SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Willie Preston is heading a measure that would require grocery stores offering digital coupons to have matching paper ones.

“This measure prevents discrimination by stores against people who are less technologically inclined or do not want to use digital coupons,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “Not everyone has a smartphone or wants to use their smartphone for every part of their life.”

The measure would require a store that offers digital coupons to also have paper coupons at the service desk for customers to use if they prefer. The store would need to have the coupons placed in other locations as well.

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus have once again affirmed their dedication to standing up for Latino residents, emphasizing their strong commitment to protecting and supporting these communities amid growing threats of potential cuts from the Trump administration.

“The governor’s proposed revenue solutions to bridge the gaps in funding administration are a solid baseline to address the challenges our state is facing under the federal administration,” said Senate Latino Caucus Chair Karina Villa (D-West Chicago). “One thing is clear: our budget cannot be balanced on the back of working people. As budget negations continue, we will remain steadfast in our commitment to defending the services our communities depend on.”

“As leaders, we must stay in this fight to bring justice and equity to our budget decisions. Because when we invest in immigrant and Latino communities, we invest in the future of Illinois,” said House Latino Caucus Chair Norma Hernandez (D-Melrose Park). “Our families are not asking for special treatment. They are asking for fairness, dignity, and the opportunity to live without fear and to thrive.”

Members of the Latino Caucus expressed strong support for the proposed investments in the health care program serving immigrant seniors (HBIS). They noted that the funding would help ensure continued access to health plans, doctors, preventive exams, and other essential services. This investment serves as a critical lifeline, enabling seniors to seek medical care without fear or delay—helping prevent manageable conditions from becoming severe health crises.

Caucus members also look forward to the upcoming budget negotiations as an opportunity to prioritize funding for early childhood programs, support initiatives that ease the burden on working families, and help restore businesses impacted by the presence of federal agents.

“The performance of cracking down on immigration has had devastating consequences on the lives and livelihoods of our communities”, said State Representative Aaron Ortiz (D-Chicago). “Across corridors you see those consequences: shops with reduced hours and street vendors closing shop. Our Caucus’ priority this session will be to not only help people and businesses bounce back, but to help support businesses should these lawless raids commence again.”

“We hope to expand funding in the child care tax program, expanding this program would help so many families afford essentials like diapers, baby food, childcare and more”, said State Senator Javier Cervantes (D-Chicago). “Our working families are struggling to put food on the table. With SNAP benefits changing we need to give Illinois residents all the help we can.”

In response to the proposed budget, the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus recognizes the significant challenges facing our state, including ongoing threats of federal funding cuts from the Trump administration, even as federal dollars continue to be directed toward so-called immigration enforcement efforts that harm businesses and disrupt the daily lives of residents. For more than a year, our communities have remained in the sights of these potential reductions.

Even amid this uncertainty, the budget reflects Illinois’ resilience and commitment to protecting essential services. The Latino Caucus looks forward to engaging in budget negotiations to secure equitable investments in education, health care, housing, employment, and community organizations, while advancing policies that uplift underserved communities across the state.

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate Progressive Caucus Executive Board released the following statement after hearing the governor’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2027:

“Equity is inseparable from the economic stability of our communities. We cannot continue to have our families struggling to put food on the table or our neighbors working two to three jobs and still unable to make ends meet.

“Budgets are not just numbers on a page – they are moral choices. They represent our people who are hurting under skyrocketing costs-of-living. These are Illinois taxpayer dollars and they belong to our communities. For many Illinois families, these funds mean the difference between keeping the lights on, accessing health care or falling further behind. 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt’s legislation that would require service providing companies to give consumers a two-hour service window for appointments advanced through the Senate Judiciary Committee. 

“People shouldn’t have to stay home from work all day waiting around for the cable guy to show up.” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This is about basic respect for families who have to balance jobs, child care and everything in between.” 

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus heard the governor’s state budget proposal Wednesday and will now begin bipartisan, bicameral conversations to bring forth a balanced budget.

“The governor deserves credit for a proposal that protects our shared goals in an increasingly difficult and chaotic financial climate,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “There’s a lot to like — increased funding for public schools and universities, continued debt reduction and creative ideas on affordable housing.” 

SPRINGFiELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham is introducing legislation to better privacy protections for individuals undergoing genetic and biomarker testing.

“As technology evolves, our privacy laws need to keep up,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “No one in our state should have to worry about sensitive medical information effecting job opportunities or their insurance rate.”

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison is leading the charge with a measure that would provide support and resources to Illinoisans affected by gambling disorders.

“Gambling disorders have long effected residents and families across Illinois – financially devastating lives and creating long-term mental health distress that greatly affects one’s quality of life,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “By providing support and resources to those affected by gambling disorders, we are ensuring that our neighbors can continue to thrive in our communities and do not have to endure their battle alone.”

According to the Illinois Department of Human Services, roughly 3.8% of adult Illinoisans are considered to have a gambling problem, with an additional 7.7% at risk of developing a gambling problem. 

New Cervantes legislation to expand role of physician assistants

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes was joined by health care providers, students, patients and the Illinois Academy of Physician Associates for a press conference on a new law that would modernize PA practice laws, improving health care access across the state.

“Last year, I was proud to sponsor legislation to begin the journey to allow physician assistants to practice to their full potential,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “This year’s Senate Bill 3421 is critical as we face an access to health care crisis in Illinois.”