SPRINGFIELD – As states across the country roll back protections on reproductive rights, member of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus continue to support investments in the health system to support family planning resources.

Gov. JB Pritzker recently announced an increase in Medicaid rates for abortion and abortion-related services as well as a new competitive grant program to expand Title X resources to health care providers.

"Expanding access to reproductive care in our state is more essential now than ever," said State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). "At a time when women's rights are under attack at the national level, I am proud that Illinois is taking the lead in expanding rights and access to care here."

To ensure Illinoisans continue to receive quality care, Increasing Medicaid rates for abortion-related services will assist in offsetting some of the costs providers will face as states react to the overturning of Roe v. Wade. The last time rates were increased was in 2019, and the increase slated for Sept. 1 will increase the rate by nearly 20%.

“Once again, Illinois is proving itself a standout state in the nation for supporting reproductive health,” said State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin). “Not only that, we are making sure equity is at the forefront of our policies—increasing Medicaid rates for services will ensure that people can access abortions and make the best decisions for their own bodies.”

BROADVIEW – As a champion of education and equity, Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood), Illinois Senate Majority Leader, joined Governor JB Pritzker Thursday to promote the state’s sales tax holiday on school supplies and clothing that will take place from Aug. 5 to Aug. 14.

“As the cost-of-living rises, the School Sales Tax Holiday will give students the opportunity they deserve to be well-prepared for a successful school year,” Lightford said.  “Back to school time can be stressful enough for disadvantaged families, and this year Illinois is assisting all residents with some financial relief for the betterment of our students’ educational careers.” 

Senate Bill 157 lowers the state tax rate on clothes and school supplies by 5% for 10 days. The 10-day for the tax relief will begin on Aug. 5 and end on Aug. 14. Qualifying purchases include certain school supplies, clothing, and footwear with a retail selling price of less than $125 per item.

MARYVILLE – State Senator Kris Tharp joined leaders Wednesday to announce a new expansion of Tyson’s Caseyville facility, and the plan to create an estimated 250 jobs in the Metro East region.

“I am proud that Tyson has recognized Illinois’ world-class manufacturing capabilities and, as a result, has continued their significant investment in our community,” said Tharp (D-Bethalto). “The creation of more than 200 new jobs will promote continued growth and economic expansion in the greater Metro East region.”

Additional funding will prioritize workplace efficiency and facilitate ease of production for current and future employees. The facility, which produces Hillshire Farm® and Jimmy Dean® products, will expand its production of snack and breakfast items through the addition of several new production lines and increased square footage.

EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt joined Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to announce a $9.9 million investment to improve the sewer collection system in Cahokia Heights.

“Families who call Cahokia Heights home have dealt with persistent sewage and flooding issues in their homes, neighborhoods and community for decades,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “With this investment, I appreciate Gov. Pritzker and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for acknowledging the importance and urgency of updating the sewage infrastructure and helping us address flooding concerns.”

Made possible through the Rebuild Illinois grant program, the $9.9 million is slated to be used to rehabilitate and replace approximately 35 lift stations, 5,800 feet of cured-in-place pipe liner and 3,500 feet of slip lining in the main trunk line.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is celebrating $1.5 billion in economic development and 700 jobs coming to central Illinois as the Illinois EPA gives the green light to build a new natural gas-fueled power plant in Pawnee.

“The Lincoln Land Energy Center will create good paying jobs right in our backyard,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “When we look at the realm of companies we hope move to central Illinois, those that will positively contribute to our society are at the top of the list – and that’s an attribute of EmberClear’s Lincoln Land Energy Center.”

EAST ST. LOUIS – In response to record rainfall resulting in numerous families being displaced in East St. Louis, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea), State Rep. Latoya Greenwood (D-East St. Louis) and State Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea) are working with local, state and federal leaders to address public safety concerns and released the following statements:

“Flood waters pose a significant threat to a community’s health, safety and property,” said Rep. Hoffman. “Families in East St. Louis are at the forefront of our recovery efforts following last week’s historic rainfall.”

Grant applications available to boost Illinois' tourism industry

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced $15 million in funding to support the tourism sector across the state, and members of the Senate Democratic Caucus are urging local business owners, museums, festival operators and more to apply.

“Illinois tourism attractions, festivals and live venues bring scores of visitors to communities all around our state,” said State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), chair of the Senate Tourism and Hospitality Committee. “These grants will go a long way to rebuild the diverse attractions that makes Illinois the middle of everything.”

Read more.

Expressway shootings down thanks to legislation championed by Illinois Senate Democrats

CHICAGO – Following the passage of a number of measures championed by members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus to crack down on rising crime on busy roads, the Illinois State Police announced the total number of Chicago expressway shootings is down 36% from this time last year.

“Commuters deserve to know they are safe when they use any of Illinois’ 15,969 miles of highways,” said State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago), chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. “Allowing law enforcement to coordinate and address these crimes is the first step to protecting drivers.”

Read more.

Holmes: IEPA allocates $4 million to Aurora to replace lead service lines

AURORA – The City of Aurora will soon receive $4 million in funding to replace lead water service lines in parts of DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties, according to State Senator Linda Holmes. As part of the Illinois EPA’s State Revolving Fund, the grant will support projects to improve drinking water, wastewater and storm water systems through a low-interest loan. The city will get 100% principal forgiveness for this loan.

“This is great news for our community and state, where we some of the most lead service lines in the nation,” said Holmes (D-Aurora) . “Our families have been quite concerned about this threat and insistent that we find ways to eliminate the risk and provide safe, clean drinking water, and I’m pleased we will have these resources.”

Read more.

Sound of the State: Illinois Library Accessibility

State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) and David Albert, Ph.D., Director of the Division of Mental Health at the Illinois Department of Human Services, discuss the new 9-8-8 crisis hotline, in this episode of the Sound of the State.

Listen here.

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The Office of the Illinois Senate President is hiring a number of positions, including Communications Specialists, District Outreach Specialists, Legislative Assistants and more. Learn about these positions and how to apply by clicking here.

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CHICAGO – In an effort to provide additional support to the tourism sector across Illinois, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced $15 million in funding through the second round of the Tourism Attraction and Festivals Grant program with support and input by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz.

“Illinois tourism attractions, festivals and live venues bring scores of visitors to communities all around our state,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), chair of the Senate Tourism and Hospitality committee. “These grants will go a long way to rebuild the diverse attractions that makes Illinois the middle of everything.”

DCEO announced $5 million of the funding will be reserved for festivals, which serve as economic drivers while bringing communities together, and $10 million will support a broad range of other tourism-related project such as attractions, museums, live performance venues and more. This grant is funded using American Rescue Plan Act dollars.

“As chair of the Tourism and Hospitality Committee I am happy the state can provide more financial assistance to local communities and their venues across Illinois to showcase their local attractions and festivals,” said Feigenholtz. “I encourage everyone to venture out in both summer and fall to experience something right in the middle of everything.”

Applications will be accepted until Friday, Sept. 23. To apply, visit illinois.gov/dceo.