Two new laws signed recently backed by State Senators Lakesia Collins and Mark Walker will take steps toward equity, safety, and justice. State Senator Ram Villivalam's measure to provide kosher and halal meal options for students across Illinois is highlighted, as well as recent grants made in support of goals of the landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act.
In this episode of the News Brief, Senator Celina Villanueva advocates for increased wages for home care workers in Illinois, Senator Cristina Castro backs limitations on cellphone use in the classroom, and Senator Rachel Ventura looks to take steps to reform the juvenile justice system in the state.
This episode of the News Brief highlights three Illinois legislative measures aimed at saving lives and strengthening communities in Illinois. Learn more about these proposals from State Senators Doris Turner, Mike Simmons, and Christopher Belt when you listen now.
In this edition of the News Brief, State Senator Willie Preston calls for insurance coverage for speech therapy to treat stuttering, State Senator Julie Morrison advocates for food assistance for veterans, and State Senator Sara Feigenhotlz pushes for FMLA rights for short-term teachers.
In this Black History Month episode, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. sits down with the president of the Pullman Porter Museum, Dr. David Peterson Jr., to discuss the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters – a pivotal moment in the labor and civil rights movements.
Governor JB Pritzker presented his FY2026 budget proposal this week. Hear reaction from members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus and more, in this edition of the News Brief.
The process of crafting the FY2026 budget is underway. Senate President Don Harmon and Majority Appropriations Leader Senator Elgie Sims, Jr. react to Governor Pritzker's introduced budget proposal.
In this episode, we dive into Karina’s Law—a groundbreaking measure to protect domestic violence survivors by closing loopholes in firearm removal. Senator Villanueva shares how this law honors Karina Gonzalez and others affected by similar tragedies, the challenges faced during the legislative process, and what’s next in the fight for survivor safety. Tune in to learn how this law will make a difference and what resources are available for those in need.
Families in Illinois looking to take in a relative in the foster care system will face lesser financial barries, thanks to the KIND Act, sponsored by State Senator Mattie Hunter. Learn more about the new law, plus measures addressing food safety, workplace rights for nursing mothers, and increased access to hypoallergenic formula, in this edition of the Majority Report.
In this edition of the News Brief, Senator Doris Turner introduces measures for reform after the death of Sonya Massey. Plus, the Senate recognizes Wear Red Day and Senator Michael Hastings calls for water contract transparency
In this edition of the News Brief, State Senator Mattie Hunter celebrates the signing of the KIND Act, prioritizing placement with and support for relative caregivers of children in the foster care system. Plus, Senators Willie Preston and Karina Villa advance measures addressing food safety and rising congenital syphilis cases, respectively.
In this Black History Month episode, State Senator Robert Peters discusses the history of African American labor movements in Illinois, his advocacy for labor rights and state efforts to support Black laborers and promote workforce equality. #AfricanAmericansAndLabor #BHM2025
In this edition of the News Brief, State Senators Laura Fine and Doris Turner introduce measures to support nursing parents and improve access to formula, Senator Ram Villivalam discusses progress toward a unified transit authority to address public transportation issues in northeastern Illinois, and Senator Rachel Ventura introduces a bill aiming to expand broadband services, closing the digital divide in underserved areas.
In this edition of the News Brief, State Senator Adriane Johnson introduces the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act, which seeks to align the state's retirement systems with its environmental goals. Meanwhile, State Senator Willie Preston proposes reforms aiming to prevent unnecessary delays in contractor payments, and State Senator Michael E. Hastings advocates for Illinois families against unjustified insurance rate hikes.
Illinois Senate Democrats continue lead on efforts toward equity, access, and fiscal responsibility. In this edition of the Majority Report, learn more about the recently-signed Dignity in Pay Act, as well an effort to strengthen the state's healthcare workforce, plus the latest positive news in the state's financial health.
In this episode of the Sound of the State, State Senator Cristina Castro reacts to the signing of legislation ending the subminimum wage for people with disabilities, the Ilinois Legislative Latino Caucus defends immigrant rights, and State Senator Willie Preston organizes against unfair housing practices.
In this edition of the News Brief, Senator Willie Preston reacts to FDA ban of red dye No.3. Plus, Senator Graciela Guzman applauds the continued protection of immigrants by the Chicago City Council, and Senator Doris Turner highlights the public vote for a new Illinois flag.
Senator Doris Turner joins the Sound of the State to talk about the work of the Illinois Flag Commission and the public's opportunity to vote on a potential new design for the Illinois state flag.
Measures sponsored by members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus closing a child exploitation loophole, improving Prisoner Review Board transparency, and easing seasonal job restrictions for teens are highlighted in this edition of the News Brief.
The 104th General Assembly was recently sworn in, with the Senate set to be led through the next two years by Senate President Don Harmon. Hear Senate President Harmon's remarks on the Senate's first day of business in the new General Assembly, in this edition of the Majority Report.
The beginning of the 104th General Assembly in Illinois brings a new member to the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus. Get to know Senator Graciela Guzmán of the 20th District, joined by Senator Omar Aquino, in this episode of the Sound of the State.
A range of measures passed in the Illinois Senate on Monday - from Karina’s Law protecting domestic violence survivors to measures on name changes, energy storage, and prison reform - are featured in this edition of the Sound of the State.
In this episode of Sound of the State, State Senators Cristina Castro, Celina Villanueva, and Lakesia Collins champion worker and senior protections, advancing bills to enhance labor rights, workplace transparency, and accountability in nursing homes.
The first week of 2025 has a number of new laws taking effect, including efforts led by State Senators Bill Cunningham, Lakesia Collins, and Karina Villa which empower Illinois families and consumers. Learn more about those laws in this edition of the News Brief.
With the start of a new year, there are a number of new laws taking effect in Illinois. This episode of the Sound of the State takes a look at ten of those laws, ranging from one that fights catalytic converter theft to one which lowers the out-of-pocket cost to Illinois families for life-saving EpiPens, and more.
The Senate Human Rights Committee, led by Senator Mike Simmons, heard testimony this week on "Housing is a Human Right." Learn more, plus news from Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford and Senator Doris Turner, in this edition of the News Brief.
State Senator Dave Koehler discusses his initiative to support small farmers producing specialty crops by establishing a new grant program, which has allowed local farmers to increase their product yield and made food grown in the state more accessible to Illinoisans.
Legislative efforts by State Senators Robert Peters, Mike Simmons, Cristina Castro, and Karina Villa to help Illinoisans receive unpaid wages, promote the educator and childcare provider workforce, strengthen our state's performing arts industry, and further language equity in interactions with state agencies are highlighted in this edition of The Majority Report.
State Senator Lakeisa Collins joins the Sound of the State to talk about her new law designed to improve birth outcomes through improved access to midwives, perinatal doulas, and lactation consultants.
Bills passed by State Senators Cristina Castro, Mattie Hunter, Lakeisa Collins, and Paul Faraci during veto session - including an effort to begin phasing out the federal subminimum wage for Illinoisans with disabilities - are highlighted in this edition of the Majority Report.
