SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Robert Peters is protecting workers and keeping Illinois’ economy moving with a new pilot program that would ensure unions, employers and public agencies can resolve disputes quickly – even as the federal mediation system faces major cuts.

“With the federal mediation system stretched thin, our pilot program would make sure our state’s workers and employers still have access to trained mediators who can help resolve conflicts quickly and fairly,” said Peters (D-Chicago), chair of the Senate Labor Committee. “This is about giving people a path toward solutions without costly disruptions that affect our residents.” 

Peters’ measure would create the Labor Mediation Services Pilot Program to be used in place of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service when the federal program is not available. The FMCS is a small, independent federal agency that provides mediation, training and facilitation to resolve labor-management disputes – disagreements between unions and employers. These efforts help avoid costly disruptions in production, services and supply chains, ensuring economic stability and growth.

Through the measure, Illinois would step up to lead where FMCS has been forced to step back. The state’s new pilot program, created through collaboration between the AFL-CIO and the Illinois Department of Labor, demonstrates a proactive effort to maintain essential mediation and dispute resolution services after federal cuts to FMCS left major gaps. Although a federal judge has issued an order preventing complete dissolution of the FMCS, the agency now operates with only a skeleton staff, leaving uncertainty about how many mediators remain available nationally or in Illinois. The state’s new pilot program would fill gaps in providing training, mediation, facilitation, dispute systems designs and other alternative dispute resolution services to agencies – allowing them to operate more effectively and serve the public better. 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) released the following statement in response to a jury finding Sean Grayson guilty in the murder of Sonya Massey:

“While nothing will bring Sonya back, justice has been served. Today's verdict shows that no one is above the law.

“I stand with the Massey family and my community as we continue to mourn the unjust loss of Sonya. Since Sonya’s murder, I’ve been committed to – and will continue to – put in the work to make necessary changes to ensure our community has trust in those who have taken the oath to protect and serve.”

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate observed Wear Pink Day at the Capitol Wednesday to raise breast cancer awareness and encourage early detection.

“I was diagnosed about four years ago and went through chemotherapy, a mastectomy, radiation, and now ongoing preventative treatment. Raising awareness about breast cancer has become very important to me,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “I found comfort in hearing from women I know and admire —many of whom have walked this same path — and in knowing that I wasn’t alone. If you have recently been diagnosed or are awaiting results, know that you are not alone, there is help available and you will get through this.”

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus filed landmark legislation designed to protect Illinois residents' constitutional rights and ensure safe access to critical public services amid heightened federal immigration enforcement activities in Chicago and across the state.

The legislation comes in response to reports of aggressive federal immigration enforcement tactics in Chicago and other Illinois communities that have raised concerns about constitutional rights violations and the chilling effect on access to essential services.

House Bill 1312, sponsored by Senate President Don Harmon, would allow Illinois residents to bring civil actions against any person who deprives them of their constitutional rights under the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution, or Section 2 or Section 6 of Article 1 of the Illinois Constitution.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings was joined at a press conference Wednesday by Senators Willie Preston, Paul Faraci, Meg Loughran Cappel, Christopher Belt and Doris Turner to announce new legislation designed to protect homeowners from excessive insurance rate increases and ensure fairness, transparency and accountability in Illinois homeowners insurance.

"When you open that renewal notice from your insurance company and your premium has gone up 30% or more, it is like stepping on a Lego at six in the morning — you didn’t do anything wrong, but you are definitely feeling it," said Hastings (D-Frankfort). "Across Illinois, homeowners insurance premiums have jumped 20% to 30% over the past year. Our neighbors are asking themselves, 'What did I do to cause this? I did not file a claim. I did not move. I did not change a thing, but my rates still went up.' And they are right to ask that question.”

PEORIA — State Senator Dave Koehler helped secure a $10 million commitment to reconstruct and modernize Sheridan Road, as part of a larger round of projects funded through the state’s multi-year transportation program.

“The investment in modernizing Sheridan Road will enhance the lives of residents and visitors alike, as every mile of road we repair contributes to the longevity of Illinois’ transportation,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This project will connect residents to jobs, schools, and businesses, while improving the interconnectivity of our state.” 

ROCKFORD — State Senator Steve Stadelman praised Monday’s announcement that the historic Rockford Brake Manufacturing factory is reopening following an Economic Development for Growing Economy (EDGE) for Startups agreement – bringing $6.6 million and 150 new job opportunities to the Rockford region.

“This announcement highlights a welcome return on public investment in our workforce and emphasizes the importance of the automotive industry in Rockford’s economy,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This investment enables the Rockford Brake Manufacturing company to revitalize their machinery and take part in the growing commercial vehicle industry.”

Chicago – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus joined the Illinois Department of Transportation in celebrating the early completion of the Kennedy Expressway Rehabilitation project along with thanking the public for their understanding and endurance during the length of the three-year, $169 million endeavor.

“This marks the end of a long road for commuters. A new, safer Kennedy is open so people can get where they need to go faster and hopefully with less frustration,” said Illinois Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “To accelerate the timeline on the rehabilitation, IDOT ensured that traffic on the expressway worked its way in and out of completed sections to enhance the flow of traffic during heavy construction periods. Extended hours and supplemental workers were used whenever it was deemed possible.”