SPRINGFIELD – With Illinois’ high school graduation rate at 87%, but only 64% of graduates enrolling in a college program within one year, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen is highlighting the adoption of Senate Resolution 611, which designates March 2026 as Whole Child Month in Illinois, a statewide effort to prioritize student well-being, safety and success both inside and outside the classroom.

“Having spent my career as an educator, I know that students thrive when we support every part of who they are, not just their academic performance,” said Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake). “Whole Child Month is a reminder that when students feel safe, supported and engaged, they are better prepared to succeed in school and beyond.”

SPRINGFIELD – According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, correctional officers experience one of the highest injury rates of any profession - over 254 injuries per 10,000 workers annually, leading State Senator Mary Edly-Allen to advance legislation to ensure correctional officers and sheriff’s office employees receive the care and stability they deserve after being injured on the job.

“Every day, correctional officers step into environments that most of us will never fully understand,” said Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake). “When they are injured in the line of duty, they should not have to worry about losing their health care or financial security while they recover.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mary Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake) is championing a new measure to help more students earn their associate degrees by making it easier to transfer credits back to community colleges at no cost.

Senate Bill 3720 would expand reverse credit transfer so eligible students can earn an associate degree automatically once they reach 60 combined credit hours. The bill also would ensure that students are not charged any fees related to the reverse transfer process.

“Students work hard to earn every credit, and they deserve the opportunity to have that progress recognized,” said Edly-Allen. “This legislation helps remove unnecessary barriers so more students can earn a credential that strengthens their career opportunities and supports their long-term success.”

GRAYSLAKE – With almost one-fifth of individuals with student loan debt being denied a mortgage due to their debt-to-income ratio, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen highlighted the importance of Illinois’ SmartBuy program in increasing housing accessibility and affordability.

SmartBuy is a first-of-its-kind initiative that, through its recent round of funding, helped 533 Illinoisans eliminate $16 million in student loan debt while also achieving the dream of homeownership in only 12 weeks. Through SmartBuy, homeowners were able to purchase a home eight years earlier than traditional IHDA borrowers.

“As chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee and an educator, I’ve seen how easing student loan debt is more than financial relief — it’s the key to unlocking homeownership for a generation burdened by higher education costs,” said Edly-Allen (D- Grayslake). “The SmartBuy program will help first-time buyers achieve their homeownership dream sooner while also building a better economy for generations to come.”

SPRINGFIELD – According to the Food Allergy Research & Education organization (FARE), 33 million Americans have a food allergy, with the most common allergies including milk, tree nuts, shellfish and peanuts. To help those having an allergic reaction, Illinoisans will soon have easier access to epinephrine under a new law championed by State Senator Mary Edly-Allen and House Assistant Majority Leader Maurice West.

“Dillon’s Law is common-sense legislation that helps our communities become better equipped to help someone experiencing an allergic reaction,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “If a person does not know they have an allergy, they may not have access to epinephrine, which is why this law could help save so many lives.”

House Bill 2462, modeled after a law passed in Wisconsin in 2017, is named after 18-year-old Dillon Mueller, who died in 2014 after being stung by a bee without any previous knowledge of an allergy. No epinephrine was available in the first aid kits of either the Eagle Scout with him or the arriving first responders. This new law allows individuals who are properly trained to carry and administer the epinephrine to individuals having an allergic reaction.

SPRINGFIELD – The use of therapy dogs to aid people struggling with PTSD and anxiety has steadily increased nationwide. Over 50,000 therapy dogs are in service today. State Senator Mary Edly-Allen championed a law that will increase the number of therapy dogs available during times of crisis.

“Therapy dogs have the ability to help reduce stress-induced trauma, bringing instant comfort and relief,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “This law will improve officer wellness and make certified therapy K-9s more accessible to help those in a time of need.”

Senate Bill 1491 requires the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board to create a training course and certification program for certified therapy dog teams specializing in crisis and emergency response. The law will expand the number of Crisis Intervention Therapy dogs so that at any given time an officer can easily respond to an event or request a visit.

“The signage of Senate Bill 1491 symbolizes a significant advancement in promoting officer wellness and enhancing the utilization of certified therapy K-9s throughout Illinois. This legislation is essential for expanding our capacity to provide critical care for individuals in crisis,” said Jennifer Wooldridge, deputy director of operations of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. “Furthermore, it guarantees that all communities within Illinois will have access to properly trained K-9s and their handlers.”

Senate Bill 1491 was signed into law on Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2026.

SPRINGFIELD — In order to ensure that domestic violence survivors get the assistance they need, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen to advance House Bill 2682 through the Senate on Saturday. In 2023, only an estimated 4% of eligible recipients received the Family Violence Option (FVO) protections under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.

“I was proud to partner with the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless and the Network Advocating Against Domestic Violence on this common-sense legislation that helps survivors and streamlines crisis assistance within the TANF application process,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “The proposed waiver and critical assistance funding are crucial tools for survivors. Now more than ever we need to continue to make resources readily known and accessible for our most vulnerable communities.”

Despite TANF applicants needing to be screened for FVO eligibility, very few survivors actually access FVO waivers or Crisis Assistance funding.

SPRINGFIELD – Domestic violence is a serious public health issue across the United States. In Illinois, 42% of women and 26% of men will face violence from an intimate partner. To ensure survivors are not further burdened at work, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen collaborated with State Representative Daniel Didech on House Bill 1278 which passed the Senate on Thursday.

“Victims of domestic violence should not have to worry about workplace retaliation,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “Survivors should not be penalized for protecting themselves. This bill can - and will - save lives, and I am proud to carry this legislation through the Senate.”

House Bill 1278 provides that employees can use work devices to document or communicate about violence affecting them or their family, and must be given access to related files if needed for legal action. Employers must post a notice about this right.