ISDC

Amtrak encouraged to provide contract goals for small and minority businesses under new Harris law

Details: Published: Monday, August 23, 2021 12:37 PM

SPRINGFIELD – As Illinois movies toward a more equitable environment, State Senator Napoleon Harris III’s (D-Harvey) effort to encourage Amtrak to submit procurement goals for female-owned, minority-owned, veteran-owned and small business enterprises was signed into law on Friday.

“Amtrak is a billion dollar transportation corporation and should be helping lead the charge in increasing diversity in Illinois contracting,” Harris said. “Everyone should have a shot at obtaining a public contract, and all industries should be pushing for equity to ensure Illinois become the one most equitable states in our nation.”

Holmes wins fight for workers’ compensation coverage of contagious infections

Details: Published: Monday, August 23, 2021 12:35 PM

SPRINGFIELD – The governor has signed into law Senator Linda Holmes’ (D-Aurora) legislation to expand workers’ compensation for firefighters and EMTs to cover MRSA infection that poses a particularly high risk to first responders.

House Bill 3662 would amend the Workers’ Compensation Act. It presumes that these professionals would be exposed to MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) in the course of their employment.

Governor signs Villa law providing services to undocumented college students

Details: Published: Monday, August 23, 2021 12:30 PM

immigrant student 082321 SPRINGFIELD – Tailored support services and resource centers for undocumented students will be available on college campuses under a new law sponsored by State Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago).

“Undocumented college students deserve to have equitable and inclusive access to resources to help them successfully graduate and become contributing members of society,” Villa said. “These liaisons and resource centers will have a profound impact on retention and matriculation rates for marginalized communities on campus.”

Veterans’ Affairs supervisors must be veterans under Connor's new law

Details: Published: Monday, August 23, 2021 12:25 PM

Senator Connor SPRINGFIELD – All service officers and supervisors for the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs will be required to be honorably discharged veterans under legislation sponsored by State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) signed into law Friday.

“When our servicemen and women are coming to the VA looking for assistance, we need to be sure that they are able to work with someone who has been in their shoes and who is best able to give them the help they deserve,” Connor said. “By putting our veterans in touch with others who have honorably served, we are putting them on a path for success.”

Follow ILSenDems

Member News

Johnson declares Menopause Awareness Week

SPRINGFIELD – To bring awareness to a condition that will be faced by more than half of all Illinoisans, State Senator Adriane Johnson championed the effort to declare Oct. 11-17, 2026 Menopause Awareness Week. “Highlighting menopause is vital to gua...

Read more...
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 dege...

Read more...
Fine declares Nov. 12 Genetic Counselor Appreciation Day

SPRINGFIELD – Recognizing the essential role genetic counselors play in modern health care, State Senator Laura Fine has advanced a resolution designating Nov. 12, 2026 as Genetic Counselor Appreciation Day in Illinois. “Genetic counselors help famil...

Read more...
Collins applauds new jobs coming to the 5th District through Mars Snacking expansion

CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins is applauding a new investment from Mars Snacking that will bring jobs and economic growth to the 5th District, strengthening the local economy and creating new opportunities for working families. “This investm...

Read more...
Simmons champions legislation to protect SNAP recipients from fraud and to establish payday advance services regulation

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons held a press conference Wednesday with Senate colleagues to champion legislation he has filed to protect SNAP recipients from fraud as well as regulate payday advance services. “My colleagues and I are determi...

Read more...