SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler’s new initiative to allow public transit agencies to use electronic rearview monitoring systems on their buses and transit vehicles has passed the Senate.

“Our public transit drivers work long hours, deal with rapidly changing weather and, most importantly, get you from place to place,” said Koehler (D-Peoria) “With the wellbeing of a passenger being in the hands of a driver we want to ensure the drivers have a modern system with better safety measures.”

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Rachel Ventura joined State Representative Daniel Didech, and clean energy advocates to launch a campaign to pass legislation she is sponsoring enabling plug-in solar in Illinois.

The Plug-In Illinois Act would unlock access to affordable solar power for millions of Illinoisans who cannot install rooftop solar – because they are renters, apartment dwellers, or can’t afford the upfront cost – by removing regulatory barriers to small scale plug-in or “balcony” solar units.

Senate Bill 3104 – also filed as House Bill 4524 in the House – would allow consumers to buy a certified solar system and plug it into a standard wall outlet. The effort would make Illinois one of the first states in the nation to enact plug-in solar following Utah, which passed plug-in solar legislation with unanimous bipartisan support last year. Lawmakers in Pennsylvania, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and other states have introduced plug-in solar legislation as well.

Illinois Senate recognizes March 31 as Farmworkers Day and April 10 as Dolores Huerta Day

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva led two resolutions through the Illinois Senate to honor the legacy of farmworkers and uplift one of the most influential labor leaders in American history. The measures designate March 31, 2026 as Farmworkers Day and April 10, 2026 as Dolores Huerta Day in Illinois.

“Farmworkers have long carried this country on their backs while too often being denied the protections and recognition they deserve,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “As the granddaughter of a Bracero worker who came to this country during and after World War II to work in our fields — and as a proud Latina — I’m honored to help ensure their sacrifices and contributions are seen, valued and remembered — not just in words, but through the policies we fight for every day.”

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Celina Villanueva is reaffirming Illinois’ commitment to pay equity by recognizing March 26 as Equal Pay Day in Illinois — marking how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned the previous year.

“Equal pay is about fairness, but it’s also about economic stability for families and communities,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “When women are paid less, households have less to spend, save and invest. Closing the wage gap strengthens our entire economy.”

Senate Resolution 668 draws attention to persistent wage disparities across gender, race and identity. On average, women must work until late March to catch up to men’s prior-year earnings — but for many, the gap stretches much further. 

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus joined advocates to raise awareness for the needs of those impacted by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia by wearing purple Wednesday.

“Diseases such as Alzheimer’s and other memory conditions have a devastating impact on communities across our state, affecting patients, their loved ones, and caregivers alike,” said State Senator Rachel Ventura (D-Joliet). “Wearing purple today was a reminder of the Senate’s commitment to raising awareness, offering support, and investing in the resources healthcare providers need to treat the disease, find a cure, and end the suffering.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons was joined by legislators and advocates from the AIDS Foundation Chicago at a press conference Wednesday to rally behind Senate Bill 2814, his budget proposal that would bolster HIV and AIDS services in Illinois amid federal health care cuts.

“I reject any reduced quality of life for a person living with HIV/AIDS,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “For the fourth year in a row, I will be fighting for a budget that includes funding for HIV prevention and treatment, and helps us get to zero new HIV/AIDS diagnoses by 2030.”

Community leaders, health care providers and legislators joined Simmons to call for swift action to protect HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment services in Illinois’ Fiscal Year 2027 budget. Advocates outlined the need to reinforce HIV/AIDS funding outlined in Senate Bill 2814, including funding for critical outreach to minority populations, supportive housing programs and more.

SPRINGFIELD – To promote inclusion and advocate for the well-being of individuals with autism, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel led a measure declaring April 2 as Autism Awareness Day.

“Every person with autism brings unique gifts, perspectives and strengths that enrich our communities,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Illinois is standing as a state that chooses acceptance, understanding and belonging.”

The resolution’s purpose is to recognize both the progress and everyday struggle people with autism face. April 2 is also recognized by the United Nations as World Autism Day.

SPRINGFIELD – According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, correctional officers experience one of the highest injury rates of any profession - over 254 injuries per 10,000 workers annually, leading State Senator Mary Edly-Allen to advance legislation to ensure correctional officers and sheriff’s office employees receive the care and stability they deserve after being injured on the job.

“Every day, correctional officers step into environments that most of us will never fully understand,” said Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake). “When they are injured in the line of duty, they should not have to worry about losing their health care or financial security while they recover.”