Caucus News

SPRINGFIELD – Children in play-based learning environments show stronger language skills, cognitive and social development than their peers in more challenging academic settings, according to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, a finding that is driving new efforts in Illinois to strengthen early education. State Senator Mary Edly-Allen advanced House Bill 4577 to reinforce those practices in classrooms across the state.

“By clearly defining play-based learning, we are giving educators the tools they need to create classrooms where children can explore, grow and build the foundational skills that set them up for long-term success,” said Edly-Allen (D- Grayslake). “As an educator and parent, I have seen firsthand how powerful play can be in helping children develop confidence, curiosity and a love of learning.”

SPRINGFIELD ─ State Senator Ram Villivalam led a new law streamlining implementation of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act.

“The Northern Transit Authority Act is a historic, transformative law securing the future of world-class public transit in Illinois, but it is imperative that we continue to work and ensure streamlined implementation throughout the transition process,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago).

SPRINGFIELD – Non-profits in Illinois will have new investment opportunities, thanks to a new law from State Senator Adriane Johnson.

“Illinois-based non-profits should have the same high-quality investment opportunities as government entities,” said State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “Greater investment opportunities means food pantries will have the resources to provide more food, homeless shelters can provide more beds, health care providers can offer more services to those in need and legal aid centers can assist more Illinoisans who have limited resources to address their legal needs.”

Senate Bill 2968 authorizes the State Treasurer to create a non-profit investment pool and an electronic payment-processing program to supplement and enhance investment opportunities for 501(c) non-profit organizations located in Illinois. The Non-Profit Investment Pool will provide hundreds of non-profits across the State the opportunity for safe, liquid, and competitive investments.

SPRINGFIELD – As private-equity backed hospital systems increasingly threaten access to care, a new law spearheaded by State Senator Omar Aquino will provide meaningful oversight of hospital ownership changes and services discontinuations.

“Across the country, we have seen it time and time again: private equity firms buying hospitals, slashing services, laying off health care workers or shuttering the facility all together,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “When hospitals are treated as financial assets, it poses a serious risk to our state’s health care infrastructure. With this law, Illinois is stepping in to provide stronger oversight and safeguard access to services our communities depend on.”

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois residents will soon see a new tax sale process that helps prevent financial windfalls for property owners facing foreclosure, thanks to a law State Senator Celina Villanueva championed that prioritizes returning surplus equity to divested property owners.

“It’s pertinent we recognize this previous property tax process for what it was: exploitative to the hardworking Illinoisans who pay their back taxes with hard-earned money,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “It’s outright unfair to residents who have a property worth tens of thousands of dollars to have that property foreclosed on and be left with no recourse, no equity and, often times, no chance to rebuild their lives on a new property.” 

SPRINGFIELD – Realizing that Illinois does not have enough clinicians authorized to diagnose autism, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel led a new law to ensure early identification of autism in children, as well as medical and educational support.

“Due to the current shortage of medical professionals allowed to diagnose autism, children are waiting up to two years for an autism evaluation, which leaves families without support during their children’s critical early years,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We need to make sure children can receive evaluations in an appropriate time, and that they receive the support they need for a successful educational career and life.” 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva led a new law to close gaps in Illinois’ child welfare laws and strengthen non-discrimination protections for youth in the care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

“Regardless of where Illinois youth are placed, they deserve to feel respected and that their identities are being protected and affirmed by those assigned to care for them,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “By implementing stronger protections for youth in DCFS’ care, we’re ensuring every case is met with a trauma-informed, comprehensive approach that prioritizes the dignity and well-being of our state’s youth.” 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham’s Senate Bill 3273 that clears the way for schools to develop solar energy projects has become law.

“With energy prices on the rise, our schools need every avenue to cut costs,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “By streamlining the process we are making it more convenient for schools to make the switch to a clean energy alternative.”

Under the new law electric utilities would be required to complete interconnection-related evaluations, reviews and screenings within 30 days after determining that a request is complete. Public school projects would also bypass the standard interconnection queue, allowing them to move forward more quickly.