Villanueva measure to advance Illinois’ environmental justice protections one step closer to law

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva led legislation through the Senate that would strengthen environmental justice protections by ensuring state regulators consider the potential impacts on communities that have historically faced disproportionate environmental burdens when reviewing pollution control permits.

“We know that underserved, low-income and minority communities have been forced to carry a heavier burden when it comes to pollution exposure – from air toxins to industrial waste to traffic pollution,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “By requiring the evaluation of potential environmental impacts, this measure will guarantee industries are considering the health and well-being of all Illinoisans when reviewing pollution control permits, especially communities that have already endured marginalization for generations.”

Read more: Villanueva measure to advance Illinois’ environmental justice protections one step closer to law

Villanueva measure to solidify protections for domestic violence survivors passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva advanced a measure that would ensure survivors of domestic violence are fully protected and current state law supporting victims is properly enforced.

“It has been proven time and time again that when an abuser has access to a firearm, it increases the likelihood of domestic violence lethality more than tenfold, which is exactly why I have fought to safeguard victims of domestic violence in Illinois by allowing for the confiscation of an abuser’s firearms,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “However, our work is far from over, and this measure is one more step we can take to ensure the safety of Illinoisans – especially women and children – is taken seriously by our state’s justice system.”

Senate Bill 3329 would solidify protections for victims of domestic violence under Karina’s Law. Signed into law in February 2025, Karina’s Law addresses the growing concern surrounding firearms and domestic violence by clarifying and strengthening the law around orders of protection, requiring law enforcement to remove firearms from individuals subject to emergency restraining orders within 96 hours of a judge issuing an order revoking the individual’s FOID card.

Read more: Villanueva measure to solidify protections for domestic violence survivors passes Senate

Ellman measure aims to reduce food waste, expand student access to meals

SPRINGFIELD – To combat climate change and environmental degradation as well as provide food for students, State Senator Laura Ellman is working to advance legislation aimed at helping schools reduce food waste and ensure more students have access to nutritious meals during the school day.

“In a state where one in eight people face food insecurity, we should be doing everything we can to make sure good food doesn’t go to waste,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This is a simple, practical solution that helps schools reduce waste while making sure more students have access to the food they need to learn and thrive.”

Read more: Ellman measure aims to reduce food waste, expand student access to meals

Senate Democrats applaud IBM’s new FutureNow Chicago delivery center

CHICAGO – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus celebrated the announcement of IBM’s new FutureNow Chicago delivery center, which will be part of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park and create 750 full-time jobs, with a commitment to hiring from a new City Colleges apprenticeship program.

“This announcement is a win for City Colleges students, Illinois workers and our state’s economy,” said State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago). “By supporting forward-thinking partnerships that bring the next generation to the table, Illinois is solidifying its status as a global leader in the technologies of the future.”

Read more: Senate Democrats applaud IBM’s new FutureNow Chicago delivery center