CHICAGO – State Senator Mary Edly-Allen, alongside Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, announced at a press conference Thursday that a resident in the 31st Senate District will receive $500,000 from a life insurance policy through the I-CASH program.

“My constituent was shocked when he learned that his wife had taken out a life insurance policy that added up to such a life-changing amount of money,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “However, far too often constituents are hesitant to believe my office when we call them about unclaimed property due to fear of fraud. It often takes my staff several contacts to gain trust.”

The State Treasurer’s Office reached the I-CASH program’s $2 billion mark in May by returning over $500,000 to a Lake County veteran whose late wife, also a veteran, had taken out a life insurance policy through a former employer, unbeknownst to the husband.

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois will boost reimbursement for critical health services supporting vulnerable children and families, thanks to a new law led by State Senator Omar Aquino aimed at strengthening the Medicaid system.

“In Illinois, we are advancing equity by investing in the residents and health care providers who deserve a better system that meets their needs,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “These much-needed rate increases will support safety net hospitals, children’s health centers, mental health providers and programs that ensure the health and well-being of vulnerable children and families across our state.”

MCCOOK – State Senator Ram Villivalam announced the launch of a historic multi-year infrastructure program aimed to build and repair infrastructure across all 102 counties in Illinois, continuing the transformative impact of the Rebuild Illinois initiative.

“It is imperative that we continue to invest in our transportation system – a vital resource for all communities across our state,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “With these new investments, we are working to ensure that everyone has the ability to access health care services, economic opportunities, visit with loved ones and much more.”

The record $41.42 billion multi-year program is partly attributed to the early engineering and planning efforts of Rebuild Illinois and the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, which have spurred increased construction activity. The previous record was $40.99 billion in 2023.

Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus helped secure funding for local chambers of commerce that will go toward supporting businesses and helping them recover from the lingering economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The State of Illinois’ B2B Local Chambers program is critical to helping local chambers of commerce continue moving in a positive trajectory after the devastating effects of the pandemic,” said State Senator Elgie Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago). “Illinois is committed to supporting communities across the state through grant funding programs such as B2B and beyond.”

Administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, grants through the Back to Business Local Chambers program will be used by chambers to market and develop localities, provide small businesses with professional development opportunities and support small businesses and entrepreneurs while bolstering economic development.

Senate Democrats celebrate signing of FY 25 budget

SPRINGFIELD — Thanks to steadfast, responsible leadership from members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus, the governor signed the state’s sixth balanced budget in a row into law last week.

“This is a budget that is built on making a difference,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “Today, Illinois is stronger than it has ever been. Over the past six years we’ve overcome unprecedented challenges to truly turn around Illinois and set the course for a better tomorrow.”

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Aquino secures new child tax credit for Illinois families

SPRINGFIELD — Under a measure championed by State Senator Omar Aquino, working parents in Illinois will be able to claim a state-level child tax credit on their income taxes starting next year.

“Parents shouldn’t have to struggle to provide basic necessities to their children,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “The child tax credit will help families put money toward things that are becoming even less affordable – like groceries and school supplies – during these inflationary times. The rising cost of living makes it even more vital to get this economic relief to folks who need it.”

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Villanueva's bill to maintain lifesaving reproductive rights passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Celina Villanueva passed a measure to preserve lifesaving reproductive health care as anti-choice action threatens to infringe on people’s rights.
“It is imperative that Illinois continues to shield itself against these persistent anti-choice attacks,” said Villanueva (D – Chicago). “This pending Supreme Court ruling threatens access to vital life-saving care for women throughout Illinois and beyond by limiting medically necessary services.”

Read more.

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SPRINGFIELD — Under a measure championed by State Senator Omar Aquino, working parents in Illinois will be able to claim a state-level child tax credit on their income taxes starting next year.

“Parents shouldn’t have to struggle to provide basic necessities to their children,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “The child tax credit will help families put money toward things that are becoming even less affordable – like groceries and school supplies – during these inflationary times. The rising cost of living makes it even more vital to get this economic relief to folks who need it.”

House Bill 4951 – the Fiscal Year 2025 revenue package – includes $50 million for a new statewide child tax credit, something Aquino has been fighting for over the past several years. Beginning next year, parents eligible for the Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit with at least one child under age 12 will receive the child tax credit – equal to 20% of the state’s EITC in 2025 and 40% of the EITC in 2026.

CHICAGO – Majority Caucus Appropriations Leader Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the governor signed the Fiscal Year 2025 budget into law: 

“The budget signed today builds upon our strong, smart spending decisions of recent years that have led Illinois to not just one credit upgrade – but nine. 

“I am proud of the steps we took to continue Illinois on the right path. We didn’t just look at fiscal outcomes, but prioritized our most vulnerable populations – educating our young people, keeping our communities safe, creating good jobs, and growing our economy. 

“Continuing our principled and disciplined approach will keep our fiscal house in order. I am committed to doing the work necessary to ensure that Illinois continues to enact responsible budgets and remains on the path toward fiscal stability, investing in and uplifting marginalized people, all while prioritizing our communities and people who need the most assistance.” 

SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to steadfast, responsible leadership from members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus, the governor signed the state’s sixth balanced budget in a row into law Wednesday.

“This is a budget that is built on making a difference,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “Today, Illinois is stronger than it has ever been. Over the past six years we’ve overcome unprecedented challenges to truly turn around Illinois and set the course for a better tomorrow.”

The Fiscal Year 2025 budget represents a number of shared priorities of the caucus, including investing in educating children, protecting the state’s most vulnerable, keeping communities safe, and modernizing our infrastructure – among other items.

The budget continues the commitment of $350 million to K-12 funding – toppling $2 billion toward evidence based funding since its inception. The budget prioritizes not just students, but builds the teacher pipeline by providing recruitment and retention funding.