Welcome to the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus

Morrison champions resolution declaring September 2026 Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month

DEERFIELD — Bringing awareness to genetic disorders, State Senator Julie Morrison championed a resolution in the Senate declaring September 2026 as Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month in Illinois.

“Muscular Dystrophy is a group of progressive and degenerative disorders, often affecting young children, limiting ones mobility,” said Morrison (D- Lake Forest). “It is imperative that we raise awareness and recognize disorders that continue to significantly impact Illinoisan so we can ensure continued education and research.”

According to the Center for Disease Control, roughly one in every 5,000 males aged five to nine years are living with a form of muscular dystrophy. Muscular Dystrophy is defined as a group of diseases that cause muscles to become weaker and degenerate over time. This is due to changes in the genes that make proteins needed to form healthy muscles.

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Guzmán advocates for Prescription Drug Affordability Board

SPRINGFIELD – With health care costs skyrocketing and drug manufacturers making billions in profit, State Senator Graciela Guzmán is carrying key legislation to create price caps for drugs in Illinois.

“Price should never be an obstacle to health care,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “Taking advantage of sick people who are in need of medication for profit is condemnable and we must put a stop to this practice.”

Senate Bill 3496 is an initiative to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in Illinois. This group would be tasked with identifying high cost drugs for consumers, conduct affordability reviews on said drugs and decide whether to limit the price of those drugs for the consumer.

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Belt measure removing employment barriers for people with disabilities passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt passed a measure through the Senate to reduce unfair barriers to employment for people living with disabilities.

“Everyone deserves a fair shot at employment,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Requiring a driver’s license for jobs that do not involve driving unfairly shuts people out of the workforce. This is especially true for people living with disabilities and their families.”

The legislation would prohibit employers and employment agencies from requiring applicants to have a valid driver’s license in job postings unless driving is an essential function of the position and is considered a business necessity.

Read more: Belt measure removing employment barriers for people with disabilities passes Senate

Stadelman works to protect older adults from financial exploitation

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman advanced legislation to strengthen protections for older adults by allowing courts to issue temporary restraining orders in cases involving abuse, neglect or financial exploitation.

“Older adults and vulnerable individuals are too often targeted by scammers and bad actors looking to take advantage of them financially,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This measure gives courts and law enforcement stronger tools to step in quickly, stop exploitation and protect victims before even more harm is done.”

Read more: Stadelman works to protect older adults from financial exploitation