SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) issued the following statement Tuesday in response to the majority opinion of the U.S. Supreme Court provisionally ruling to strike down the landmark Roe v. Wade (1973) decision:

“I want to make this very clear: this proclamation is a vicious, deliberate attack on women –on poor women, on women of color, and on young women. The future we feared is here, and now is the time for clarity, intention and action. The highest court in the land is saying to women, ’You have no power.’ The highest court in the land is saying to women, ’You have no value.’ The highest court in the land is wrong, and we here in Illinois will stand for equity. We here in Illinois will always protect the reproductive freedoms of Illinoisans.”

“Today, that is not enough. In 2019, more than 7,000 non-residents came to our state to obtain legal, safe abortions –more than two times the number of women who sought refuge in 2014. We need more than just in-state protections. We must speak to the women of our nation sitting at home right now, paralyzed by pure terror. Here and now, let us reassure them that the state of Illinois will remain a beacon of hope. Illinois will not fail them.”

WAUKEGAN – State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) released the following statement in response to the leaked Supreme Court ruling that would overturn Roe v. Wade and threaten access to reproductive health care in the United States:

“Although Illinois has taken proactive steps to protect women’s reproductive rights, millions of women could be in danger should Roe v. Wade be overturned, and this regressive move would set our country back by more than five decades.

SPRINGFIELD –Last night, a draft Supreme Court opinion overturning Roe v. Wade, the case legalizing abortion nationwide, was leaked. State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) released the following statement condemning this decision:

“In this day and age, it is unconscionable that women would be denied reproductive rights," said State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview). "I will fight to ensure women do not go backwards and our fundamental rights are protected."

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CHICAGO – State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) released the following statement in response to the leaked Supreme Court ruling that would overturn Roe v. Wade:

“The Supreme Court’s draft opinion to strip women of their right to choose is appalling. The ability to make decisions on your own body is the most basic and fundamental of rights, and we must do all we can to protect those rights for all women.

“All reproductive care, including abortion, is and will remain legal in Illinois thanks to the Reproductive Health Act. I was proud to stand with the women in our General Assembly in passing that critical piece of legislation and will continue to stand with them as we fight this disastrous decision.

CHICAGO – State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) released a statement following a recently published report revealing the Supreme Court is considering overturning the historic Roe v. Wade case:

“As the chilling news broke last night about a draft majority opinion to overturn the precedent of self-determination for generations of women and people assigned female at birth, I know many, including myself felt nothing short of devastated.  

“Reproductive rights and bodily autonomy are the most basic and fundamental human rights. This is not a drill, nor a test, nor a dress rehearsal—this moment is a rally cry and a defining time that draws a line in history. 

Chicago - A second round of anti-violence funding to empower community groups to develop evidence-based strategies to combat firearm violence is now available thanks to the efforts of Senator Robert Peters.

“Today, communities are a step closer to addressing the problem of firearm violence with this round of funding now available to community groups,” said Peters (D- Chicago). “I encourage all eligible organizations to apply, get GATA-certified so we can work hand-in-hand with affected communities, intervening with at-risk youth, supporting survivors and working from a grass roots level. We want every single community to get the public safety everyone deserves.”  

The funds are available as a result of last year’s passage of the Reimagine Public Safety Act, spearheaded by Peters. The law created violence prevention grants for research-backed services like summer and after-school programming, job training and placement, high-risk youth intervention services, violence interruption, case management, trauma-informed mental health care supported by Medicaid and more.

Senate Democrat-led teacher shortage bills signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – As school districts around the state continue to struggle to fill teaching positions, Senate Democrats led a number of legislative measures signed into law last week to address the void.

“Illinois, like everywhere else in the country, is facing challenges with recruiting and retaining teachers,” said State Senator Meg Loughran Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “It was a struggle even before the pandemic hit, but now, finding someone to sub in when a teacher is out sick is even harder for Illinois schools.”

Read more.

New Turner law to protect families of DCFS workers killed in the line of duty

SPRINGFIELD – Families of Department of Children and Family Services workers killed in the line of duty will receive survivor health insurance benefits thanks to State Senator Doris Turner.

Turner (D-Springfield) championed a recently signed law that will treat the death of a DCFS worker similar to the death of law enforcement officers.

Read more.

Hunter encourages homeowners affected by COVID-19 to apply for financial assistance

CHICAGO – The Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund application recently opened, and State Senator Mattie Hunter is encouraging homeowners who have been impacted by COVID-19 pandemic to apply.

“A lot of people have fallen behind on their mortgage payments due to COVID-19 and could benefit greatly from this program,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “This program ensures homeowners much-needed relief and can help them avoid debt and even foreclosure.”

Read more.

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Bill Cunningham, Chicago: Cunningham backs bill to aid officers | The Beverly Review

Senator Laura Fine, Glenview: Fine celebrates mental health care funding in budget | Patch

Senator Michael E. Hastings, Frankfort: Senator Michael Hastings tours future NICU at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox | Herald News

Copyright 2022 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

Illinois sees sixth credit upgrade in one year thanks to responsible spending by Senate Democrats

SPRINGFIELD – For the third time in recent weeks and sixth time in under a year, Illinois saw a new credit boost thanks to responsible spending plans spearheaded by Illinois Senate Democrats.

“When I look at the budget we passed last month, I see the work and years of fiscal responsibility paying off. We were able to pay down our bills and put money back in the pockets of the state’s hardworking families,” said State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago), the Senate’s lead budget negotiator and Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “Illinois is a stand-out state when it comes to putting the needs of our residents first – and we do so in a responsible, equitable way.”

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Nearly 6,500 businesses receive COVID-19 assistance thanks to B2B program championed by Senate Democrats

SPRINGFIELD – Last week was National Small Business week and members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus kicked it off by announcing a total of $250 million in small business COVID-19 relief funds have now been granted through the Back to Business Program.

“This relief program has been a vital investment in thousands of small businesses that keep the economy humming throughout our great state. It has kept doors open and people employed at gyms and restaurants, cleaners, and coffee shops,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “I am hopeful that it made a difference in their economic recovery and will help small businesses thrive in the years to come.”

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Senate Democrats vow to protect women's right to choose

CHICAGO – A number of members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus spoke out Tuesday to condemn the leaked Supreme Court opinion draft overturning Roe v. Wade, which would leave reproductive health care decisions in the hands of individual states.

“As long as there is a Democratic majority in the State Senate, a woman’s right to choose will be protected in Illinois,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Chicago). “We will stand as a bulwark against any efforts to turn back the clock to darker days.“

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Illinois Senate Democrats welcome Eric Mattson as new member

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus welcomes a new member – Eric Mattson.

The Joliet-native’s commitment to public service started at a young age through volunteer work and continued after graduation when he joined the Joliet Fire Department. Mattson worked his way up the ranks to become a Joliet Fire Captain in 1996 and continues to serve in this role.

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We're Hiring

The Office of the Senate President is hiring motivated professionals to fill Communications Specialists and District Outreach Specialists positions.

Springfield-based Communications Specialists will be tasked with developing and implementing strong public relations strategies on behalf of the office. District Outreach Specialists will assist in developing and implementing strong public relations strategies in member’s districts to help assist with constituent outreach. Learn more and apply today.

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Robert Peters, Chicago: Pritzker announces $113 million in anti-violence funding now available | WAND

Senator Doris Turner, Springfield: Measure to protect families of DCFS workers killed in the line of duty signed into law | WAND

Senator Steve Stadelman, Rockford: More than $20 million secured for Rockford sanitation authority | WIFR

Copyright 2022 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved