Koehler's new law puts vaccine guidance at the forefront

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler’s House Bill 767, legislation designed to put clear, expert vaccine guidance at the center of Illinois’ public health response, has become law.

“Families deserve clear, evidence-based guidance when making health decisions for their children,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This law requires expert input to drive our immunization policies, makes those recommendations public and adds practical protections so pharmacies can continue serving their communities safely and effectively.”

The new law comes at a time when the federal administration has gone dark on vaccine transparency. The goal is to shine a spotlight on this issue so Illinois continues to follow the science, no matter what happens at the federal level. 

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Illinois Senate Democrats celebrate the opening of IATSE Local 2’s new training center

CHICAGO – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus applauded the opening of a new training center for the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 2 Stagehands, thanks to a $5 million grant they backed.

“If you’ve been to a great show or concert — or seen Chicago looking magnificent on the screen — it was made great in large part because of the work of IATSE Local 2,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “This facility ensures they’ll continue leading the way in skill, safety and innovation, preparing the next generation of professionals for the high-tech, high-skill jobs that quite literally keep the show going.”

The new training center comes after members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus brought forth SB 1911 to strengthen the film and TV community by expanding the Illinois Film Production Tax Credit. The expansion will support good-paying jobs throughout the state with numerous enhancements, including an increased tax credit for local labor and Illinois vendors, incentives to relocate TV series to Illinois, regional production bonuses and more.  

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Belt celebrates groundbreaking on new grocery store in Venice

VENICE – State Senator Christopher Belt joined leaders from across the Metro East region to break ground on a new grocery store in Venice as part of the Illinois Grocery Initiative — marking an important milestone in expanding access to fresh, affordable food for local residents. The groundbreaking represents a critical joint effort to revitalize the city, which was made possible through a $2.4 million state grant and private funding.

“We have had some great days here in Venice, first for our bill signing, then to award this grant, and now we are here to put a shovel in the ground,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “I don’t have a crystal ball, but I think we’ll be here again when the grocery store is completed to celebrate what we have accomplished.”

In 2023, Belt championed legislation aiming to eliminate the number of food deserts in Illinois’ communities — leading to the creation of the Illinois Grocery Initiative and the current construction of a new grocery store in Venice. 

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Sims leads legislation to protect state budget from reckless federal cuts

SPRINGFIELD – In response to devastating cuts to essential programs by the federal administration, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. led a measure to decouple Illinois tax policy from harmful federal changes and protect the state's Fiscal Year 2026 budget.

"While the federal administration carelessly slashes funding for programs that Illinois families depend on, we refuse to let their recklessness blow a hole in our state budget," said Sims (D-Chicago). "This measure is about protecting Illinois taxpayers and ensuring we can continue funding schools, health care and vital services despite the chaos coming from the federal government."

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