibility to decide whether to create a separate class or implement these lessons into existing relevant classes.

SPRINGFIELD – At the start of the 2025-2026 school year, all students in grades six through 12 would be required to learn about the dangers of fentanyl under a measure sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman.

“Our youth represent our future, but also make up one of our most vulnerable populations,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “We need to educate students sooner rather than later on the prevalence of fentanyl in our communities and the severe, long-term detriment it has on perpetuating the ongoing opioid epidemic.”

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, a lethal dose of fentanyl is smaller than a drop of water. Opioids, including fentanyl, heroin and other drugs, are involved in 70% of fatal drug overdoses.

SPRINGFIELD — In place of the traditional loafers, high heels and flats, the Illinois Senate Democrats arrived to the chamber floor on Tuesday in their sneakers, a jarringly causal look compared to their usual attire in the General Assembly. However, this wardrobe change wasn’t because they wanted to be more comfortable during the longer session days – members of the caucus were participating in the American Cancer Society’s nationwide Suits and Sneakers campaign to raise awareness of cancer prevention, screening and early detection.

“Cancer has devastating impacts on families in our state, but there are methods to detect cancer early or prevent its growth,” said State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “As the Chair of the Health and Human Services committee, I am proud to participate in the Suits and Sneakers event to raise visibility and support for the American Cancer Society’s important work, and to encourage more Illinoisans to get screened for cancer.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura led a new measure through the Senate Judiciary committee that would allow county boards to make county-owned property available for public use.

“Expanding the definition of public use to save future buildings can help protect historic, scenic, or architectural sites for the public,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). "The state should be assisting local governments with repurposing these sites to better serve the community in a new capacity."

Senate Bill 2651 would allow a county to maintain, restore or reuse places of architectural, historic or scenic significance and allows them to lease or license county-held property to public or private entities for up to 99 years including for athletic purposes or for a museum.

BURBANK – Members of the National Guard and Reserve who are college or university students could soon be able to make up coursework they missed due to military obligations, thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Mike Porfirio.

“It’s vital we support our servicemen and women in all facets of their lives, including their educational pursuits,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township), a member of the U.S. Navy Reserve. “This bill aims to alleviate the burden on National Guard and Reserve members by ensuring they have the opportunity to excel academically without being penalized for their commitment to military service.”

According to Student Veterans of America, around 16% of military students are members of the Reserve or National Guard. Porfirio’s measure would ensure fair treatment for these students by requiring public colleges and universities in Illinois to enact policies allowing students to complete missed classwork and assignments if the reason for the student’s absence was to fulfill military obligations.