Caucus News

SPRINGFIELD – Children in play-based learning environments show stronger language skills and cognitive and social development than their peers in more challenging academic settings, according to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, a finding that is driving new efforts in Illinois to strengthen early education. State Senator Mary Edly-Allen is working to advance new legislation to reinforce those practices in classrooms across the state.

“As an educator and parent, I have seen firsthand how powerful play can be in helping children develop confidence, curiosity and a love of learning,” said Edly-Allen (D- Grayslake). “By clearly defining play-based learning, we are giving educators the tools they need to create classrooms where children can explore, grow and build the foundational skills that set them up for long-term success.”

House Bill 4577 would define “play-based learning,” “guided play,” and “student-initiated play” in state law, providing clearer guidance to schools and educators as they implement developmentally appropriate instruction for young learners.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is leading a measure to crackdown on elder abuse by expanding the offense of criminal abuse or neglect of a senior or disabled person by a caregiver to include people who voluntarily care for a disabled person or senior.

“Abuse, neglect and exploitation toward seniors happen too frequently,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “Protecting our seniors means protecting our values. The people who harm seniors must be held accountable.”

SPRINGFIELD – According to the RAINN, only 310 out of every 1,000 sexual assaults are reported to police, underscoring the need to build trust and improve survivor experiences within the justice system. To address this critical issue, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen is advancing new legislation aimed to improve how survivors of sexual assault are supported during the criminal justice process.

“Survivors deserve to feel safe, respected and fully supported when they are coming forward,” said Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake). “House Bill 4394 is about making sure survivors know their rights and have some control in a moment where so much has already been taken from them.”

House Bill 4394 would require law enforcement officers to inform survivors of sexual assault or abuse that they may request to be interviewed by an officer of a particular sex or gender.

Villa advances legislation tackling childhood homelessness

SPRINGFIELD — To provide stability in the lives of children experiencing homelessness, State Senator Karina Villa advanced a measure that would expand access to emergency housing assistance for students and their families.

“As a former school social worker, I’ve seen first-hand how housing instability suppresses a student’s ability to learn,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Children cannot be expected to focus on learning when they are worried about where they will sleep at night. Every child deserves a safe, stable place to live, and it’s our responsibility to close the gaps that leave too many families without support.”

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Ellman measure expanding access to high school coursework for middle schoolers advances

SPRINGFIELD — To ensure that more students can get ahead academically while maintaining strong instructional standards, State Senator Laura Ellman advanced House Bill 4239, which would expand access to high school-level coursework for seventh and eighth grade students.

“Students learn at different paces, and our policies should reflect that,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This measure ensures that motivated middle school students have clear, equitable access to high school coursework, without unnecessary barriers, while maintaining the high standards families expect.”

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Glowiak Hilton prioritizes railroad safety for students

SPRINGFIELD — In an effort to keep students safe, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is leading a measure to include railroad safety information in student handbooks.

“Student safety has to be at the forefront of our priorities,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “Our residents have expressed concern about schools near railroads and ensuring students understand the protocols in place to keep them safe.”

Read more.

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson advocated for patient privacy at a press conference Thursday, outlining legislation that would remove hormonal medications such as testosterone and estrogen from the Illinois Prescription Monitoring Program.

“Privacy in health care is not optional—it’s a fundamental right that safeguards dignity, autonomy and personal safety,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “When we protect medical information, we protect the well-being of every patient.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman is advocating for new legislation aimed at banning the use of the toxic herbicide paraquat in Illinois, citing growing evidence linking the chemical to Parkinson’s disease and its mounting impact on families across the state.

“Paraquat is one of the most toxic herbicides still in use, and the science linking it to serious health risks like Parkinson’s disease is too strong to ignore,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Illinois has a responsibility to protect workers, families and communities by taking a closer look at its dangers and moving toward safer alternatives.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure that would prohibit retailers from refusing cash payments up to $500.

“Cash is still a reality for millions of families, seniors and small-business owners,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “No one should feel excluded from participating in routine transactions simply because they choose to pay with cash.”

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to remove barriers, State Senator Lakesia Collins is moving legislation that would ensure older adults could continue seeing their preferred mental health care providers.

“When seniors get to stay with their doctors, they get to keep existing relationships that make health care easier for all,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “By allowing psychologists to continue with their patients after their 65^th birthday, we are ensuring the patient-doctor relationship can continue treatment and ensure the safety of Illinois residents.”

Currently, prescribing psychologists are limited to treating patients over the age of 17 and under the age of 65. In practice, this can lead to older adults being forced to seek new doctors when they turn 65.