Morrison outlines plan to strengthen state's response to human trafficking

SPRINGFIELD — To improve how the state identifies and supports victims of human trafficking, State Senator Julie Morrison joined the director of Illinois State Police, state agency representatives and a trafficking survivor at a press conference last week to outline her bipartisan proposal to streamline services among agencies.

“Human trafficking is a horrific crime that too often goes unrecognized,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This legislation is the result of years of collaboration aimed at strengthening efforts to identify individuals who are being exploited and enhancing support for survivors in their recovery.”

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Collins pushes for more support for new mothers on Medicaid

SPRINGFIELD — Continuing her support for mothers across Illinois, State Senator Lakesia Collins is leading a measure to give mothers enrolled in Medicaid better access to maternal health services.

“I know the hardships of being a new mother, and for those on Medicaid, having a doula by their side can be a lifeline,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “This is one more way Illinois can assist new moms and continues our commitment to expanding care to marginalized communities and those who rely on Medicaid.”

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Guzmán to establish Climate Displacement Task Force

SPRINGFIELD — In a recent initiative passed through the Senate Environment and Conservation Committee, State Senator Graciela Guzmán would create a task force studying the impacts of climate displacement, and develop plans to better support the communities most impacted.

“Nearly every week on the news, there are reports of a severe environmental disaster that is devastating communities around our country and across the world,” said Guzmán. “From tornadoes and blizzards that impact us in Illinois, to fires, earthquakes, and hurricanes that wreak havoc throughout our country, we are all impacted by climate change, and may be displaced by the resulting damage from these extreme storms.”

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SPRINGFIELD — Through a new law championed by State Senator Ram Villivalam and State Representative Kevin Olickal, Illinois becomes the first state in the nation to require schools to offer halal and kosher food meal options, providing all students with equal access to meals served in schools.

“No student should have to watch their classmates eat a school-provided lunch and be left out because there is not an option that meets their needs,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “This new law ensures everyone has access to food that respects and dignifies their dietary restrictions.”

Senate Bill 457 requires schools to provide halal and kosher food options, as well as University of Illinois hospitals and state correctional facilities, upon request. In public schools, the law requires the Illinois State Board of Education to enter into one or more statewide master contracts with a vendor and give school districts the access to the contract so they can more efficiently provide additional meal options to students, including halal and kosher.

SPRINGFIELD – To enhance protections for Illinois seniors and prevent abuse, State Senator Lakesia Collins’ new law will prohibit retaliatory action against nursing home residents.

“Nursing homes must be accountable to our most vulnerable residents, and with this law we can safeguard Illinois seniors from neglect,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Seniors deserve a standard of living with dignity and respect.”

Under the new law, House Bill 2474, nursing homes are prohibited from retaliating against a resident who is exercising their rights. If a resident faces retaliation, they are able to file a civil suit against the nursing home and potentially recover damages.

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman joined the Illinois Department of Transportation in highlighting the ongoing construction of the Rockford Mass Transit District expansion project. RMTD has been awarded a total of $39.4 million through the Rebuild Illinois capital plan for this project.

“Upgrading transit systems is essential if we want reliable and efficient services for riders. I’m thrilled to see the results of the expansion project that will help Rockford’s local economy and keep us moving forward,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “The continued investments in the Rockford Mass Transit District show we are dedicated to improving transportation needs all over the state.”

The project will use $32.6 million to renovate RMTD’s current vehicle storage and maintenance facility to expand storage space, fix vehicle needs and integrate electric vehicle charging infrastructure. An additional $6.8 million will fund new alternative fuel buses and vehicles.

SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to the Senate Democrat-backed Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, a total of $57 million in grant funding was awarded to help clean energy businesses grow.

"The landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act is already changing lives and livelihoods across Illinois,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D – Oak Park). “These grants will help us build upon the progress that has already been made through CEJA while bolstering a diverse clean energy workforce.”

SPRINGFIELD – Recent studies and research have found concerning levels of heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury in baby foods. Even in small quantities, these metals are known to put babies at risk of developmental delays. A measure, sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine, to inform families about baby foods containing toxic heavy metals passed the Senate Public Health Committee on Tuesday.

“Unfortunately, not many parents are aware about the potential exposure to toxic heavy metals in baby food, which can lead to health issues for a growing child,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This measure is designed to provide toxin-free food that has been thoroughly tested, giving parents the peace of mind that they are giving their child the best possible nutrients.”

SPRINGFIELD — Despite the passage of the Equal Pay Act of 1963, women across the country still do not earn wages equal to those of their male counterparts —leading State Senator Celina Villanueva to name March 25, 2025 Equal Pay Day in Illinois.

"Equal pay is not just a women's issue—it is an economic issue that affects families, communities, and the overall health of our economy," said Villanueva (D-Chicago). "We must continue to push for policies that close the wage gap and ensure that every worker in Illinois is fairly compensated for their work."

Senate Resolution 158 highlights the pay disparities faced by women and other marginalized groups. The average woman must work until March 25 to earn what the average man earned the previous year.

SPRINGFIELD — Over 20 million pounds of plastic enter the Great Lakes and Chicago-area waterways annually, the majority being single-use plastics with an average use of just a few short minutes. Once in the water, plastic breaks down into smaller pieces known as microplastics — toxic particles that make their way into drinking water, harm animal life and contribute to environmental degradation.

To tackle excessive plastic pollution and safeguard Illinois’ natural resources, State Senator Cristina Castro is working with consumers, businesses and environmental experts to pass legislation to cut down on single-use plastic bags.

“Illinois can’t be a true, nationwide climate leader if we leave our natural resources behind without addressing the hazards posed by plastic pollution,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “We as legislators have a responsibility to strive toward sustainability and protect our fragile ecosystems for future generations.”