Women's caucus reacts to possible rape cover-up
SPRINGFIELD – Outraged by a possible sexual assault cover-up, the Illinois Senate Women’s Caucus is asking anyone with information to come forward.
The request comes in response to a WBEZ article regarding a 2012 email to officials within then-Gov. Pat Quinn’s administration that references someone keeping quiet about “the rape in Champaign.”
“That email is horrifying. If anyone has any information about this crime, please contact authorities. Sexual assault will not be tolerated. We need to get to the bottom of this and hold people accountable,” said Senator Linda Holmes, an Aurora Democrat and co-chair of the Senate Women’s Caucus. Read more.
Lawmakers seek answers to abuse of seclusion rooms
CHICAGO – Members of the joint bipartisan Illinois Senate and House Education Committees met Tuesday to examine the abuse of seclusion rooms in public schools.
State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) introduced Senate Bill 2315 to ban the use of these rooms as a punitive measure.
“We must end the abusive practice of de facto solitary confinement and improper use of restraints,” Gillespie said. “At the same time we must meet the unique needs of students, honor their dignity and ensure a safe environment for all. This is the needle we must thread with our legislation, and I look forward to working closely with all the stakeholders to achieve immediate and sustainable changes to the culture and practices in our schools.” Read more.
Belt helps create military liason for IDFPR
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) sponsored an initiative that lead to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation hiring its first military liaison to help military families through the licensure process.
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation created a military liaison position to help service members and their spouses navigate the licensure process. Read more.
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More than 250 new laws take effect Jan. 1
On behalf of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus, we want to wish you a happy holiday season and a new year filled with health, happiness and prosperity.
With the start of the new year comes more than 250 new laws. Legalization of adult-use cannabis, an increased minimum wage and new regulations on kennels are just a few recently passed measures that take effect Jan. 1, 2020.
Read the full list of new laws here.
Watch our slideshow about the new initiatives here.
Lightford minimum wage increase now under effect
SPRINGFIELD — Minimum wage earners statewide will see a $1 per hour increase their next paycheck under a law spearheaded by Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) that was signed in February to gradually increase Illinois’ minimum wage to $15 by January 2025.
“Many working families have waited for this increase for almost a decade,” Lightford said. “I stand firmly on the belief that workers deserve a decent wage and I am committed to standing with them as we continue the fight for a living wage.” Read more.
Murphy law gives students ability to self-administer medication
SPRINGFIELD — Students are now allowed to self-administer prescribed medication while at school under a law sponsored by State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines). Murphy’s measure requires schools to allow students with an action plan to self-administer prescribed medication with permission from their parent or guardian. Read more.
Senate President John J. Cullerton, Chicago: Illinois Senate President John Cullerton talks about Blagojevich, bipartisanship and changes brought by social media as his time in Springfield comes to an end | Chicago Tribune
Sen. Linda Holmes, Aurora: No one wants the dreaded callback after a mammogram. Under a new Illinois law, at least there's a good chance you won't have to pay | Tucson.com
Sen. Heather Steans, Chicago: Recreational marijuana becomes legal in Illinois | CBS Chicago
Copyright 2019 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved
Bertino-Tarrant protects consumers across Will County
SPRINGFIELD — Starting Jan. 1, 2020, Illinois residents’ genetic testing results will be protected, thanks to State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant.
Bertino-Tarrant (D-Shorewood) championed House Bill 2189, which prohibits companies that provide direct-to-consumer commercial genetic testing such as ancestry.com and 23andMe, from sharing any test results with health or life insurance companies without the consumer’s consent. Read more.
State keeps promise to Machesney Park
ROCKFORD — On Tuesday, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) announced that the state is finally reimbursing the Village of Machesney Park for the boat ramp built on the Rock River back in 2015.
“Frankly, this should have happened earlier,” Stadelman said. “This is proof that Illinois is turning a fiscal corner and is finally keeping its promises to communities like Machesney Park.” Read more.
Harris creates access to statewide projects for minorities
SPRINGFIELD — More minority owned business will be included in statewide construction projects under a proposal sponsored by Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) which was signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker Tuesday.
“In order to build a healthy and comprehensive economy, we must supply minority businesses with full and fair access to local and state contraction opportunities.” Harris said. “I applaud Governor Pritzker for seeing the significance of this measure, and hope to see local governments taking advantage of the state’s model business enterprise program to decrease the inequality gap for minority, veterans and female-owned businesses.” Read more.
Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, Shorewood: Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant urges residents to buy safe toys | Patch
Senator Andy Manar, Bunker Hill: Sen. Manar to kick off golden apple program to tackle state's teacher shortage crisis | RiverBender
Senator Ram Villivalam, Chicago: Menorah added to holiday display in Capitol | The Daily Herald
Harris donates $2,500 to Rocky Clark Scholarship Fund
SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Napoleon Harris III (D-Chicago) donated $2,500 to the Rocky Clark Memorial Scholarship Tuesday as part of the National Day of Giving.
"Schools across the state must continue to prioritize the education and well-being of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” Harris said. “South Suburban College is doing an amazing job to provide resources to promote equity for students with disabilities, and I am pleased to support this cause.”
Continue reading.
Pritzker signs Steans' tweaks to new cannabis law
CHICAGO — State Senator Heather A. Steans (D-Chicago) stood alongside Gov. JB Pritzer as he signed her bill that finalizes and clarifies certain parts of the new cannabis bill, just a month before cannabis cultivation and sale becomes legal.
“When we embarked on the long road to legalization of adult-use cannabis, we set out not just to end bad drug policy and lay the groundwork for opportunity in a new industry,” Steans said. “We also sought ways to make amends for how drug enforcement has ravaged communities. As we stand poised for legalization on Jan. 1, I want to thank everyone who worked tirelessly to make this legislation a reality, and I want to remind all of us that to ensure we see justice, we must listen to the community and respond to their concerns swiftly.”
Murphy pushes to increase lobbying transparency
SPRINGFIELD — Lobbyists are now required to disclose more information regarding their clients and relationships to local government units under new legislation co-sponsored by State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines).
“It’s clear that we need to introduce larger reforms to change the way elected officials do business,” said Murphy, who served as chief co-sponsor of the legislation in the Senate. “Increasing lobbying transparency is just a start—there’s much more still to do.”
Senator Scott Bennett, Champaign and Senator Andy Manar, Bunker Hill: IDOA accepting applications for Cover Crop Premium Discount Program | Lincoln Daily News
Senator Patrick Joyce, Essex: State Senator Joyce to Host Winter Clothing Drive | WCSJ News
Senator Andy Manar, Bunker Hill: Pritzker signs Manar’s paraprofessional bill | The Telegraph
Senator Heather A. Steans, Chicago: Pritzker, stakeholders talk next phases of legalized marijuana rollout | mySuburbanLife
Patrick Joyce joins the Illinois Senate for the 40th District
SPRINGFIELD-- The Senate welcomed its newest member last week: Patrick Joyce from Essex. Joyce was sworn into office at Kankakee Community College.
Joyce replaces Toi Hutchinson as state senator for the 40th Legislative District. Hutchinson left to lead the Pritzker administration's recreational cannabis rollout as it becomes legal on January 1.
“It is an honor to follow the outstanding Senator Hutchinson. I would like to thank her for the excellent job she has done for Kankakee and the South Suburbs,” Joyce said. Continue reading.
Sims, Castro join ethics commission
CHICAGO—To respond to recent allegations involving Springfield lawmakers and prevent future wrongdoing, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) has been named as the co-chair of a new joint legislative commission that will recommend changes to state ethics laws. Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) has also been appointed to the commission.
“The last several months have seen very troubling developments and the people of Illinois expect us to be and do better,” Sims said. “For the people to have faith in their government we must hold ourselves to the highest of standards, and when public officials do wrong, they should face the consequences. Those are the beliefs that will guide me as I serve on this commission.” Continue reading.
Lightford leads discussion on new cannabis law
BROADVIEW – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) led a discussion at a town hall hosted by Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson on the implementation of the new Illinois cannabis law that goes into effect on Jan. 1.
The town hall covered the legislative, business and law enforcement perspectives of legalizing cannabis and gave residents a chance to have their questions answered.
“Mayor Thompson and I wanted to bring information on the new cannabis law to make sure our local communities understand how they can get involved in the new industry, and if they choose to, how to use cannabis within the restrictions in the law,” Lightford said. Continue reading.
Ellman pursues property tax breaks for seniors
SPRINGFIELD – Cook County seniors would see access to property tax break sooner under legislation by State Senator Laura Ellman that has passed the Senate unopposed.
“My goal was always to simplify this application process as much as possible,” said Ellman, (D-Naperville), the measure’s chief sponsor. “Rather than subjecting our seniors to an unnecessary reapplication process, we’re making things easier on them while also giving more people the chance to benefit from property tax breaks.” Continue reading.
Senator Laura Fine, Glenview: Niles West students organize forum on immigration issues | Chicago Tribune
Senator Andy Manar, Bunker Hill: Manar honored for ag education work | The Telegraph
Senator Heather Steans, Chicago: 'No bars, no restaurants:' Marijuana trailer bill clarifies allowable public use | JournalStar
Senate President John J. Cullerton announces his retirement
SPRINGFIELD - At the end of the last day of this year’s veto session, Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) gathered his caucus to announce that he would retire from the Senate in January after 40 years in the legislature and 10 years as president.
Here is the statement President Cullerton released upon his announcement.
In ethics reform bill, Steans increases lobbying transparency
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Heather Steans is pushing for new ethics reforms in the wake of scandals surrounding numerous Springfield lawmakers in recent months, passing legislation out of the Senate this week.
“Today we took the first steps to reform the disturbing, unacceptable behavior that has rocked state government in recent months,” said Steans (D-Chicago). “Raids, arrests and indictments are not what people expect of their elected officials. While they mean that the ethics laws we already passed are working, and law enforcement is doing its job, it also means we need to change the culture in Springfield, close loopholes, and eliminate grey areas. We need to earn back your trust.”
Steans’ legislation takes aim at the practice of state lawmakers lobbying local units of government. Continue reading.
Castro passes pension consolidation program
SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to lessen the threat of the ongoing pension crisis, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) and the Senate passed a measure that will consolidate certain local pensions.
“The number one budget issue legislators have been dealing with for decades is the pension crisis,” Castro said. “We got a small victory today. Consolidating local pension funds eases some of the burden of the looming crisis while still allowing our state’s brave first responders to receive the pensions they’ve earned.”
The bill is an omnibus package for Fiscal Year 2020 that will enact many changes to pension statute, chief among them the ability to consolidate. Under the bill, the roughly 650 separate pension funds for downstate police officers and firefighters will be consolidated into two individual and separate funds. The consolidation will happen over a 30-month transition period beginning upon the legislation becoming law and is estimated to save $160 million annually while not affecting individual pension amounts. Continue reading.
Senator Christopher Belt, Centreville: Simon Leadership Program helps prepare students for college | WSIL 3 ABC
Senator Rachelle Crowe, Glen Carbon: Crowe Champions Initiative Keeping Aviation Repair Industry in Illinois | Riverbender
Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton, Western Springs: Glowiak Hilton seeks task force to study impacts of 5G networks | Chicago Tribune
Senator Andy Manar, Bunker Hill: Illinois Senate gives final approval to insulin price bill | The State Journal-Register
Senator Laura Murphy, Des Plaines: Are Illinois tollway payment machines shortchanging cash-paying drivers? | Daily Herald
The Majority Report - July 29, 2019 - Murphy promotes mental health resources for students
The Majority Report - August 26, 2019 - Manar law to increase minimum teacher salary
The Majority Report - September 3, 2019 - Martinez law works to protect students from sexual abuse
The Majority Report - July 22, 2019 - Manar seeks review of Land of Lincoln Goodwill state contracts
The Majority Report - July 15, 2019 - Senators work in district on job creation, fraud prevention
The Majority Report - July 8, 2019 - Take a look: New laws are in effect
The Majority Report - July 1, 2019 - Steans, Hutchinson bill legalizing adult-use cannabis is law
The Majority Report - June 24, 2019 - Mulroe retires from Senate to become circuit court judge
The Majority Report - June 10, 2019 - Senate Democrats pass major legislation during landmark session
The Majority Report - June 3, 2019 - Senate passes balanced budget, first capital bill in a decade
The Majority Report - May 20, 2019 - Munoz works to prevent roadway fatalities
The Majority Report - May 13, 2019 - Lawmakers introduce plan to legalize adult-use cannabis
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