Welcome to the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus

Hunter, Turner highlight continued investment to prevent food insecurity

State Senators Mattie Hunter and Doris Turner announced new funding opportunities under the Illinois Grocery Initiative. Together, the New Stores in Food Deserts, Equipment Upgrades and Grocery Rescue grant programs represent a $26 million effort to address food deserts and prevent grocery store closures in communities across the state.

“All Illinoisans deserve access to fresh and healthy foods,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “The Illinois Grocery Initiative is critical to ensuring this goal becomes a reality. I’m thrilled to see the state’s continued investment in these efforts to prevent food insecurities across Illinois.”

The new Grocery Rescue Program will support efforts to reopen stores that have closed within the preceding 12 months. This program is designed to prevent long-term food access loss in low-access tracts, preventing the formation of new food deserts. Funding can be used for store acquisition, repair, refurbishing property and equipment and some first-year operating costs.

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Koehler shares his enthusiasm for new Illinois State University College of Engineering

NORMAL – State Senator Dave Koehler joined Illinois State University leaders and state officials Monday to celebrate the opening of the university’s new College of Engineering facility.

“The opening of Illinois State University’s School of Engineering is an exciting investment in our students and the future of our workforce,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Expanding opportunities to pursue engineering at ISU will help grow the talent pipeline so more students call central Illinois home.”

Read more: Koehler shares his enthusiasm for new Illinois State University College of Engineering

Villivalam leads law regulating use of micromobility devices

SPRINGFIELD ─ State Senator Ram Villivalam spearheaded a new law that establishes regulations for the use of toy vehicles, motor-driven bicycles and other small, low-speed electric mobility devices in Illinois.

“Technology is evolving, providing expanded mobility options for our neighbors through the rise in popularity of e-bikes and scooters,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “But without clear regulations for these devices, we are seeing increased injuries and accidents – jeopardizing community safety.”

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Lightford leads law to allow clear designation of intellectual disabilities on a driver’s license

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford pushed for a protocol that will give drivers with autism and other intellectual disabilities the ability to clearly define their disability on their license – leading to safer traffic stops and interactions with law enforcement.

“A routine traffic stop is stressful for anyone – but for a driver with autism or another condition that affects how they process social cues and respond to commands, it can quickly escalate into a crisis,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). "Both the driver and officer deserve tools to prevent that escalation.”

Read more: Lightford leads law to allow clear designation of intellectual disabilities on a driver’s license