CHICAGO — Thanks to the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus more than $17 million in funding is being sent to 39 program recipients to expand the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The program, which serves up to nearly 2,000 community members statewide, creates a qualified talent pipeline of diverse candidates in the construction and building trades.

“The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program is essential to expanding opportunities for individuals in the construction trades,” said Senator Christopher Belt (D – East St. Louis). “I’m thrilled to see the continued success of this program and its critical impact on Illinoisans, particularly those from communities historically underrepresented in the trades.”  

The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program launched in 2021 with the goal of increasing diversity and access to apprenticeship programs. Comprehensive pre-apprenticeship programs help participants gain admission to apprenticeship programs, which provide a greater opportunity to obtain employment in the construction trades and secure a lifelong career.

SPRINGFIELD — Betting on the Oscars could soon be legal in Illinois under a new proposal from State Senator Sara Feigenholtz, opening the door for wagers on major entertainment awards alongside traditional sports betting.

“Cinema lovers, entertainment gurus and Oscar party-goers in my district are always looking for fun and creative opportunities to attract more visitors to our neighborhood bars,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “With Academy Awards betting, the possibilities are endless.”

Wagering on entertainment awards shows is gaining popularity nationwide, with seven states and Puerto Rico allowing betting on the industry. Ontario, Canada also permits wagering on entertainment shows.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Rachel Ventura introduced a new measure that would require car dealers to provide a vehicle history report to buyers with the purchase of any used car.

“Buyers deserve to know exactly what they’re getting when they make a purchase, especially for an investment as important as buying a vehicle,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This legislation will ensure accountability and transparency in vehicle transactions, ensuring customers don’t end up surprised by serious defects or issues after they’ve already paid a significant amount of money for a new car.” 

Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” — Dr. King

Today we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of justice, equality, and hope. May we strive daily to carry his work forward.

Sims: Clean Slate Act creates fresh starts

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. championed a transformative criminal justice reform that balances opportunities for redemption with essential public safety measures – known as the Clean Slate Act.

"We're creating real opportunities for people who've earned the right to move forward," said Sims (D-Chicago). "By making record sealing automatic for those who qualify, we're getting rid of the red tape that stops people from getting jobs, finding homes and becoming full members of their communities again.”

Read more.

Senate Democrats highlight progress as interstate shootings decrease four years in a row

SPRINGFIELD — Following efforts by members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus to prioritize public safety, the Illinois State Police announced Illinois has had a decrease in interstate shootings for four straight years. Interstate shootings statewide decreased by 31% in 2025 compared to 2024, with no fatal shootings in 2025. This is the first time in close to a decade with zero interstate shooting fatalities.

“State officials and law enforcement are working around the clock to improve public safety across Illinois,” said State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “I am happy to have contributed legislation that assists in police operations on the highway, and will continue to prioritize evidence-based solutions that gives law enforcement additional tools and keeps roads safer for residents.”

Read more.

Preston outlines measure to overhaul state's tax sale system, stop predatory speculation

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Willie Preston held a press conference Tuesday to outline his Property Justice and Community Recovery Act – long-term structural reform to stop wealth extraction from disinvested communities, which will in turn stabilize neighborhoods.

“For too long, our tax sale system has enabled predatory investors to exploit struggling homeowners and extract wealth from our most vulnerable communities,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “This legislation would flip that broken system on its head. We're working to end risk-free speculation, forgiving crushing tax debt when it's unjust, and putting properties back into the hands of residents, nonprofits and local developers who will actually invest in our neighborhoods."

Read more.

Dignity in Pay Act

Senator Cristina Castro discusses the Dignity in Pay Act, sharing her personal connection to the long struggle to ensure equity in pay for workers with disabilities, and how this legislation will enshrine and bolster opportunities for economic independence for workers.

Listen here.

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Christopher Belt, East St.Louis: Belt highlights expansion of job training programs at community colleges | Illinois Business Journal

Senator Dave Koehler, Peoria: ‘Transformation in action’: Illinois State celebrates groundbreaking for Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts construction project | Illinois State University

Senator Willie Preston, Chicago: IL bill could overhaul tax sale system, stabilize neighborhoods | WAND

Copyright 2026 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. championed a transformative criminal justice reform that balances opportunities for redemption with essential public safety measures – known as the Clean Slate Act.

"We're creating real opportunities for people who've earned the right to move forward," said Sims (D-Chicago). "By making record sealing automatic for those who qualify, we're getting rid of the red tape that stops people from getting jobs, finding homes and becoming full members of their communities again.”

The Clean Slate Act – found within House Bill 1836 – automates the sealing of criminal records that are already eligible under current law, removing the need for individuals to navigate a complex petition process. Non-conviction records will be automatically sealed, but serious crimes like murder, sex offenses, human trafficking, Class X felonies, violent crimes, DUI and domestic battery are excluded from automatic sealing.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Willie Preston held a press conference Tuesday to outline his Property Justice and Community Recovery Act – long-term structural reform to stop wealth extraction from disinvested communities, which will in turn stabilize neighborhoods.

“For too long, our tax sale system has enabled predatory investors to exploit struggling homeowners and extract wealth from our most vulnerable communities,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “This legislation would flip that broken system on its head. We're working to end risk-free speculation, forgiving crushing tax debt when it's unjust, and putting properties back into the hands of residents, nonprofits and local developers who will actually invest in our neighborhoods."

SPRINGFIELD — Following efforts by members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus to prioritize public safety, the Illinois State Police announced Illinois has had a decrease in interstate shootings for four straight years. Interstate shootings statewide decreased by 31% in 2025 compared to 2024, with no fatal shootings in 2025. This is the first time in close to a decade with zero interstate shooting fatalities.

“State officials and law enforcement are working around the clock to improve public safety across Illinois,” said State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “I am happy to have contributed legislation that assists in police operations on the highway, and will continue to prioritize evidence-based solutions that gives law enforcement additional tools and keeps roads safer for residents.”

NORMAL — State Senator Dave Koehler today joined Illinois State University leaders, faculty and community members to celebrate the groundbreaking transformation of the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts. This project expands opportunities for students and strengthens arts and culture in Central Illinois.

“This transformative project represents an investment not only in the arts, but in our youth and the commitment to creating more creatives in our state," said Koehler (D-Peoria). "ISU’s new fine arts building will help support the expressive community of students already there, attract bright new talent and contribute to the cultural growth of our region."

This multi-phase project, made possible by the Rebuild Illinois program, renovates and reconfigures existing facilities to provide updated teaching and rehearsal spaces, improved accessibility and enhanced areas for community engagement. The improvements will better position the college to train future artists, educators and creative professionals who contribute to the region’s cultural and economic life.