Welcome to Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus

Villanueva and Cervantes announce new Brighton Park Neighborhood Council Service Center

Highlighting the importance of investing in resources for communities within the state, State Senators Celina Villanueva and Javier Cervantes announced the ribbon cutting of the Brighton Park Neighborhood Council’s new service center. This facility will be another resource available for families throughout the Southwest side of Chicago.

“For years our community members have demanded a space that is not only safe, but also inclusive of all people and groups, and the opening of the Brighton Park Neighborhood Council Service Center will meet residents’ demands tenfold with a facility supported by, built by and run by other community members,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Today’s ribbon cutting marks a pivotal moment – for our youth, for working families and for this neighborhood as a whole – and I have been honored to act in partnership with the BPNC, stakeholders, community members and other elected officials to ensure our residents have an equitable, welcoming space to offer them holistic support.”

Read more: Villanueva and Cervantes announce new Brighton Park Neighborhood Council Service Center

Peters presents plans to protect Illinois consumers from surveillance-based pricing

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Robert Peters outlined a plan he’s spearheading that would ban companies from collecting personal data from Illinois consumers for the purpose of price discrimination during a subject matter hearing Wednesday.

“The Surveillance-Based Price Discrimination Act is commonsense legislation that would protect all of our state’s consumers from price gouging and data privacy threats,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Our residents have already endured years of inflation, and now we are facing an affordability crisis while some of the biggest corporations rake in record profits. We cannot sit back and watch the unjust targeting of the finances, privacy and equality of Illinoisans.”

Read more: Peters presents plans to protect Illinois consumers from surveillance-based pricing

Turner measure to uplift small businesses

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to boost small businesses, State Senator Doris Turner is leading a measure to set aside reinvestment funds for capital expenses, such as building improvements, equipment and technology.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, boosting local economies while bringing entertainment, food and more to our neighborhoods,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “It’s important that we give business owners the necessary tools to help them be successful, expand and thrive.”

Senate Bill 3614 would create the Small Business Asset Purchase Account for small businesses to deposit reinvestment funds. The measure would allow a 50% income tax deduction in the tax year the small-business owner contributes the funds and another 50% income tax deduction in the tax year the small-business owner withdraws the funds.  

Read more: Turner measure to uplift small businesses

Ventura’s historic AI protection package heard in committee

SPRINGFIELD — A comprehensive package of legislation sponsored by State Senator Rachel Ventura aimed at protecting Illinois residents from the worst dangers of unchecked AI technology is set to be heard in the Senate AI and Social Media Subcommittee Thursday and Friday. 

“As artificial intelligence technology expands and accelerates at an alarming rate, now is the time to set guardrails against potential abuses and damages before it’s too late,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “These bills put people first by setting clear rules, increasing transparency and protecting consumers, workers and communities.”

Read more: Ventura’s historic AI protection package heard in committee