Caucus News

CHICAGO — Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus supported a $156 million investment to create affordable housing options throughout the state.

“Every Illinoisan deserves access to safe, stable housing that fits their budget,” said State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago). “By helping more affordable housing developments move forward, we create construction jobs, support local economies and give more residents a path towards homeownership, strengthening our communities while addressing the growing need for attainable housing across the state.”

CHICAGO – Illinois families saved an estimated $11.4 million during the 2026 back-to-school sales tax holiday, exceeding initial projections and helping parents afford clothing, footwear and school supplies for the new academic year.

“As the nation faces a worsening affordability crisis, Americans are paying more for less, said Majority Appropriations Leader Elgie R. Sims Jr. (D-Chicago). “That’s why Illinois Democrats stepped up with a back-to-school tax holiday that saved families more than $11 million this school year. Every bit of relief helps make life easier for the people we represent, and we’ll keep fighting for them and their pocketbooks.”

EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt celebrated the groundbreaking of the new, state-of-the art Illinois State Police Metro East Regional Headquarters. The new headquarters will be located at 2501 Lynch Ave. in East St. Louis and will stand as a regional hub for public safety, law enforcement coordination and specialized technical support.

“The groundbreaking of this new Illinois State Police headquarters represents more than a new building,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “It represents a significant investment in the future of East St. Louis and the safety of our entire Metro East community.”

JOLIET - State Senator Rachel Ventura and Senate President Don Harmon were part of an announcement that Hyundai Translead is expanding its planned investment in Will County – creating a total of 3,750 new full-time jobs and investing $600 million. The State is also investing in a new Manufacturing Training Academy (MTA) at Joliet Junior College (JJC).

“Joliet is the heartbeat of industry in Will County and the state of Illinois, and this new Hyundai Translead facility will bring jobs and bolster economic growth in the 43rd District and surrounding communities,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This investment proves we are a premier manufacturing destination and demonstrates a commitment to fostering relationships that promote economic development in our communities.”

ELGIN – State Senator Cristina Castro is encouraging eligible organizations and businesses to apply for $2.4 million in state tourism grant funding announced by Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

“The state’s $2.4 million investments in these tourism grant programs will build upon the success of our tourism industry while creating economic opportunities for Illinoisans,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “The Tourism Attraction and Tourism Private Sector grant programs are incredible opportunities for eligible entities to gain state support for their tourism endeavors across Illinois.”

State Senators Doris Turner and Dave Koehler are encouraging local farmers, food processors and agricultural businesses to apply for a new round of funding through the Local Food Infrastructure Grant Program, which will provide $1.8 million to strengthen Illinois’ local food supply chain.

“Everyone needs access to whole, nutritious, locally-sourced foods,” said Turner (D-Springfield), chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “By fortifying the food system, we are supporting our local farmers and mitigating food insecurity. This funding will expand access to fresh, local foods, strengthen the local economy, and grow the food supply chain.”

CHICAGO — Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus celebrated the announcement of relief for the agriculture industry to mitigate increasing diesel fuel costs.

The support allows Illinois farmers to use dyed diesel fuel when driving on roads, even though it is typically only used for agricultural purposes. Additional protections for farmers will also be considered as the fuel markets and agricultural economy face continued disruptions.

“Illinois farmers are already paying more to grow their crops, and now diesel is getting more expensive, too,” said State Senator Mike Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Nobody should pour their sweat into the land only to lose money on it. This diesel relief gives farmers a real chance to come out ahead, and that's exactly what they've earned.”

CHICAGO - From Chicago's Michigan Avenue to iconic roadside stops like the Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield, Illinois’ 300-mile stretch of Route 66 and other tourist attractions are getting a major financial boost.

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced $4.6 million in new grant funding today to 49 grantees designed to preserve and promote tourism. Special projects include initiatives along Route 66 and destinations across the state and international markets.

“Chicago is Illinois’ front door to the world, welcoming visitors from across the country and around the globe who stay in our hotels, dine at our restaurants, shop at our small businesses, and experience everything our city and state have to offer,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “These investments will help ensure that visitors discover the communities, historic destinations, and cultural experiences that make our state unique.”

Tourism has reached record-breaking numbers. In fiscal year 2025, 115 million tourists visited Illinois, spending $50.2 billion.

To sustain this economic momentum, the state is investing in some of its most famous landmarks. The Route 66 Grant Program will receive $2 million to support special projects along the iconic highway that’s been the backdrop for generations of family trips, photos and memories.

To build on the legacy of Illinois travel, marketing efforts targeted at a range of travelers are part of the grant funding. The International Tourism Grant Program designates funding for targeted outreach to markets in countries like Mexico, Canada, UK/Ireland, Germany, India and Japan with the primary goal of increasing international travel to Illinois.

Through the Tourism Marketing Partnership Grant Program, funding will assist local organizations with promoting events to increase overnight stays.

With this latest investment, Illinois communities will have new opportunities to showcase what makes their part of the state worth exploring.