Welcome to the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus

New Edly-Allen law to strengthen play-based learning

SPRINGFIELD – Children in play-based learning environments show stronger language skills, cognitive and social development than their peers in more challenging academic settings, according to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, a finding that is driving new efforts in Illinois to strengthen early education. State Senator Mary Edly-Allen advanced House Bill 4577 to reinforce those practices in classrooms across the state.

“By clearly defining play-based learning, we are giving educators the tools they need to create classrooms where children can explore, grow and build the foundational skills that set them up for long-term success,” said Edly-Allen (D- Grayslake). “As an educator and parent, I have seen firsthand how powerful play can be in helping children develop confidence, curiosity and a love of learning.”

Read more: New Edly-Allen law to strengthen play-based learning

Villivalam law to streamline implementation of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act

SPRINGFIELD ─ State Senator Ram Villivalam led a new law streamlining implementation of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act.

“The Northern Transit Authority Act is a historic, transformative law securing the future of world-class public transit in Illinois, but it is imperative that we continue to work and ensure streamlined implementation throughout the transition process,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago).

Read more: Villivalam law to streamline implementation of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act

Johnson’s new law creates non-profit investment pool

SPRINGFIELD – Non-profits in Illinois will have new investment opportunities, thanks to a new law from State Senator Adriane Johnson.

“Illinois-based non-profits should have the same high-quality investment opportunities as government entities,” said State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “Greater investment opportunities means food pantries will have the resources to provide more food, homeless shelters can provide more beds, health care providers can offer more services to those in need and legal aid centers can assist more Illinoisans who have limited resources to address their legal needs.”

Senate Bill 2968 authorizes the State Treasurer to create a non-profit investment pool and an electronic payment-processing program to supplement and enhance investment opportunities for 501(c) non-profit organizations located in Illinois. The Non-Profit Investment Pool will provide hundreds of non-profits across the State the opportunity for safe, liquid, and competitive investments.

Read more: Johnson’s new law creates non-profit investment pool

Aquino measure increasing hospital oversight signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – As private-equity backed hospital systems increasingly threaten access to care, a new law spearheaded by State Senator Omar Aquino will provide meaningful oversight of hospital ownership changes and services discontinuations.

“Across the country, we have seen it time and time again: private equity firms buying hospitals, slashing services, laying off health care workers or shuttering the facility all together,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “When hospitals are treated as financial assets, it poses a serious risk to our state’s health care infrastructure. With this law, Illinois is stepping in to provide stronger oversight and safeguard access to services our communities depend on.”

Read more: Aquino measure increasing hospital oversight signed into law