Legislators, advocates call for retainage reform to support Illinois contractors and workers

SPRINGFIELD — Today, legislators and advocates gathered to announce the filing of Senate Bill 74 and House Bill 1224, landmark legislation to reform Illinois’ retainage policies.

“This legislation is about fairness and modernizing our laws to support Illinois contractors,” said State Senator Willie Preston (D-Chicago), chief sponsor of Senate Bill 74. “Our small businesses and workforce deserve payment practices that reflect the realities of today’s economy.”

The bills aim to end the practice of withholding payments from contractors across the board and instead adopt federal standards that impose retainage only when specific project issues arise. The bills would only apply to state agencies and public universities, not local governments or private developments.

Read more: Legislators, advocates call for retainage reform to support Illinois contractors and workers

Illinois Senate Progressive Caucus: We will not stand for hate, bigotry or racism

CHICAGO – Members of the executive leadership of the Illinois Senate Progressive Caucus are standing together to denounce hateful action taken by the new federal administration.

"Attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion are direct assaults on the very communities that form the backbone of our state," said Progressive Caucus Co-Chair Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). "History has taught us a painful lesson: when they target one group, they threaten us all. What will begin with migrants will extend to the Black community, to women, and to countless others who have built the foundation of Illinois.”

Read more: Illinois Senate Progressive Caucus: We will not stand for hate, bigotry or racism

Sims and Villanueva announce applications open for small business grant program

CHICAGO – Illinois Senate Democrats recently joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to announce $10 million in funding for the Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program. This initiative aims to help small businesses achieve sustainable growth, improve efficiency, and create and retain jobs through capital improvements.

"Programs like the OE3 grant are critical because they prioritize equity and uplift businesses that have been left behind for far too long,” said State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). “By providing these resources, we’re not just supporting businesses — we’re fostering economic empowerment and generational growth."

Read more: Sims and Villanueva announce applications open for small business grant program

Cervantes bill aims to improve health care access in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure more skilled health care professionals can practice in Illinois, State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes introduced legislation to better support the state’s physician assistant workforce and improve access to care.

“Before my work in the General Assembly, I worked with health care providers to resolve issues of inaccessibility, and I saw firsthand how it can take weeks or months to see doctors and other health care providers, leading to worse health outcomes for the patient seeking treatment,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “By streamlining the process of becoming a licensed physician assistant, patients will be able to receive medical help sooner.” 

Read more: Cervantes bill aims to improve health care access in Illinois