New residential facility supporting medically complex youth in care to open thanks to funding secured by Senate Democrats
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CHICAGO—State Senator Natalie Toro celebrated the ribbon cutting ceremony of Maryville’s St. Catherine of Siena—a new facility to serve youth in care with complex medical needs in the district she represents that was made possible through funding secured in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget.
“All children deserve high-quality health care—especially when they are experiencing complex and intense symptoms,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “Continued investments will ensure more young people can access lifesaving care, and be set up for success in the future.”
The temporary housing program will serve up to 10 youth in care who are ready to be discharged from intensive medical facilities but are still in need of transitional care due to their complex medical needs.
Simmons Receives LGBTQ+ Leader Award from State Treasurer Frerichs
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CHICAGO – State Senator Mike Simmons was recognized by Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs with the Illinois LGBTQ+ Leader Award during a celebration Wednesday commemorating LGBTQ+ History Month in Chicago.
“As the first openly gay senator in the state of Illinois and the third openly gay senator in the country, I bring my lived experiences as well as my constituents' with me every day,”said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Since taking office three years ago, I have fought to protect LGBTQ+ rights in Illinois through empowering organizations and taking legislative action to advance the rights of LGBTQ+ folks across the state.”
The event celebrated the societal impact and leadership of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people and their allies. Treasurer Frerichs presented awards to leaders in the military, medicine, education, advocacy and activism, government, athletics, and fine arts.
Read more: Simmons Receives LGBTQ+ Leader Award from State Treasurer Frerichs
Collins receives Richard J. Phelan Profile in Courage Award
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CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins joined Planned Parenthood of Illinois to receive the Richard J. Phelan Profile in Courage Award for her efforts to improve equity in reproductive care and maternal and infant health.
“It is a great honor to be among the fierce champions selected for this award, and I am proud to stand alongside Planned Parenthood as we champion reproductive freedom across Illinois,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Being among such passionate advocates fighting for bodily autonomy is truly inspiring.”
The Richard J. Phelan Profile in Courage Award — named after the late Cook County Board president who restored abortion services at the county’s health system in 1992 — is presented to individuals who champion reproductive rights and freedoms through their public service.
Read more: Collins receives Richard J. Phelan Profile in Courage Award
Senate Democrats laud new I-55 interchange at Illinois 59 bringing new era of safety, mobility and economic growth to Will County
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WILL COUNTY – State Senators Meg Loughran Cappel and Rachel Ventura celebrated the governor’s announcement that a $93.5 million project to reconstruct a new interchange at Interstate 55 and Illinois 59 is nearing completion. Set to open for traffic in the coming months, the project represents the fruits of another major investment in Will County made possible by the historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program.
"Will County is growing, and with that growth, it demands a skilled labor force capable of not just meeting but exceeding the challenges of a dynamic marketplace," said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). "As we celebrate the I-55 at Illinois 59 Access Project, we have to acknowledge the work Will County has done to be a transportation hub in Illinois while bringing good-paying jobs with good benefits for local people and companies to our community."
Prior to rebuilding the interchange, only northbound I-55 could exit to northbound Illinois 59 and from southbound Illinois 59 to southbound I-55. With the ramps opening, both directions of I-55 can access both directions of Illinois 59 and vice versa.
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