Welcome to the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus

Koehler advances legislation protecting editorial independence for public media at state universities

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler has advanced legislation that will help strengthen press protections for public media produced at state-supported colleges and universities in Illinois.

“Journalism is what keeps our local and state officials in check,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “To deny editorial independence for our budding college journalist would be doing a disservice to our communities.”

House Bill 4420 would modify the College Campus Press Act to define public media produced at a state-supported institution of higher learning. The measure states that public media at these institutions would not be subject to prior review by the institution's public officials, and expression by employees or agents producing the media would not be considered speech attributable to the institution itself. 

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Villivalam stands with advocates in support of rideshare driver unionization in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD ─ State Senator Ram Villivalam joined hundreds of advocates Wednesday at the Capitol to show support for rideshare driver unionization in Illinois.

“Unions are the backbone of our workforce, ensuring laborers are supported and afforded strong workers’ rights, environments and benefits. Rideshare drivers are an important part of our transportation infrastructure – yet they currently lack the ability to negotiate for a proper working environment, rights or benefits,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “This is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ensure Illinois continues to be a leader in labor rights and pave the way to support a growing part of our workforce, economy and transportation network.”

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“Forever chemicals” one step closer from being removed from beauty products, thanks to Hunter

SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans are one step closer to knowing the cosmetics on their bathroom shelves won’t make them sick long term thanks to a measure State Senator Mattie Hunter passed through the Senate Wednesday to ban such items from containing polyfluoroalkyl substances – known as PFAS, or "forever chemicals."

“For too long, the cosmetics industry has operated without the kind of oversight we apply to food, medicine and drinking water,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “We are working to close that gap and put Illinois at the forefront of a national movement to hold manufacturers accountable for what goes into their products and onto our skin.”

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Ventura passes measure requiring retailers to provide cash or credit refunds for eligible returns

SPRINGFIELD — Continuing her work to protect consumers, State Senator Rachel Ventura led a measure that would prevent retailers from requiring consumers to accept store credit instead of a refund through the Senate Wednesday.

“Illinois consumers shouldn’t be forced into store credit when they return an unused product,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “If a retailer accepts a return, customers deserve the option to receive their money back. This measure protects working families, increases transparency and helps ensure businesses treat consumers fairly.”

House Bill 4044 would prohibit retail establishments from limiting refunds on returns of unopened or unused consumer products to store credit. Instead, retailers would be required to offer another form of refund, such as cash or reimbursement to the original payment method. Under the measure, consumers returning eligible unused products would have the right to receive a refund through the original payment method or another non-store-credit option.

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