CHICAGO – Following a multi-year implementation period, the state’s minimum wage will reach $15 per hour on Jan. 1, thanks to steadfast advocacy from Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford.

“As a state, we have helped countless workers make ends meet, reduce financial stress, and provide a more solid foundation for their futures,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “The $15 minimum wage is a testament to our commitment to economic justice and our belief that everyone who works full time deserves a living wage.”

Lightford led a law in 2019 to put the state on the path to a $15 per hour minimum wage by 2025. The minimum wage was raised from $8.25 to $10 in 2019. Each year after, on Jan. 1, the minimum wage increased by $1 – putting it at $15 come Jan. 1, 2025. Additionally, the youth minimum wage rate will raise to $13 per hour.

DEERFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison commemorated Dec. 21, 2024 as James A. Lovell Day to celebrate the Lake Forest man whose words of, “Houston, we've had a problem,” are still said daily some 54 years later. 

“James A. Lovell’s extraordinary courage and skills have left an indelible mark on human space exploration,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “His achievements have long inspired generations to dream big and persevere in the face of seemingly impossible challenges.”

Lovell is best known for his remarkable role in the Apollo 13 mission – an incredible story of survival and human resilience. In April 1970, when an oxygen tank explosion crippled their spacecraft, Lovell and his crew transformed what could have been a tragic disaster into one of the most remarkable rescue missions in history. With limited resources and facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, they navigated their damaged spacecraft back to earth.

CHICAGO — State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. was recently elected to serve as the chair of the Council of State Governments.

“It is a tremendous honor to have been elected by my colleagues from all 50 states to serve in this important position,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Many of the skills and much of the knowledge about policy I developed in partnership with people I met through the Council of State Governments and I am proud to help shape future generations of leaders through this amazing organization of state government leaders.”

The Council of State Governments is the nation’s largest nonpartisan organization serving all three branches of state elected and appointed officials. The mission of the group is to champion excellence in state government.

PALATINE – State Senator Cristina Castro recently celebrated Harper College as they officially broke ground on the new Canning Student Center, which will provide a wide array of essential services for students.

“Harper College is an integral institution on the pathway to success for undergraduate and continuing education students in this region of Illinois. I have long been advocating for the construction of a student center here, and I’m truly thankful that we’ve reached this important date,” said Castro (D – Elgin). “Investments like this not only enhance the educational environment, but also serve as an important recruitment tool to grow the student body.”

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Mattie Hunter’s legislation focused on improving the lives of children in state care by providing enhanced support to relative caregivers and reducing barriers to permanency passed the Senate on Thursday.

“Current licensing procedures create unnecessary roadblocks to financial assistance for relatives serving as caregivers,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Research shows children are better off when they can maintain connections to their families and traditions. We need to provide these families with the support they need to make this possible.”

SPRINGFIELD – At a meeting of the Illinois Senate Black Caucus earlier this week, State Senator Willie Preston was elected by his colleagues as the new caucus chair.

"I am deeply humbled and grateful to my colleagues for entrusting me with the honor of serving as Senate Chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “This is an extraordinary responsibility, and I do not take it lightly. Together, we stand on the shoulders of the trailblazers who came before us, and it is our duty to continue fighting for the progress Black communities deserve.”

The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus advocates on behalf of the Black community, ensures inclusion and diversity within legislation, and works diligently to improve the health and social outcomes for Black Illinoisans.

“As chair, my focus will be ensuring that every Black family in Illinois has the tools they need to thrive,” said Preston. “We must continue the work of building a strong and inclusive middle class where families have access to good-paying jobs that provide dignity and stability.”

SPRINGFIELD — To support the preservation of Promontory Point, a historic landmark in Burnham Park, State Senator Robert Peters passed a resolution which aims to restore and protect the Point’s historic limestone retaining wall while ensuring public access and ecological sustainability.

“Promontory Point is a valued piece of Chicago’s history and an important public space for residents and visitors alike,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This resolution reflects our commitment to preserving its character while addressing shoreline erosion in a way that respects the community’s voice.”

Promontory Point is a 40-acre, man-made peninsula located at the south end of Burnham Park. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2018 and designated a Chicago landmark in 2023, the Point has long been at the center of preservation conversations. A 2002 proposal from the city of Chicago and the Chicago Park District sought to replace its historic limestone components with concrete and stone, sparking community opposition.

SPRINGFIELD — A landmark plan spearheaded by State Senator Cristina Castro and State Representative Theresa Mah to begin phasing out the federal subminimum wage for Illinoisans with disabilities is one step closer to becoming law.

“I’ve heard from friends, family and constituents about the pain they have to live with knowing their son or daughter is doing manual labor in a shop for eight hours a day only to come home with pennies on the dollar in their paycheck,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “This legislation is personal to me and a critical step in upholding the rights and dignity of all workers in our state.”