CHICAGO — State Senator Ram Villivalam is hosting a State of Transit town hall on Sept. 20 alongside local elected officials to share updates about the state of transit in Illinois.

“Public transit is an essential part of our communities – getting residents to where they need to go. Without this critical service, many of our neighbors will not be able to get to school, go to their job or even receive the health care they need,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “It is imperative that we continue to talk with residents and provide updates on what we have done to create a world-class public transit system for Illinoisans.”

The transit town hall will be held Saturday, Sept. 20 at noon at Harry S. Truman College – McKeon Lobby, located at 1145 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago. Villivalam is hosting the event alongside State Senators Sara Feigenholtz, Graciela Guzmán and Mike Simmons, and Alders Angela Clay, Maria Hadden, Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, Matt Martin and Andre Vasquez, where they will provide updates about transit, answer residents’ questions and hear about how transit is essential in their communities.

Statement from the Latino Caucus on ICE activity

CHICAGO — The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus released the following statement regarding ICE activity in Chicagoland:

“The federal administration’s decision to ramp up ICE activity in the Chicago area is divisive and appears to be a pretext for potentially deploying the National Guard. Our message remains clear: neither is welcome here."

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Sims highlights historic education investments

CHICAGO — State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. celebrated the start of the school year by highlighting prioritized investments into education – from securing greater teacher opportunities to enhancing infrastructure.

"Today is a culmination of our commitment to investing in both our students' education and their health,” said Sims (D-Chicago) “Illinois' record investments in our schools are paying dividends across our communities.”

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Ready? September is National Preparedness Month

As we observe National Preparedness Month, it’s important for residents to prioritize their safety and readiness for emergencies. This month serves as a reminder to prepare for potential disasters and emergencies, ensuring individuals and families can effectively respond when unforeseen events occur.

Read more.

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Bill Cunningham, Chicago: Illinois lawmakers explore options to ease rising energy bills | FOX Illinois

Senator Adriane Johnson, Buffalo Grove: New Illinois law allows student teachers to be paid | WAND

Senator Doris Turner, Springfield: Illinois will require suicide prevention contact info on school employee IDs next year | WAND

Copyright 2025 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

Villanueva law expands reproductive health care access on college campuses

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure young adults can access reproductive health care without unnecessary barriers, a new law led by State Senator Celina Villanueva expands access to contraception and medication abortion directly on college campuses across Illinois.

“Young people shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to access basic health care,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “This law meets students where they are—on campus—and affirms their right to make decisions about their own bodies with dignity and convenience.”

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Feigenholtz celebrates record-breaking tourism surge in Illinois

CHICAGO – State Senator Sara Feigenholtz is celebrating news that Illinois welcomed a record 113 million visitors in 2024, exceeding the previous record and bringing an increase in visitor spending, tax revenue and hospitality jobs.

“Visitors and locals alike know that Illinois is the best place to be, and the ‘Middle of Everything’ campaign has tremendously helped us get the word out far and wide,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “Illinois’ record-breaking tourism numbers are evidence of our commitment to promoting our great state to visitors while supporting our tourism industry.”

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Collins, Lightford bring safe, affordable housing to Maywood

MAYWOOD – Standing alongside Governor JB Pritzker and leaders from Black Men United, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford and State Senator Lakesia Collins proudly cut the ribbon on a new affordable housing unit for low-income families in Maywood.

“The new Maywood facility is a building of hope and opportunities for families who will now have a safe, affordable place to call home,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “The building symbolizes the power of what happens when we invest in our communities and believe in our capacity to create change.”

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Sound of the State: Labor Day and Worker Protections

As chair of the Senate Labor Committee, Senator Robert Peters knows how vital workers are to our state’s success. From the Haymarket Riots to today’s workforce development, Illinois has always been at the heart of America’s labor movement. In this Labor Day episode of Sound of the State, he shares why Illinois is leading the way in labor rights and equity.

Listen here.

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, Shorewood: Loughran Cappel-led bill removes statute of limitations on child trafficking | Shaw Local

Senator Napoleon Harris III, Harvey: Illinois law provides free veterinary care for retired police dogs | WICS

Senator Michael Hastings, Frankfort: New Illinois laws could improve response for school shootings, hazmat emergencies | WAND

Copyright 2025 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

Wishing you a safe Labor Day

This Labor Day, let’s take time to thank all the hardworking men and women here in Illinois who work every day to make our state a great place to live.

Let us recognize the many contributions workers have made for decades to the country’s strength, prosperity and well-being.

We thank all the frontline workers who risk their safety daily to take care of the rest of us. Have an enjoyable and safe Labor Day!

Copyright 2025 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

CHICAGO – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. celebrated the start of the school year by highlighting prioritized investments into education – from securing greater teacher opportunities to enhancing infrastructure.

"Today is a culmination of our commitment to investing in both our students' education and their health,” said Sims (D-Chicago) “Illinois' record investments in our schools are paying dividends across our communities.”

Sims was joined by State Superintendent of Public Education Dr. Tony Sanders and Governor JB Pritzker at Wagoner Elementary School in Community Consolidated Schools District 168 in Sauk Village Friday to tout Illinois’ leadership in education.

MAYWOOD – Standing alongside Governor JB Pritzker and leaders from Black Men United, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford and Senator Lakesia Collins proudly cut the ribbon on a new affordable housing unit for low-income families in Maywood.

“The new Maywood facility is a building of hope and opportunities for families who will now have a safe, affordable place to call home,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “The building symbolizes the power of what happens when we invest in our communities and believe in our capacity to create change.”

Collins and Lightford secured $2.5 million in state funding through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for Black Men United – a national community service organization that focuses on the restoration and rebuilding of Black communities across America under the leadership of Black men – to purchase the property.

CHICAGO — State Senator Sara Feigenholtz is celebrating news that Illinois welcomed a record 113 million visitors in 2024, exceeding the previous record and bringing an increase in visitor spending, tax revenue and hospitality jobs.

“Visitors and locals alike know that Illinois is the best place to be, and the ‘Middle of Everything’ campaign has tremendously helped us get the word out far and wide,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “Illinois’ record-breaking tourism numbers are evidence of our commitment to promoting our great state to visitors while supporting our tourism industry.”

In 2024, visitor spending directly generated $4.7 billion in state and local tax revenue, according to Tourism Economics. This boost in revenue has stimulated various sectors of the state’s economy while directly supporting 282,165 jobs in the state’s tourism and hospitality industry, an increase of 3,965 jobs from 2023. The city of Chicago saw an impressive 7.7% rise in overnight visitors, further highlighting the state’s appeal as a premier destination for domestic tourists.

CHICAGO — State Senator Ram Villivalam is celebrating the grand opening of the Illinois Holocaust Museum’s satellite location in Chicago following the announcement of its opening Monday.

“The Illinois Holocaust Museum provides critical education and resources to our neighbors – highlighting our human history and serving as reminder to fight against antisemitism,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “I am elated to see the museum’s impact will go beyond Skokie as they continue site improvements to their main location.”

An advocate for Holocaust education, the Illinois Holocaust Museum and anti-hate measures, Villivalam serves as a voice for the community. In recent years, Villivalam has spearheaded legislation increasing funds for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program and expanded school lunch options for students needing Kosher or Halal meals.