CHICAGO — State Senator Robert Martwick joined community leaders on Tuesday to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Eli’s Cheesecake’s expanded facility.

“Eli’s Cheesecake is one of the largest specialty cheesecake and dessert companies in the country,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “Seeing this third-generation family-owned business expand their legacy speaks to the continued economic growth of our communities.”

The $10 million investment and expanded facility — which is the company’s first expansion in almost 30 years — will create at least 50 new local jobs. The expansion nearly doubles the size of the bakery, allowing for increased bakery operations, including additional production and packaging lines, warehousing and welfare areas. The facility also includes Eli’s Corporate Offices and the Eli’s Cheesecake Bakery Café.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois was chosen as a regional clean hydrogen hub to drive clean manufacturing by President Biden and U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, an effort State Senators Dave Koehler and Laura Ellman have been leaders on.

"Here in Illinois, we are taking the lead on a nationwide effort to decarbonize,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Illinois’ prime location, strong workforce and clean energy agenda will be displayed on the national level. I’ve known our state is a leader in decarbonization efforts, and I will continue supporting Illinois’ move to clean hydrogen.”

Seven regional clean hydrogen hubs were selected to receive $7 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to accelerate the domestic market for low-cost, clean hydrogen. Illinois was one of three states chosen as the Midwest Hydrogen Hub, with Indiana and Michigan.

SCHAUMBURG — In recognition of their work to improve health care access and quality for Illinois residents, the Illinois Primary Health Care Association honored State Senators Ann Gillespie and Robert Peters this month with the 2023 Community Health Center Champion award.

“Serving over a million Illinoisans annually, community health centers play a vital role in making quality health care accessible,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights), who chairs the Senate Appropriations – Health and Human Services Committee. “Working to ensure our health care system supports both patients and providers has been one of my priorities as a senator, and it’s an honor to be recognized by IPHCA for these efforts.”

CHICAGO — Through the passage of the Senate Democrat-backed 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is launching $21 million in funding to develop 13 community-based contractor incubator hubs across the state.

“With a goal of moving Illinois toward a carbon-free future, the CEJA Contractor Incubator Hubs are critical to supporting clean energy contractors across Illinois,” said State Senator Bill Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This $21 million program will provide Illinois’ small businesses with the resources and tools necessary to prepare for a clean energy future.”

The program establishes a network of 13 community-based hubs across the state offering incubator services designed to assist clean energy contractors and small businesses – especially those from underserved areas – grow their businesses. The organizations that will run CEJA Contractor Incubator Hubs will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity process.

“The Illinois Legislative Jewish Caucus is shocked and saddened to learn of the massive terrorist attack against Israel that is still playing out at this moment. We stand with the State of Israel as she stood with the United States during our most horrific moments.

The totality of the loss of life is not yet clear, but we unequivocally condemn this deprivation of innocent life. We pray for peace on this Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest, knowing there are thousands of Israeli brothers and sisters who are being deprived of their peace right now.”

Illinois General Assembly Legislative Jewish Caucus
Representative Jonathan Carroll
Representative Kelly Cassidy
Representative Margaret Croke
Representative Daniel Didech
Representative Robyn Gabel
Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz
Representative Will Guzzardi
Representative Anna Moeller
Representative Bob Morgan
Representative Kevin Olickal
Senator Sara Feigenholtz
Senator Laura Fine
Senator Julie Morrison
Senator Robert Peters
Senator Ram Villivalam

Turner encourages women to get breast cancer screenings

SPRINGFIELD — In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, State Senator Doris Turner is encouraging women to get their yearly mammogram.

“Early detection is the most effective way to prevent breast cancer,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Getting regular mammograms can help catch breast cancer at its earliest stages.”

Read more.

Halpin recognizes October as College Changes Everything Month

ROCK ISLAND — State Senator Mike Halpin is highlighting the start of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission’s annual College Changes Everything Campaign — beginning with recognizing October as CCE Month.

“College Changes Everything Month reminds us that education is more than an individual journey,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island), chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee. “It’s a collective investment in our state’s future. By celebrating this month, we are acknowledging that every student’s success is a step toward a more thriving community.”

Read more.

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month

SPRINGFIELD — This Hispanic Heritage Month, members of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus are celebrating the history, contributions and influence of the Latino community in Illinois and across the nation.

From sharing stories about their parents who immigrated to the U.S. and worked hard so their children could pursue a better life, to honoring the vast social, cultural, educational and economic contributions of Latino leaders and trailblazers, Illinois’ Democratic Senators take pride in representing their communities in a state where everyone is welcome. Hispanic culture not only strengthens the state, but it is a key component of what makes Illinois unique.

Read more.

We want to hear from you

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Senate Special Committee on the Chicago Elected Representative School Board is seeking further input from parents, education advocates, community groups and other stakeholders regarding the transition to a fully-elected school board.

The committee will host a public hearing online at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 12 at www.ilga.gov to explore suggestions on how the transition can be done in a way that ensures equitable representation for all of Chicago’s diverse communities. Recent hearings have raised questions about a number of provisions required under current law, including the hybrid period in which some districts will be represented by members who are elected and others will be represented by members who are appointed, as well as the petition and election process for prospective board candidates.

Comments can be submitted prior to the hearing via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or online at www.ilsenateredistricting.com. That website also hosts an online map-making portal where anyone can draw and submit proposed district boundaries for consideration.

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Copyright 2023 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

SPRINGFIELD – This Hispanic Heritage Month, members of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus are celebrating the history, contributions and influence of the Latino community in Illinois and across the nation.

From sharing stories about their parents who immigrated to the U.S. and worked hard so their children could pursue a better life, to honoring the vast social, cultural, educational and economic contributions of Latino leaders and trailblazers, Illinois’ Democratic Senators take pride in representing their communities in a state where everyone is welcome. Hispanic culture not only strengthens the state, but it is a key component of what makes Illinois unique.

Hispanic Heritage Month – observed between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15 – is a time to acknowledge and commemorate the histories, cultures and contributions of our Hispanic neighbors. This year, we asked Latino Caucus members to share what’s important to them this Hispanic Heritage Month. Check out their responses in the video below. Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!

ROCK ISLAND – State Senator Mike Halpin is highlighting the start of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission’s annual College Changes Everything Campaign — beginning with recognizing October as CCE Month.

“College Changes Everything Month reminds us that education is more than an individual journey,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island), chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee. “It’s a collective investment in our state’s future. By celebrating this month, we are acknowledging that every student’s success is a step toward a more thriving community.”

CCE is a college access movement that recognizes college can be a life-changing experience not only for students, but also for families and communities. In Illinois and across the nation, those who obtain education beyond high school not only see a significant impact on their potential career prospects and future salary, but also lower levels of poverty, crime and obesity rates in their communities. CCE is an essential part of helping Illinois reach its goal of increasing the proportion of adults in the state with high quality degrees or credentials to 60% by 2025.

For the past eight years, during CCE Month, ISAC has collaborated with schools and community-based organizations to provide free college and financial aid application completion workshops statewide. This year, CCE campaign activities will extend through the winter to better support students and families in light of the transition to a later launch date of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

“The College Changes Everything campaign aligns with our states’ values of affordability, access and equal opportunity in education,” said Halpin. “Together, we can empower and uplift students across Illinois to reach their full potential. I encourage all students and families to take advantage of the free workshops to alleviate as much stress as possible come college and FAFSA application time.”

For more information about CCE Month or the CCE campaign, visit the CCE website.