For the month of October, the nation honors those affected by breast cancer and raises awareness to help promote early detection, treatment, and a cure. In this episode of the Sound of the State, State Senator Laura Ellman discusses the significance of this annual observance and shares her personal story about overcoming breast cancer.

The second Monday in October is recognized as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, which honors the sovereignty, resilience and contributions of Indigenous communities. State Senator Mark Walker joins the Sound of the State to highlight legislation he’s led to address past injustices, including the repatriation of Native remains and artifacts and an effort to transfer land back to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.

 Illinois safeguards the fundamental right to choose — including the right to choose when and how to start a family. This episode with Senator Cristina Castro and Representative Margaret Croke dives into a new law expanding coverage for fertility treatments like IVF.

CHICAGO – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring sustainable state infrastructure and investing in the future of the state’s workforce by supporting a $305.5 million investment in Interstate 290 and the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency Program’s 75^th Street Corridor Improvement Project.

“This funding is welcome news,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “These two announcements represent another step forward in what are transformative projects across the region that will continue to decrease commute times, reconnect communities and improve safety.”