More people to receive unpaid wages, thanks to Peters

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois workers now have the ability to see if they are owed unpaid wages through the I-CASH website, thanks to advocacy from State Senator Robert Peters and Treasurer Michael Frerichs.

“Let’s be clear: Wage theft is theft. It’s in fact the leading form of theft,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “People deserve as much time as possible to recover their unpaid wages.”

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Simmons legislation promotes workforce recruitment and retention for educators and childcare providers

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons is sponsoring legislation to strengthen workforce recruitment and retention for educators and childcare providers in Illinois.

“We need a plan for Illinois families and childcare providers to be able to find the best employees possible,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “By getting feedback from all parties, we can create a comprehensive plan that sets children, families and providers up for success.”

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Castro-supported measure to prioritize jobs, promote performing arts

SPRINGFIELD – To uplift the vital economic contributions the arts industry provides to Illinois and the Northwest Suburbs, State Senator Cristina Castro helped lead an initiative through the Senate to support this industry and others.

“Illinois’ creative and performing arts industries employ nearly 200,000 Illinoisans,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “With more flexible rules in place, well-paying job opportunities and a diverse pool of talent, we can expect to see continuing success in the growth of the arts across our state.”

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Villa furthers language equity initiative

SPRINGFIELD – A measure championed by State Senator Karina Villa, securing language assistance during state agency administrative hearings passed the Senate with support from the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund.

“Maneuvering government procedures can be overwhelming and difficult, especially when a language barrier is present,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Building upon the Language Equity and Access Act that was signed into law in August, this will ensure that every Illinois resident has the same degree of access during hearings, regardless of their proficiency in English.”

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Sound of the State: Collins discusses efforts to improve birth experiences and postpartum care

State Senator Lakesia Collins joins the Sound of the State to talk about her new law designed to improve birth outcomes through improved access to midwives, perinatal doulas, and lactation consultants.

Listen here.

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Lakesia Collins, Chicago: IL senators unanimously approve plan protecting survivors of childhood sexual abuse | WAND

Senator Paul Faraci, Champaign: Faraci advances measure to expand mental health care for veterans and first responders | Vermilion County First

Senator Mattie Hunter, Chicago: Illinois Senate unanimously passes bill making it easier for a child’s relatives to become foster parents | KFVS

Copyright 2024 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

CHICAGO — State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. was recently elected to serve as the chair of the Council of State Governments.

“It is a tremendous honor to have been elected by my colleagues from all 50 states to serve in this important position,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Many of the skills and much of the knowledge about policy I developed in partnership with people I met through the Council of State Governments and I am proud to help shape future generations of leaders through this amazing organization of state government leaders.”

The Council of State Governments is the nation’s largest nonpartisan organization serving all three branches of state elected and appointed officials. The mission of the group is to champion excellence in state government.

Happy Thanksgiving!

With much to be grateful for this year, it was important for us to reach out and wish you a very safe and happy Thanksgiving.

This day reminds us all to acknowledge the blessings of the past year and to give thanks to the people who have helped us through tough times.

We hope your home is filled with love and warmth, and that you are able to feel a sense of togetherness.

To hear a special Thanksgiving message from Senate President Don Harmon, click here. Happy Thanksgiving!

Shop small this holiday season!

We also wanted to remind you this Saturday, Nov. 30 is Small Business Saturday. This annual event was created to encourage consumers to shop at locally-owned establishments during the holidays.

When shopping for gifts or dining out, residents can help our community by patronizing small businesses as much as possible. If money is tight, lend a hand to small business owners by leaving a positive review online, referring a friend, or engaging with your favorite businesses on social media. Don't forget to shop small this holiday season!

Copyright 2024 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

PALATINE – State Senator Cristina Castro recently celebrated Harper College as they officially broke ground on the new Canning Student Center, which will provide a wide array of essential services for students.

“Harper College is an integral institution on the pathway to success for undergraduate and continuing education students in this region of Illinois. I have long been advocating for the construction of a student center here, and I’m truly thankful that we’ve reached this important date,” said Castro (D – Elgin). “Investments like this not only enhance the educational environment, but also serve as an important recruitment tool to grow the student body.”

Castro, Mah bring fair pay to workers with disabilities

SPRINGFIELD — A landmark plan spearheaded by State Senator Cristina Castro and State Representative Theresa Mah to begin phasing out the federal subminimum wage for Illinoisans with disabilities is one step closer to becoming law.

“I’ve heard from friends, family and constituents about the pain they have to live with knowing their son or daughter is doing manual labor in a shop for eight hours a day only to come home with pennies on the dollar in their paycheck,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “This legislation is personal to me and a critical step in upholding the rights and dignity of all workers in our state.”

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Senate passes Hunter legislation strengthening relative foster care

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Mattie Hunter’s legislation focused on improving the lives of children in state care by providing enhanced support to relative caregivers and reducing barriers to permanency passed the Senate.

“Current licensing procedures create unnecessary roadblocks to financial assistance for relatives serving as caregivers,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Research shows children are better off when they can maintain connections to their families and traditions. We need to provide these families with the support they need to make this possible.”

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Collins works to expand protections for survivors of sexual abuse

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Lakesia Collins is leading a measure to protect children and help survivors of sexual abuse seek justice.

“Sexual abuse is always traumatic for children – full stop. But with this legislation, we can give them stronger support if they choose to bring an action in court,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “No one should have to sit in a court room and defend themselves after being victimized as a child.”

Read more.

Faraci advances measure to expand mental health care for veterans and first responders

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Paul Faraci is continuing his efforts to improve access to mental health care for veterans and first responders through legislation aimed at strengthening recent reforms.

“First responders and veterans deserve unrestricted access to the care they need to protect their mental health,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “This measure ensures there’s no uncertainty about who is covered under this law and reinforces our commitment to improving mental health access in Illinois.”

Read more.

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Laura Murphy, Des Plaines: Gov. Pritzker announces $5.5 million expansion of Wiegel's Wood Dale Headquarters | US Agrigulture Post

Senator Robert Peters, Chicago: IL Department of Labor, State Treasurer collaborate to return unpaid wages to workers | WCIA

Senator Mike Simmons, Chicago: Illinois announces $72M in medical debt relief for over 52,000 residents | Illinois Business Journal

Copyright 2024 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Mattie Hunter’s legislation focused on improving the lives of children in state care by providing enhanced support to relative caregivers and reducing barriers to permanency passed the Senate on Thursday.

“Current licensing procedures create unnecessary roadblocks to financial assistance for relatives serving as caregivers,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Research shows children are better off when they can maintain connections to their families and traditions. We need to provide these families with the support they need to make this possible.”

SPRINGFIELD – At a meeting of the Illinois Senate Black Caucus earlier this week, State Senator Willie Preston was elected by his colleagues as the new caucus chair.

"I am deeply humbled and grateful to my colleagues for entrusting me with the honor of serving as Senate Chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “This is an extraordinary responsibility, and I do not take it lightly. Together, we stand on the shoulders of the trailblazers who came before us, and it is our duty to continue fighting for the progress Black communities deserve.”

The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus advocates on behalf of the Black community, ensures inclusion and diversity within legislation, and works diligently to improve the health and social outcomes for Black Illinoisans.

“As chair, my focus will be ensuring that every Black family in Illinois has the tools they need to thrive,” said Preston. “We must continue the work of building a strong and inclusive middle class where families have access to good-paying jobs that provide dignity and stability.”

SPRINGFIELD — To support the preservation of Promontory Point, a historic landmark in Burnham Park, State Senator Robert Peters passed a resolution which aims to restore and protect the Point’s historic limestone retaining wall while ensuring public access and ecological sustainability.

“Promontory Point is a valued piece of Chicago’s history and an important public space for residents and visitors alike,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This resolution reflects our commitment to preserving its character while addressing shoreline erosion in a way that respects the community’s voice.”

Promontory Point is a 40-acre, man-made peninsula located at the south end of Burnham Park. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2018 and designated a Chicago landmark in 2023, the Point has long been at the center of preservation conversations. A 2002 proposal from the city of Chicago and the Chicago Park District sought to replace its historic limestone components with concrete and stone, sparking community opposition.