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Sims: FY 26 budget is a reflection of our priorities and the uncertainty we face

Sims: FY 26 budget is a reflection of our priorities and the uncertainty we face

Senate Democrats outline plan to tackle teacher shortage

Senate Democrats outline plan to tackle teacher shortage

Belt moves to ban bait-and-switch gym membership sales tactic

Belt moves to ban bait-and-switch gym membership sales tactic

Senate Democrats welcome Illinois students for annual Tech Day

Senate Democrats welcome Illinois students for annual Tech Day

Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus condemns DHS Secretary’s Springfield visit

Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus condemns DHS Secretary’s Springfield visit

Lawmakers, advocates rally at Illinois Capitol to demand real solutions to gun violence

Details
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 10:37 AM

ISDC RPSASPRINGFIELD – As chants rose in the air – a sea of orange gathered beneath the statue of Lincoln, signs held with grief and hope – members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus stood alongside survivors, advocates and community leaders in a powerful call to action: fully fund the Reimagine Public Safety Act and end the epidemic of gun violence through community-led solutions.

“When we fund community organizations, prioritize healing, and give young people opportunities to thrive, we’re not just responding to violence – we’re preventing it. This is about putting resources where they belong: in our neighborhoods, with the people doing the work every day,” said State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). “I’ll keep fighting to make sure our communities get what they need to feel safe, seen and supported.”

Every name lost to gun violence carries with it a story of stolen potential, of families left grieving and of communities struggling to heal. As gun violence continues to claim lives across the state, advocates at the Capitol demanded increased, sustained funding and legislative backing to fully realize the vision of the RPSA. Speakers highlighted the need to expand outreach efforts, support community-based organizations and treat gun violence as the public health crisis it is.

Read more: Lawmakers, advocates rally at Illinois Capitol to demand real solutions to gun violence

Glowiak Hilton prioritizes safety of foster children

Details
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 09:11 AM

Sen. Glowiak Hilton

SPRINGFIELD — To further protect children in state care from being placed in dangerous home environments, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton advanced legislation that would expand the list of individuals prohibited from taking on the care of a child in foster or adoptive capacities.

“Children under state care have already endured hardship, including the loss of their familiar living situation,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “This legislation aims to close dangerous loopholes to ensure their placements are as safe and stable as possible.”

House Bill 871 would prohibit the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services from placing a child in a foster or adoptive home with an individual who has a record of human or sex trafficking.

Read more: Glowiak Hilton prioritizes safety of foster children

Koehler helps create stipend program to help future teachers

Details
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 05:49 PM

Senator Dave Koehler

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler is leading legislation to ease the financial burden on student teachers and provide incentives for experienced educators to mentor Illinois’ next generation of teachers.

“Our state needs talented, dedicated teachers and that starts with removing some of the financial hurdles students face when pursuing an education degree,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This program will help aspiring teachers afford the costs of student teaching while rewarding experienced educators who guide them along the way.”

House Bill 1375 would establish a stipend program through the Illinois Board of Higher Education, offering student teachers stipends of up to $10,000 per semester for a maximum of two consecutive semesters. The program also would include stipends of $2,000 per semester for cooperating teachers who mentor student teachers, which are also limited to two consecutive semesters each year.

Read more: Koehler helps create stipend program to help future teachers

Edly-Allen advances measure strengthening sports official background checks, protecting student athletes from harm

Details
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 05:33 PM

Senator Mary EdlyAllen

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to safeguard student athletes, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen brought House Bill 2521 to the Senate Criminal Law Committee on Tuesday to increase protections for students and strengthen background checks for sports officials.

“As an educator, it is of utmost importance to safeguard our children, both in and out of the classroom,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “This bill helps ensure all children are safe and guarded while participating in high school athletics.”

Under current law, school employees, including bus drivers, are required to undergo fingerprint background checks. However, background checks do not apply for sports officials, such as referees or umpires.

Read more: Edly-Allen advances measure strengthening sports official background checks, protecting student...

More Articles …

  1. Villivalam advocates for the support of Illinois auto dealers
  2. Morrison bill expands state police’s authority to investigate online crimes against children
  3. Senate Democrats pay tribute to fallen firefighters at memorial ceremony
  4. Feigenholtz brings gender-inclusive language to real estate law
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    • Faraci applauds Vermilion Advantage awarded grant for economic recovery and resiliency planning
      Faraci applauds Vermilion Advantage awarded grant for economic recovery and resiliency planning
      DANVILLE – State Senator Paul Faraci is pleased to announce that Vermilion Advantage has been awarded $80,000 in federal grant funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Local Technical Assistance program. “As a strong partner in Verm...

      Read more...

    • Guzmán measure to protect right to collective bargaining in Illinois
      Guzmán measure to protect right to collective bargaining in Illinois
      SPRINGFIELD — As a union organizer and strong protector of worker’s rights, State Senator Graciela Guzmán is proud to advance legislation that would further protect working Illinoisans, and their right to collective bargaining. “Laborers in Chicago la...

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    • Simmons Passes Bill through Senate to Increase Cyclist and Pedestrian Safety
      Simmons Passes Bill through Senate to Increase Cyclist and Pedestrian Safety
      SPRINGFIELD – To provide the safest conditions possible for cyclists, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced legislation to update sign requirements on bike trails where there are known hazards. “Improved signage around pathway hazards or emergencies is...

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    • Porfirio recognizes Emmett Till Day, welcomes relatives of Till to the Capitol
      Porfirio recognizes Emmett Till Day, welcomes relatives of Till to the Capitol
      SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Porfirio welcomed relatives of Emmett Till to the Illinois Capitol in honor of the declaration of Emmett Till Day. “On Emmett Till Day, we mourn the loss of Emmett and recognize the significance his death played in th...

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    • Holmes advances measure to protect gray foxes in Illinois
      Holmes advances measure to protect gray foxes in Illinois
      SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes’ measure to keep a closer watch on Illinois’ gray foxes moved a step nearer to becoming law on Thursday. The gray fox population in Illinois and much of the Midwest has been declining over the last 30 years, pr...

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