SPRINGFIELD – On Thursday, the Senate Executive Subcommittee on Procurement held a subject matter hearing on a bill led by State Senator Rachel Ventura that would make Illinois the first state to ensure state purchases do not contribute to deforestation, forest degradation or human rights violations.

“Preventing deforestation is one of the most cost-effective climate mitigation strategies. By following the policies set in this legislation, our state can make bold improvements in protecting the climate, biodiversity and human rights,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “The state has made a serious commitment to reducing its carbon footprint with the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. Now more than ever, we must align Illinois’ procurement policy to match those commitments and move toward a deforestation-free procurement policy.”

SPRINGFIELD – Following an Illinois Supreme Court decision that weakened protections for journalists, State Senator Steve Stadelman is working to safeguard the rights of Illinoisans and news outlets to state their opinions in the media.

“This legislation is needed in order to protect media and what they do on a daily basis,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “We need to stand up for free press and speech, and this measure shows our efforts to do so."

EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt is highlighting nearly $1 million in grant funding to the East Side Health District.

“Securing this funding for the East Side Health District is a proud moment in our continued effort to advance public health, clean energy and workforce development,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “The work we’ve done with the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act is just beginning, and with initiatives like these, we are ensuring that communities in the Metro East are not left behind.”

The East Side Health District received a significant boost in their mission to improve public health and the environment by advancing clean energy and workforce development, securing approximately $1 million to implement energy efficiency measures and expand solar energy initiatives across its six health clinics, serving Stites, Canteen, East St. Louis and Cahokia Heights—areas recognized as environmental justice communities. The Equitable Energy Future Grant Program is funded through the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, which Belt supported in 2021.

CHICAGO – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford was one of three women to receive the prestigious Chicago Defender’s Vanguard Award for her 26 years of contributions of bettering the lives of the people of Illinois.

“Thank you to the Chicago Defender for this tremendous honor. To be recognized among such extraordinary women is truly humbling,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “In reality, this isn’t my award. This award belongs to the Black girls who were seen but not heard. The Black girls who suffered trauma at the hands of a loved one. The Black girls who were told they couldn’t be all they could be.”

The Chicago Defender’s Women of Excellence Awards celebrates local African American women who inspire others through their vision and leadership, exceptional achievements, and participation in community service. They are women who exemplify extraordinary stature, poise and grace. These women do it all while maintaining the delicate balance of filling the roles of helpmate, mother, teacher and professional.

SPRINGFIELD — Through a new law championed by State Senator Ram Villivalam and State Representative Kevin Olickal, Illinois becomes the first state in the nation to require schools to offer halal and kosher food meal options, providing all students with equal access to meals served in schools.

“No student should have to watch their classmates eat a school-provided lunch and be left out because there is not an option that meets their needs,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “This new law ensures everyone has access to food that respects and dignifies their dietary restrictions.”

Senate Bill 457 requires schools to provide halal and kosher food options, as well as University of Illinois hospitals and state correctional facilities, upon request. In public schools, the law requires the Illinois State Board of Education to enter into one or more statewide master contracts with a vendor and give school districts the access to the contract so they can more efficiently provide additional meal options to students, including halal and kosher.

SPRINGFIELD – To enhance protections for Illinois seniors and prevent abuse, State Senator Lakesia Collins’ new law will prohibit retaliatory action against nursing home residents.

“Nursing homes must be accountable to our most vulnerable residents, and with this law we can safeguard Illinois seniors from neglect,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Seniors deserve a standard of living with dignity and respect.”

Under the new law, House Bill 2474, nursing homes are prohibited from retaliating against a resident who is exercising their rights. If a resident faces retaliation, they are able to file a civil suit against the nursing home and potentially recover damages.

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman joined the Illinois Department of Transportation in highlighting the ongoing construction of the Rockford Mass Transit District expansion project. RMTD has been awarded a total of $39.4 million through the Rebuild Illinois capital plan for this project.

“Upgrading transit systems is essential if we want reliable and efficient services for riders. I’m thrilled to see the results of the expansion project that will help Rockford’s local economy and keep us moving forward,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “The continued investments in the Rockford Mass Transit District show we are dedicated to improving transportation needs all over the state.”

The project will use $32.6 million to renovate RMTD’s current vehicle storage and maintenance facility to expand storage space, fix vehicle needs and integrate electric vehicle charging infrastructure. An additional $6.8 million will fund new alternative fuel buses and vehicles.

SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to the Senate Democrat-backed Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, a total of $57 million in grant funding was awarded to help clean energy businesses grow.

"The landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act is already changing lives and livelihoods across Illinois,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D – Oak Park). “These grants will help us build upon the progress that has already been made through CEJA while bolstering a diverse clean energy workforce.”