Caucus News

SPRINGFIELD – In a landmark decision to prioritize the health and well-being of Illinoisans, State Senator Willie Preston joined fellow lawmakers at a press conference Wednesday to highlight his legislation to ban the use of four harmful food additives.

“There are a number of growing concerns about the negative effects and associated health risks of certain food additives,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “The ban in Illinois not only protects public health but also emphasizes our commitment to transparency and accountability. By focusing on consumer safety and offering clear directives to food manufacturers, we build trust and confidence among residents in the products they consume.”

Senate Bill 2637, better known as the Illinois Food Safety Act, would ban specific, dangerous food additives from being used in the manufacturing, delivering, distributing, holding or selling of food products. These additives include brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben and red dye No. 3.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy is working to form a new Medicaid subcommittee to help streamline the Medicaid system in Illinois.

“The Medicaid system is the cornerstone of health care for individuals with developmental disabilities, yet navigating its complexities can be daunting,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “With the subcommittee, we seek to remove these barriers and create a more efficient, person-centered Medicaid system that puts individuals and their needs first.”

The measure would create a subcommittee under the Medicaid Advisory Committee at the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. The subcommittee would consist of 30 members, including the directors of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services and Illinois Department of Insurance, as well as social workers, parent advocates, representatives from statewide health organizations and members of the General Assembly.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is working on a measure that would bring equity to funding for special education students by creating a fair reimbursement rate for special education day schools.

“I spent 15 years in the classroom as a special education teacher,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We have to ensure our students can receive a quality education in the least restrictive environment. This initiative would achieve equitable funding for all special needs students, no matter their placement.” 

Senate Bill 3606 would equalize the reimbursement rate received by public school districts from the Illinois State Board of Education when sending high-needs special education students to private and public special education day schools.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings passed a measure to ensure municipal and county first responders receive free mental health insurance coverage.

“We owe it to these brave individuals to provide them with the support and resources they need to heal and recover from the daily trauma they continuously endure in the line of duty,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “It is not only morally imperative but also cost effective. By addressing mental health issues early on, we can prevent more serious and costly consequences down the line.”

Senate Bill 3538 would require any self-insured county or municipality that provides health insurance coverage to first responders to include mental health counseling coverage without imposing any cost-sharing requirements on patients.

Gillespie resigns Senate seat, heads to Department of Insurance

SPRINGFIELD — After more than five years of dedicated service to residents of the 27th District, State Senator Ann Gillespie is stepping down from her role to become the new acting director of the Illinois Department of Insurance.

“We have the chance to impact so many lives with what we do here,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “I’m grateful the people of the 27th District sent me here, and I am incredibly grateful for the privilege of being an Illinois state senator.”

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Stolen license plate, registration sticker replacements would be free under Sims measure

SPRINGFIELD — If a person’s license plate or sticker is stolen from their car, they wouldn’t be on the hook for paying the replacement fee under a measure led through the Senate by State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr.

“Imagine the stress of seeing someone violated your personal belongings,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Now imagine the exacerbated stress of wondering how you are going to pay to fix the problem so you don’t get fined. We should never penalize victims – no matter how big or small the price.”

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Illinois one step closer to having new early childhood agency thanks to Lightford

SPRINGFIELD — Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford led the charge through the Senate to create a new state agency – the Department of early Childhood – to streamline the administration of early childhood education care programs and services.

“The foundation of a child’s success and well-being is built starting the moment they are born,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “As a state, it is our duty to provide the necessary support and resources to build such stability. The creation of this unique agency will break ground on our transition to a whole, trauma-informed approach to meeting children’s diverse needs.”

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Chicago could soon benefit from Business Improvement Districts, thanks to Feigenholtz

SPRINGFIELD — To give downtown Chicago business owners a concrete path to address the needs of their communities and generate revenue that can be used to revitalize business corridors across the city, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz advanced legislation that would allow for the creation of Business Improvement Districts.

“After three years of work, we are giving Magnificent Mile business owners the freedom to chart their own path on a downtown revitalization plan,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “Through Business Improvement Districts, our vibrant city centers will have the flexibility and authority to direct their own spending, development and revival.”

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Cervantes passed a bill in the Senate to expand real estate licensing in Illinois to brokers licensed in another state.

“To modernize our real estate practices in Illinois, this legislation would promote greater diversity in the market for many residents to utilize,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “Allowing more brokers and managers from other states to operate in Illinois would benefit our residents and the businesses wanting to operate in our state.”

Senate Bill 3740 would require brokers and managing brokers licensed in another state who are applying for licensure in Illinois to follow specific guidelines to obtain licensure.

SPRINGFIELD — To give downtown Chicago business owners a concrete path to address the needs of their communities and generate revenue that can be used to revitalize business corridors across the city, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz advanced legislation that would allow for the creation of Business Improvement Districts.

“After three years of work, we are giving Magnificent Mile business owners the freedom to chart their own path on a downtown revitalization plan,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “Through Business Improvement Districts, our vibrant city centers will have the flexibility and authority to direct their own spending, development and revival.”

Senate Bill 3679 would set the foundation for Chicago businesses to form a Business Improvement District – or BID – and collectively fund improvement projects. Business owners would have direct oversight on how the funds are utilized for projects within the district. BIDs only apply to commercial properties, meaning homeowners and residential properties would not pay any additional fees.

SPRINGFIELD – To increase efficiency in emergency response, State Senator Julie Morrison led a measure through the Senate to outline training on how to access the medical ID function within health apps on cellphones.

“With the majority of people having a cell phone on them at all times, it’s easy for people to have their own digital medical ID,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This measure will help first responders keep up with technology and use this feature to save lives.”