Preston bill creates more pathways to trades and technical careers

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois high school students may soon have more choices in their classes, thanks to a measure by State Senator Willie Preston that would allow alternatives to foreign language courses.

“Every student’s path looks different,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “Some young people want to go straight into the workforce, learn a trade or skill they can actually use after graduation. We should be opening doors for students, not boxing them into a one-size-fits-all approach.”

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Ellman advances legislation modernizing prescription drug delivery rules

SPRINGFIELD — To provide greater flexibility for healthcare providers and businesses receiving prescription drug deliveries while maintaining safeguards for controlled substances State Senator Laura Ellman advanced House Bill 4953, reducing burdens for businesses operating across multiple sites while preserving accountability and safety standards.

“This is a commonsense update that reflects how many health care operations function today,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “We can improve efficiency without compromising patient safety or oversight.”

Current law generally requires wholesale drug distributors to deliver pharmaceuticals only to the address listed on a license and to individuals whose authorization to receive the drugs has been verified. Under the bill, non-controlled prescription drugs could also be delivered to a health care entity authorized by the license holder and reported to Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

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Peters measure to honor legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., empower young voices in democratic process

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Robert Peters – in collaboration with the Rainbow PUSH Coalition – is honoring the legacy of civil rights leaders like Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., who believed the ballot is the most powerful tool for change. To fulfill Jackson’s vision of ensuring every student graduates with both a diploma and voter registration card, Peters is spearheading a measure that would recognize education and civic engagement go hand in hand.

“Voting is a cornerstone of our democracy, but too often, young people leave high school without ever being invited or encouraged to participate in that process,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “By connecting voter registration directly to graduation, we would be removing barriers and setting the expectation that every young person has both the right and responsibility to have a voice in their future.”

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Collins calls for revenue reform amid economic uncertainty

SPRINGFIELD – In the midst of deep economic uncertainty and inflation heating up, State Senator Lakesia Collins joined the Illinois Revenue Alliance calling for progressive revenue reform to fill the gap for families in Illinois.

“When Illinois families are struggling to make ends meet and at a time of troublesome cuts from the federal government, Illinois has to step up,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Reforming our revenue system protects everyday folks who rely on Illinois programs to meet their needs. With the amount of uncertainty in the economy today, now is the time for action.”

Collins spoke on the need for revenue reform in a press conference at the State Capitol on Wednesday advocating for Senate Bill 3796, a proposal that would decouple Illinois from federal tax changes, end high-impact business credits and require a cost-benefit analysis of corporate tax incentives.

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