Caucus News

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Robert Peters – in collaboration with the Rainbow PUSH Coalition – is honoring the legacy of civil rights leaders like Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., who believed the ballot is the most powerful tool for change. To fulfill Jackson’s vision of ensuring every student graduates with both a diploma and voter registration card, Peters is spearheading a measure that would recognize education and civic engagement go hand in hand.

“Voting is a cornerstone of our democracy, but too often, young people leave high school without ever being invited or encouraged to participate in that process,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “By connecting voter registration directly to graduation, we would be removing barriers and setting the expectation that every young person has both the right and responsibility to have a voice in their future.”

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate honored the extraordinary career and public service legacy of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin following his announcement that he will retire 2026 after more than four decades in Congress.

Durbin announced in April 2025 that he would retire at the end of his current term, saying it was “time to pass the torch” after serving five Senate terms and a total of 44 years in Congress.  During his speech, he discussed the many individuals in his life that have inspired him to write legislation for everyday people. He noted the importance of continuing to advocate for immigrants, as a proud son of an immigrant, the need to keep integrity in elections and tackling the ongoing public health issue of minors depending on vapes.

Senate President Don Harmon, alongside members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus, joined their House colleagues to highlight and acknowledge the many momentous and historic moments of Durbin’s career.

SPRINGFIELD – In the midst of deep economic uncertainty and inflation heating up, State Senator Lakesia Collins joined the Illinois Revenue Alliance calling for progressive revenue reform to fill the gap for families in Illinois.

“When Illinois families are struggling to make ends meet and at a time of troublesome cuts from the federal government, Illinois has to step up,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Reforming our revenue system protects everyday folks who rely on Illinois programs to meet their needs. With the amount of uncertainty in the economy today, now is the time for action.”

Collins spoke on the need for revenue reform in a press conference at the State Capitol on Wednesday advocating for Senate Bill 3796, a proposal that would decouple Illinois from federal tax changes, end high-impact business credits and require a cost-benefit analysis of corporate tax incentives.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Robert Martwick has advanced a measure to extend the highly successful Accelerated Pension Benefit Program.

“By extending the Accelerated Pension Benefit Program, we are honoring public workers and strengthening the long-term stability of the pension system,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “The program is a practical approach that benefits public employees and taxpayers alike.”

SPRINGFIELD – To protect renters from unfair and excessive housing costs, State Senator Steve Stadelman is spearheading legislation that would prevent landlords from passing broker and leasing agent fees onto tenants.

“Renters are already facing significant upfront housing costs, and they should not be forced to pay broker fees for services hired by a landlord or property owner,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This legislation creates a fairer and more transparent rental process by ensuring the party who hires the broker is responsible for paying that fee.”

SPRINGFIELD – To strengthen protections for students and help schools identify concerning behavior before it escalates, State Senator Lakesia Collins advanced legislation to improve reporting requirements, reinforce professional boundaries between educators and students, and increase transparency regarding school misconduct policies.

“Every student deserves to feel safe and supported at school,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “This measure will strengthen safeguards for children by giving schools clearer expectations, stronger reporting tools and additional accountability measures designed to prevent misconduct before it occurs.” 

SPRINGFIELD – To help communities preserve affordable, accessible housing and protect residents from displacement, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced legislation that would provide tenants with the right-of-first-refusal to purchase their property, specifically with a 90- day notice to tenants from the property owner before accepting or listing a building sale.

“As housing costs continue to rise and private equity gentrification continues to threaten communities like Edgewater, Rogers Park and all of Illinois, we need practical tools that help keep working families, seniors and long-time residents in the communities they call home,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This legislation balances the need to expand and preserve housing with strong protections for property owners through the right of first refusal, fair valuation requirements and a transparent acquisition process.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter is leading sweeping legislation that would reform exclusionary zoning laws and open new pathways for affordable, diverse housing across the state.

“Underserved communities across Illinois have been bearing the weight of the housing crisis for years," said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Senate Bill 640 gives us the tools to build more housing in more places – and to do it in a way that is fair, transparent and enforceable.”

The measure would require local governments across Illinois to allow middle housing – such as duplexes, triplexes, and similar multi-unit buildings – in single-family zoning districts, while giving municipalities the option to set their own design standards – or default to state standards – governing things like building height, setbacks and lot coverage.