Welcome to Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus

Morrison-backed measure addressing emergency room workplace violence advances

DEERFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison is leading the charge with a measure that would establish emergency room workplace violence reporting requirements.

“Professionals should not have to worry about violence when working in the health care setting,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “It is reported that health care workers are five times more likely to suffer from a workplace violence injury than workers overall. Frontline workers can’t keep waiting– we must act now.”

According to a poll conducted by the American College of Emergency Physicians, 91% of physicians said they or a colleague experienced violence in the past year.

Read more: Morrison-backed measure addressing emergency room workplace violence advances

Collins fights for fair tax codes alongside Illinois Revenue Alliance

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Lakesia Collins joined the Illinois Revenue Alliance on Wednesday to highlight a plan to address the impact of federal tax cuts and corporate loopholes that primarily benefit the ultra-wealthy.

“The federal government expects Illinois to automatically adapt our tax codes to match new changes in theirs that benefit the wealthiest 1% of Americans,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “We refuse to sit by while the very wealthy – billionaires and big corporations – are made richer at the expense of working families.”

Over the last year, near-weekly threats from the Trump administration to cut funding for Illinois and its local government partners have led to court challenges and uncertainty. Additionally, the federal budget reconciliation law – H.R. 1 – will continue to have significant impacts to state governments’ financial positions across the nation.

Read more: Collins fights for fair tax codes alongside Illinois Revenue Alliance

Koehler moves bill to protect editorial independence for public media at state universities

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Dave Koehler is sponsoring legislation to strengthen press protections for public media produced at state-supported colleges and universities in Illinois.

“Student and campus-based public media play an intimate role in informing their communities,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This bill would help protect editorial independence and make clear that public officials at state universities should not be controlling newsroom content.”

Read more: Koehler moves bill to protect editorial independence for public media at state universities

Senate Democrats gather at the Capitol for 16th annual Latino Unity Day

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus joined community organizations, advocates, and professionals at the State Capitol on May 5 and 6 for the 16th annual Latino Unity Day.

Over the two-day event, Senate members led panel discussions on topics ranging from Latino representation in government to key policy priorities. Lawmakers also delivered keynote remarks during the event’s legislative breakfast. This year’s theme, “Defending Our Rights, Building Our Future,” highlighted the need for strong advocacy as Latino communities confront challenges such as funding cuts to SNAP and federal actions affecting communities.

Read more: Senate Democrats gather at the Capitol for 16th annual Latino Unity Day