SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus joined advocates to raise awareness for the needs of those impacted by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia by wearing purple Wednesday.

“Diseases such as Alzheimer’s and other memory conditions have a devastating impact on communities across our state, affecting patients, their loved ones, and caregivers alike,” said State Senator Rachel Ventura (D-Joliet). “Wearing purple today was a reminder of the Senate’s commitment to raising awareness, offering support, and investing in the resources healthcare providers need to treat the disease, find a cure, and end the suffering.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons was joined by legislators and advocates from the AIDS Foundation Chicago at a press conference Wednesday to rally behind Senate Bill 2814, his budget proposal that would bolster HIV and AIDS services in Illinois amid federal health care cuts.

“I reject any reduced quality of life for a person living with HIV/AIDS,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “For the fourth year in a row, I will be fighting for a budget that includes funding for HIV prevention and treatment, and helps us get to zero new HIV/AIDS diagnoses by 2030.”

Community leaders, health care providers and legislators joined Simmons to call for swift action to protect HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment services in Illinois’ Fiscal Year 2027 budget. Advocates outlined the need to reinforce HIV/AIDS funding outlined in Senate Bill 2814, including funding for critical outreach to minority populations, supportive housing programs and more.

SPRINGFIELD – To promote inclusion and advocate for the well-being of individuals with autism, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel led a measure declaring April 2 as Autism Awareness Day.

“Every person with autism brings unique gifts, perspectives and strengths that enrich our communities,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Illinois is standing as a state that chooses acceptance, understanding and belonging.”

The resolution’s purpose is to recognize both the progress and everyday struggle people with autism face. April 2 is also recognized by the United Nations as World Autism Day.

SPRINGFIELD – According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, correctional officers experience one of the highest injury rates of any profession - over 254 injuries per 10,000 workers annually, leading State Senator Mary Edly-Allen to advance legislation to ensure correctional officers and sheriff’s office employees receive the care and stability they deserve after being injured on the job.

“Every day, correctional officers step into environments that most of us will never fully understand,” said Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake). “When they are injured in the line of duty, they should not have to worry about losing their health care or financial security while they recover.”

DEERFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison is leading legislation that would regulate the distance between schools or child care centers and establishments where nicotine containing products are sold.

“Increasing the distance between schools, child care centers and facilities and establishments selling nicotine containing products is a key step to keeping these products out of the hands of our children,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Increasing the distance between schools or child care centers and where nicotine-containing products can be sold is an imperative next step to keeping addictive and dangerous products out of the hands of those under the age of 21.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins is applauding a new investment from Mars Snacking that will bring jobs and economic growth to the 5^th District, strengthening the local economy and creating new opportunities for working families.

“This investment is a significant win for our community,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “When a global company like Mars Snacking chooses to grow right here in our backyard, it means new jobs and long-term confidence in our workforce, our infrastructure and our future.”

Mars Snacking will open a new North America regional office hub in Chicago’s Fulton Market district, with capacity for more than 1,000 jobs. The Accelerator division will also establish a new global office hub in downtown Chicago, taking over the former Kellanova global and North America headquarters.

SPRINGFIELD—A resolution sponsored by State Senator Rachel Ventura would declare April 3, 2026 as Jane Goodall Day in Illinois in recognition of the life and work of Jane Goodall P.h.D., and the importance of conservation, sustainability, and living in peace with the environment.

“Dr. Jane Goodall dedicated her life to fostering a more sustainable society for the benefit of generations to come,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “By honoring her on the day of her birth, we help continue the work she began in raising awareness on the importance of conservation and the path to a green future.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel joined the Illinois Legislative Neurodiversity Caucus to honor National Cerebral Palsy Day, World Autism Awareness Month, World Autism Day and World Neurodiversity Celebration Month by outlining the group’s goals for improving the lives of people who have disabilities.

“One of my goals since becoming a senator has been to improve the lives of children and students, including those who are neurodiverse or on the autism spectrum,” Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) said. “The purpose of our Neurodiversity Caucus is to hear what problems families are dealing with and find ways to make them better.”