Caucus News

SPRINGFIELD – Children in play-based learning environments show stronger language skills and cognitive and social development than their peers in more challenging academic settings, according to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, a finding that is driving new efforts in Illinois to strengthen early education. State Senator Mary Edly-Allen is working to advance new legislation to reinforce those practices in classrooms across the state.

“As an educator and parent, I have seen firsthand how powerful play can be in helping children develop confidence, curiosity and a love of learning,” said Edly-Allen (D- Grayslake). “By clearly defining play-based learning, we are giving educators the tools they need to create classrooms where children can explore, grow and build the foundational skills that set them up for long-term success.”

House Bill 4577 would define “play-based learning,” “guided play,” and “student-initiated play” in state law, providing clearer guidance to schools and educators as they implement developmentally appropriate instruction for young learners.

SPRINGFIELD – According to the RAINN, only 310 out of every 1,000 sexual assaults are reported to police, underscoring the need to build trust and improve survivor experiences within the justice system. To address this critical issue, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen is advancing new legislation aimed to improve how survivors of sexual assault are supported during the criminal justice process.

“Survivors deserve to feel safe, respected and fully supported when they are coming forward,” said Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake). “House Bill 4394 is about making sure survivors know their rights and have some control in a moment where so much has already been taken from them.”

House Bill 4394 would require law enforcement officers to inform survivors of sexual assault or abuse that they may request to be interviewed by an officer of a particular sex or gender.

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.