Caucus News

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Lakesia Collins joined the Illinois Revenue Alliance on Wednesday to highlight a plan to address the impact of federal tax cuts and corporate loopholes that primarily benefit the ultra-wealthy.

“The federal government expects Illinois to automatically adapt our tax codes to match new changes in theirs that benefit the wealthiest 1% of Americans,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “We refuse to sit by while the very wealthy – billionaires and big corporations – are made richer at the expense of working families.”

Over the last year, near-weekly threats from the Trump administration to cut funding for Illinois and its local government partners have led to court challenges and uncertainty. Additionally, the federal budget reconciliation law – H.R. 1 – will continue to have significant impacts to state governments’ financial positions across the nation.

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Dave Koehler is sponsoring legislation to strengthen press protections for public media produced at state-supported colleges and universities in Illinois.

“Student and campus-based public media play an intimate role in informing their communities,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This bill would help protect editorial independence and make clear that public officials at state universities should not be controlling newsroom content.”

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus joined community organizations, advocates, and professionals at the State Capitol on May 5 and 6 for the 16th annual Latino Unity Day.

Over the two-day event, Senate members led panel discussions on topics ranging from Latino representation in government to key policy priorities. Lawmakers also delivered keynote remarks during the event’s legislative breakfast. This year’s theme, “Defending Our Rights, Building Our Future,” highlighted the need for strong advocacy as Latino communities confront challenges such as funding cuts to SNAP and federal actions affecting communities.

SPRINGFIELD – As is Springfield tradition, the Illinois Senate Democrats swapped their customary loafers, high heels and flats for sneakers at the Illinois State Capitol Wednesday to participate in the American Cancer Society’s nationwide Suits and Sneakers campaign, raising awareness of cancer prevention, screenings and early detection.

“The lasting impacts of cancer can be felt across our state, and residents should be aware of all the methods we have today to detect cancer early and save lives,” said State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago), chair of the Senate Public Health Committee. “The progress we continue to make every day encourages me to not only participate in Suits and Sneakers to raise awareness, but also to continue supporting the efforts of the American Cancer Society as we come together to encourage residents to stay safe and get screened.”

The World Health Organization stresses that 30-50% of cancer cases are preventable, and in order to bring awareness of the importance of cancer screenings, the American Cancer Society partners with the National Collegiate Athletic Association team on the “Coaches vs. Cancer” campaign every year. Basketball coaches wear sneakers with suits during their games to honor families and loved ones currently fighting cancer, as well as to remind people to learn about their risk of cancer and look into preventable treatments.

SPRINGFIELD — Taking a step toward rectifying a serious flaw in the justice system, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. is leading a landmark measure to help exonerees rebuild financially and make a smoother transition back into their community.

“We must be vigilant in making sure the criminal justice system upholds fairness,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “That means acknowledging the life-changing pain caused by wrongful incarceration and supporting the individuals and families who have been affected by this grave injustice.” 

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is leading a measure through the Senate to ensure law enforcement officers and firefighters can park their work vehicles at home without being subjected to homeowners' or condominium association restrictions.

"There's no reason officers and firefighters should have issues when parking a work vehicle at their home," said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). "This is a common-sense piece of legislation that removes unreasonable restrictions for our first responders."

House Bill 67 would prohibit an HOA from designating a marked law enforcement vehicle assigned to an officer or a marked firefighter vehicle assigned to a firefighter as a commercial vehicle.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans who are on default on their student loan repayments may soon see increased opportunities for employment and retention at state agencies, thanks to a measure led by State Senator Paul Faraci that would remove current state rules meant to punish delinquent borrowers.

“State hiring and procurement can already be complicated processes, both for individuals seeking employment and for our agencies,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “By removing focus from student loan repayment statuses, we can streamline the hiring process and ensure we aren’t unintentionally deterring qualified residents from applying for good jobs.”

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Mike Porfirio introduced a measure to help local authorities implement changes that would improve road safety in their areas.

“This legislation puts the safety of our community first by making it easier for local governments to implement safety precautions,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “In situations where changes to speed limits are urgently needed, we want to streamline the process for local municipalities.”