OAK PARK - State Senator Cristina Castro held a press conference alongside Governor JB Pritzker to advocate for legislation she’s spearheading that would prohibit cellphones in classrooms.

“Every student in Illinois deserves a quality education in a productive and welcoming setting,” said State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin). “Reducing the harms of constant cellphone usage by students in the classroom supports academic achievement and ensures the best environment possible for learning and growth.”

Nearly 75% of high school teachers say cellphone distraction in their classroom is a major problem. Castro is spearheading Senate Bill 2427 to support learning environments where teachers can focus on teaching and students can focus on learning. The measure would require school districts in Illinois to adopt a policy limiting the use of wireless communication devices on school grounds during the day – from “bell to bell.”

SPRINGFIELD – Following the governor’s annual budget address, the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the final state budget delivers meaningful investments in Black communities across Illinois.

The proposal outlines continued support for early childhood education, K-12 evidence-based funding, need-based financial aid, affordable housing initiatives, comprehensive investments to prevent homelessness, health care access, workforce development and public safety efforts. While caucus members acknowledged these as important foundations, they emphasized that the proposal marks the beginning of negotiations — not the final outcome.

“As Senate Joint Chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, I know our communities cannot afford uncertainty at any level of government,” said State Senator Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago). “With federal threats creating instability around health care, food assistance and social services, Illinois must remain steady and proactive. We have a responsibility to craft a final budget that protects our most vulnerable residents, invests in early childhood and education and strengthens economic opportunities in neighborhoods that have been historically disinvested.”

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Willie Preston is heading a measure that would require grocery stores offering digital coupons to have matching paper ones.

“This measure prevents discrimination by stores against people who are less technologically inclined or do not want to use digital coupons,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “Not everyone has a smartphone or wants to use their smartphone for every part of their life.”

The measure would require a store that offers digital coupons to also have paper coupons at the service desk for customers to use if they prefer. The store would need to have the coupons placed in other locations as well.

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus have once again affirmed their dedication to standing up for Latino residents, emphasizing their strong commitment to protecting and supporting these communities amid growing threats of potential cuts from the Trump administration.

“The governor’s proposed revenue solutions to bridge the gaps in funding are a solid baseline to address the challenges our state is facing under the federal administration,” said Senate Latino Caucus Chair Karina Villa (D-West Chicago). “One thing is clear: our budget cannot be balanced on the back of working people. As budget negations continue, we will remain steadfast in our commitment to defending the services our communities depend on.”

“As leaders, we must stay in this fight to bring justice and equity to our budget decisions. Because when we invest in immigrant and Latino communities, we invest in the future of Illinois,” said House Latino Caucus Chair Norma Hernandez (D-Melrose Park). “Our families are not asking for special treatment. They are asking for fairness, dignity, and the opportunity to live without fear and to thrive.”

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate Progressive Caucus Executive Board released the following statement after hearing the governor’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2027:

“Equity is inseparable from the economic stability of our communities. We cannot continue to have our families struggling to put food on the table or our neighbors working two to three jobs and still unable to make ends meet.

“Budgets are not just numbers on a page – they are moral choices. They represent our people who are hurting under skyrocketing costs-of-living. These are Illinois taxpayer dollars and they belong to our communities. For many Illinois families, these funds mean the difference between keeping the lights on, accessing health care or falling further behind. 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt’s legislation that would require service providing companies to give consumers a two-hour service window for appointments advanced through the Senate Judiciary Committee. 

“People shouldn’t have to stay home from work all day waiting around for the cable guy to show up.” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This is about basic respect for families who have to balance jobs, child care and everything in between.” 

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus heard the governor’s state budget proposal Wednesday and will now begin bipartisan, bicameral conversations to bring forth a balanced budget.

“The governor deserves credit for a proposal that protects our shared goals in an increasingly difficult and chaotic financial climate,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “There’s a lot to like — increased funding for public schools and universities, continued debt reduction and creative ideas on affordable housing.” 

SPRINGFiELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham is introducing legislation to better privacy protections for individuals undergoing genetic and biomarker testing.

“As technology evolves, our privacy laws need to keep up,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “No one in our state should have to worry about sensitive medical information effecting job opportunities or their insurance rate.”