Sound of the State

News Brief - May 2, 2024

News Brief - May 1, 2024

Senator Julie Morrison Discusses Efforts to Combat Problem Gambling in Illinois

Access to gambling is on the rise and with it has come an increase in addictive gambling behaviors. State Senator Julie Morrison sat down with Dr. Aaron Weiner, a psychologist who specializes in addiction to discuss the importance of her bill which will increase resources for people struggling with a gambling disorder.

Majority Report - April 29, 2024

Illinois receives a boost to its financial outlook, and a measure to aid families in getting a diagnosis of a devastating childhood disease much sooner than is currently typical passes the Senate - get those stories and more, in this edition of The Majority Report.

Majority Report - April 23, 2024

Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus are working to reduce barriers for professionals in Illinois, as well as protect the health of Illinois residents, with legislation that moved through the Senate this week. Catch up on those stories and more in this edition of the Majority Report.

Celebrating Earth Day with Senator Rachel Ventura

Senator Rachel Ventura joins the Sound of the State to recognize Earth Day 2024 and discuss her ongoing legislative efforts, including Senate Bill 2781 to create a grant for local governments to help mitigate the effects of climate change.

Majority Report - April 15, 2024

Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford's proposal to create a new state agency responsible for early childhood care and education has passed the Senate. Learn more, plus other news from the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus, in this edition of the Majority Report.

News Brief - April 12, 2024

News Brief - April 11, 2024

News Brief - April 10, 2024

Senators Cristina Castro, Michael Hastings, and Natalie Toro Discuss Expanding IVF Access in Illinois

As lawmakers in several states work to make it harder for people seeking to start or grow their family with assisted reproductive technology, State Senators Cristina Castro, Natalie Toro and Michael Hastings joined the Sound of the State to discuss three bills they’re working on to protect and expand access to these services in Illinois.

Senator Adriane Johnson: The 30 Wonders of the 30th District

Senator Adriane Johnson joins the Sound of the State to discuss her 30 Wonders of the 30th District project, highlighting public amenities, parks, monuments and beloved spots throughout the district.

News Brief - March 22, 2024

News Brief - March 20, 2024

On the first full day of Spring, get in the know regarding legislation from State Senators Steve Stadelman, Dave Koehler, and Sara Feigenholtz covering election worker safety, protecting the environment, and holding financial institutions accountable for deceptive practices.

Senators Rachel Ventura and Mike Porfirio Discuss the CURE Act

State Senators Rachel Ventura and Mike Porfirio join the Sound of the State to discuss Ventura’s new CURE Act legislation that would help veterans and those afflicted with mental illnesses.

Majority Report - March 18, 2024

A busy week in Springfield featured legislation to ensure clean drinking water across Illinois, improve our food supply and empower local growth and production, make sure that our school children have access to food, and more.

News Brief - March 15, 2024

Senator Michael E. Hastings advocates for Illinois families looking to utilize IVF and Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford advances a measure to streamline early childhood education in the state. Those stories, plus other news from Springfield, in this edition of the News Brief.

Senator Julie Morrison Discusses New Training for First Responders

State Senator Julie Morrison joins the Sound of the State to talk about her legislation to provide training for first responders and awareness to the public about the health information apps on many cell phones that could provide better response in emergencies.

News Brief - March 14, 2024

Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus have introduced a package of legislation to improve water quality in Illinois. Learn more, plus get news from State Senators Julie Morrison, Bill Cunnigham, and Steve Stadelman, in this edition of the News Brief.

News Brief - March 13, 2024

Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus have introduced legislation to combat food deserts and ensure all K-12 students have access to healthy food during the school day. Find out more about that package of bills, plus news from State Senators Cristina Castro and Robert Peters, in this edition of the News Brief.

News Brief - March 12, 2024

State Senator Laura Murphy's measure to ease burdens to access for Alzheimer's treatments recently passed out of committee. Learn more about that, plus news from State Senators Steve Stadelman, Laura Ellman, and Rachel Ventura, in this edition of the News Brief.

Majority Report - March 11, 2024

News Brief - March 8, 2024

State Senator Michael E. Hastings looks to improve access to mental health care, State Senators Dave Koehler and Doris Turner advance legislation out of committee aiming to tackle food supply growth in Illinois, and State Senator Rachel Ventura introduces legislation to legalize psilocybin for mental health care purposes. Catch up on those stories, in this edition of the News Brief.

News Brief - March 7, 2024

Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford comments on public university funding in Illinois, plus legislation continues to advance from committees this week - including bills from State Senators Laura Murphy, Mike Simmons, and Lakesia Collins. Get in the know, with this edition of the News Brief.

News Brief - March 6, 2024

This edition of the News Brief features legislation filed by State Senators Elgie Sims, Jr. and Julie Morrison, as well as a measure from State Senator Robert Peters to empower survivors of domestic abuse and gender-based violence.

Majority Report - March 5, 2024

Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus applaud investments into cultural districts, as well as the state's growing film industry, and more, in this edition of the Majority Report.

Senator Laura Fine and Representative Lindsey LaPointe Discuss Illinois’ Behavioral Health Workforce Shortage

As the behavioral health workforce continues to drop and patients searching for mental health care is on the rise, State Senator Laura Fine and State Representative Lindsey LaPointe discuss the severity of the shortage and their recommendations to address statewide concerns in this episode of the Sound of the State.

News Brief - February 28, 2024

This update from Springfield features news from State Senator Mike Porfirio, with legislation designed to make it easier for military service members to participate in local government service, as well as State Senators Natalie Toro, Omar Aquino, Doris Turner, and Christopher Belt.

Illinois Senate Democrats Respond to Governor Pritzker's Budget Proposal

Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus respond to Governor JB Pritzker's proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget, covering July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025, in this episode of the Sound of the State.

News Brief - February 21, 2024

In this edition of the News Brief, State Senator Willie Preston advances legislation affecting food safety in Illinois, plus new legislation is introduced by State Senators Laura Ellman and Natalie Toro pertaining to school lunches and keeping families in their homes longterm.