Senate Democrats applaud announcement of 10 state-designated cultural districts

CHICAGO — Members of the Senate Democratic Caucus joined Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to celebrate communities across the state being honored as State-Designated Cultural Districts.

“The Humboldt Park community has such a rich and vibrant culture,” said State Senator Natalie Toro (D-Chicago). “The State-Designated Cultural Districts Program and this official designation allows us to share and preserve our heritage and traditions while building a critical foundation for continued investment.”

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Local film industry to receive $10 million thanks to Senate Democrats

SPRINGFIELD — Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus helped secure funding through the Illinois Soundstage Program to continue to position the state as a leading production center while boosting economic and workforce development.

“This will help give local filmmakers in central Illinois some additional tools to compete at a national level,” said State Senator Paul Faraci (D-Champaign). “If we want to bring economic opportunity to our area through film, it’s important that the infrastructure is in place to make it happen.”

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Porfirio advances legislation to bridge military duties and civic engagement for service members on active duty status

SPRINGFIELD — Military service members on active duty status who represent part of a public body – such as a village board, school district or township – may soon be allowed to attend meetings remotely, thanks to a new measure passed by State Senator Mike Porfirio.

“It is our duty to create a more inclusive and adaptable environment for all members of our community, especially those who selflessly serve in the military,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township), a member of the Navy Reserve. “This legislation reflects our commitment to ensuring service members on active duty status can participate in discussions and decisions that impact our communities and the people they have dedicated their lives to protecting.”

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Sound of the State: Addressing Illinois' Behavioral Health Workforce Shortage

As the behavioral health workforce continues to drop and patients searching for mental health care is on the rise, State Senator Laura Fine and State Representative Lindsey LaPointe discuss the severity of the shortage and their recommendations to address statewide concerns in this episode of the Sound of the State.

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CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci announced that significant investments have been secured for the Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Bio-manufacturing Tech Hub.

"This investment is a major win for Illinois," said Faraci (D-Champaign). "As game-changing technology continues to emerge, it is critical that our businesses in Illinois are prepared. iFAB's Tech Hub designation will not only bolster our state's local economies but it will put Illinois on the map, signifying our title as a major tech hub."

The $680 million in combined grants will help create the infrastructure needed for the state to meet current demand for bio-manufacturing and precision fermentation. iFAB exemplifies the state’s bio-manufacturing prowess, with a focus on fermentation as a bio-manufacturing tool. Bio-manufacturing converts crops like corn and soybeans into a range of commodities.

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus helped secure funding through the Illinois Soundstage Program to continue to position the state as a leading production center while boosting economic and workforce development.

“This will help give local filmmakers in central Illinois some additional tools to compete at a national level,” said State Senator Paul Faraci (D-Champaign). “If we want to bring economic opportunity to our area through film, it’s important that the infrastructure is in place to make it happen.”

The Illinois Soundstage Capital Grant Program will help diversify the film industry. The Fields Studio located in Chicago received $5 million, Fresh Films in Rock Island received $3.8 million, and Flyover Studios in Champaign received $1.1 million through the program.

“Western Illinois’ film industry has so much potential,” said State Senator Mike Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Strategic state investment in our film infrastructure, including Fresh Films and the amazing work done at the Quad Cities Regional Film Office, will boost our local economy and give producers an affordable alternative to complete their projects.”

CHICAGO — State Senator Omar Aquino joined Governor JB Pritzker at the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture to announce the creation of Puerto Rico Town as an official State-Designated Cultural District.

“In Illinois, diversity is our strength, and the State-Designated Cultural Districts Program is shining a much-deserved light on some of our state’s most culturally and historically rich communities, including Puerto Rico Town,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “These designations will help Illinoisans celebrate our lineage and traditions of our communities.”

NORMAL – State Senator Dave Koehler joined Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in celebrating the opening of a new cutting-edge advanced manufacturing training center at Heartland Community College.

“As a leader in clean energy, the State of Illinois is prioritizing preparing our regional workforce for local jobs in the clean energy economy,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “By investing in Heartland Community College’s Electric Vehicle Energy Storage training facility, the State is giving students access to specialized skill training while showing them the vast number of clean energy career opportunities available right here in Illinois.”

Heartland's electric vehicle manufacturing program – which launched at a temporary site in August 2021 – provides students with training, certificates and degrees in Electric Vehicle and Energy Storage Technology. The program also provides intensive upskill Electric Vehicle Technology Certificates for individuals with prior traditional automotive training and experience. Additionally, the facility will provide a space for advanced manufacturing programs in robotics, renewable energy and automation.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner announced Tuesday that two areas of Springfield are being recognized as State-Designated Cultural Districts.

"During my time on Springfield City Council, I began working on ways to integrate our Black history while incorporating economic development opportunities throughout our communities,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “These official designations are essential to preserving our history, highlighting our important legacy and significant contributions from the Great Migration and onward.”

CHICAGO — Members of the Senate Democratic Caucus joined Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to celebrate communities across the state being honored as State-Designated Cultural Districts.

State Senator Natalie Toro, who represents Humboldt Park, is thrilled her community is being recognized in this way.

“The Humboldt Park community has such a rich and vibrant culture,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “The State-Designated Cultural Districts Program and this official designation allows us to share and preserve our heritage and traditions while building a critical foundation for continued investment.”

“In Illinois, diversity is our strength, and the State-Designated Cultural Districts Program is shining a much-deserved light on some of our state’s most culturally and historically rich communities, including Puerto Rico Town,” said Majority Caucus Chair Omar Aquino (D-Chicago). “These designations will help Illinoisans celebrate our lineage and traditions of our communities.”

State-Designated Cultural Districts are communities, towns or specific geographic areas that have a distinct shared historical and cultural identity that binds the community together. By designating these areas as Cultural Districts, communities can gain more support to preserve historic, culturally significant structures, as well as foster cultural development and education. The program also aims to celebrate communities’ unique cultural identities, elevate their traditions and languages, and encourage economic development to these vibrant areas.

Senate Democrats begin process for fiscally responsible FY 25 budget

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus heard the governor’s state budget proposal Wednesday and will immediately begin bipartisan, bicameral conversations to bring forth a balanced budget that prioritizes Illinoisans in all corners of the state.

“The governor’s proposal is a good start. Senate Democrats look forward to the discussion of how to balance our serious needs with fiscal realities in the weeks and months ahead,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “My goal is to cross the finish line with a bipartisan, balanced budget that reflects our shared goals of responsibility and security and invests in key priorities for the State of Illinois.”

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Illinois Black Caucus calls for real investments following governor's proposal

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus called a press conference Wednesday to offer their responses to Governor Pritzker’s annual budget address.

“We saw a proposed budget that acknowledges a handful of issues that disproportionately affect Black communities, such as gun violence, maternal mortality rates, and economic access and equity,” said State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago), Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Senate chair. “The ILBC fought hard to enact four key pillars to reform Illinois and dismantle systemic racism across the state. I look forward to fighting alongside my colleagues to ensure adequate funding reaches the communities that need it most as we move forward with budget negotiations.”

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Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus outlines priorities following governor's budget adddress

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus outlined a number of their investment priorities focused on Latino communities following the governor’s budget address Wednesday.

“We are pleased that the proposal strives to address items of importance to the Latino community, from health care to education,” said Senate Latino Caucus Chair Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Our community is growing and it’s not going anywhere.”

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