Cunningham introduces clean energy legislation that would save consumers $2.4 billion

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham held a press conference Tuesday to introduce legislation aimed to address a projected energy deficit for Illinois.

“With energy prices skyrocketing across the country and leaders in Washington opening the floodgates for fossil fuels, our bill makes it clear that Illinois will remain at the forefront of lowering energy costs while investing in clean energy,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This legislation proves to the nation that we don’t have to choose between taking care of our communities, our economy, or our planet.”

Senate Bill 2497 would address Illinois’ energy crisis caused by rapid inflation and steep tariffs on many goods used to build and maintain energy infrastructure. The bill would also address and rectify significant delays in connecting clean energy projects to regional energy grids.

Read more: Cunningham introduces clean energy legislation that would save consumers $2.4 billion

Holmes continues work to educate public on medical aid in dying proposal

Terminally ill woman, mom whose son died after using law in CA, community members testify about legislation

CHICAGO – Family members and advocates of terminally ill adults who support access to medical aid in dying gathered Friday alongside Assistant Senate Majority Leader Linda Holmes to present her End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients legislation to the Senate Executive Committee.

Holmes has been collaborating on the legislation since early 2024 with the Illinois End-of-Life Options Coalition, which includes Compassion & Choices Action Network Illinois, Illinois Now, ACLU Illinois, doctors, clergy and family members. They were joined by individuals with firsthand experience as patients or relatives of terminally ill adults to express their support.

“This can be an emotional issue, and many fallacies circle around medical aid in dying; I encourage those with misgivings to read the legislation in full to see its criteria and the safeguards that would protect patients, medical professionals and relatives,” Holmes (D-Aurora), chief sponsor of the bill, said.

Opponents include advocates for people with disabilities, who fear they could be exploited or scammed. In Oregon, the first state to enact medical aid in dying, there have been no substantiated cases of abuse or coercion since it took effect in 1997, according to the ACLU.

Read more: Holmes continues work to educate public on medical aid in dying proposal

Car seats, cribs for new moms would be covered by insurance under Belt measure

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt introduced a new measure to alleviate some costs for new mothers in Illinois by requiring all health insurance plans to cover car seats and cribs.

“New moms are shelling out a couple hundred bucks to purchase cribs and car seats, which is essentially a hidden tax on becoming a parent,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Every mother in our state should be afforded the luxury of keeping their child safe in their home and on the road.” 

Read more: Car seats, cribs for new moms would be covered by insurance under Belt measure

Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus shares their key priorities after governor’s budget speech

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus have reiterated their commitment to advocating for Latino communities as they confront rising concerns about their future.

“By prioritizing investments that support the needs of our community we are standing our ground to strive toward an environment where every individual has the opportunity to thrive in our state,” said Senate Latino Caucus Chair Karina Villa (D-West Chicago). “This is a sentiment we not only hold for education but also for other critical services that contribute to the well-being of our community especially health care programs that provide services to immigrant adults and seniors like HBIA and HBIS, welcoming centers, reproductive care, community health navigators and free and charitable clinics.”

“We all know that a budget is a moral document, it tells us what our state values are, who it prioritizes, and who it leaves behind,” said House Caucus Chair Norma Hernandez (D-Melrose Park). “It is our duty to make sure that our communities are not just an afterthought, not just a talking point, but a driving force in shaping the state’s future.”

Read more: Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus shares their key priorities after governor’s budget speech