Caucus News

CHICAGO – Health screenings, giveaways, live entertainment, ID services, family activities and more will be available at State Senator Mattie Hunter’s annual Family Health and Fitness Fair on Saturday, Aug. 5.

“This major community event is an opportunity to not only access free health screenings and valuable resources but enjoy fun activities for the whole family,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “From live entertainment to giveaways and free services, there’s something for everyone. Stop by and take advantage of everything offered while learning how to prioritize your health and wellness.”

Held at the Illinois Institute of Technology for its 19^th year, this large event features free health screenings including kidney and diabetes screenings from the National Kidney Foundation, school physicals from St. Bernard’s Mobile Health Unit, and dental screenings from Roseland Dental. Representatives from the Illinois Secretary of State will be on site offering state IDs and vehicle plate stickers (fees apply), and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office will provide free electronics recycling and medicine disposal.

Attendees can visit dozens of vendors offering resources and giveaways. The fair will recognize former Secretary of State Jesse White for his years of service to the state, include a balloon release for cancer survivors, and feature entertainment by the Jesse White Tumblers, Fre2Dance Line Dancers and more.

The fair is co-hosted by the Illinois Institute of Technology and the Institute for Positive Living, with ComEd as the lead sponsor.

For more information, call Senator Hunter’s office at 312-949-1908 or visit www.SenatorHunter.com.

WHO: State Senator Mattie Hunter, State Representatives Kimberly Du Buclet and Sonya Harper, the Illinois Institute of Technology, and the Institute For Positive Living

WHAT: A free health fair event for families and children of all ages

WHERE: Illinois Institute of Technology on the field north of S. R. Crown Hall at 33^rd and State Street

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

HIGHLAND PARK – State Senator Julie Morrison was recognized by the Highland Park City Council for her steadfast work in leading a comprehensive law allowing law enforcement to use drones to monitor large events and identify public safety issues.

“It’s more pertinent than ever that law enforcement are equipped with the most  modern tools and training to keep communities safe,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “It’s simple: drones will save lives. I thank the Highland Park community for trusting me to represent them in Springfield and bring forth commonsense legislation to make our community safer.”

The law came nearly a year after Morrison’s family and hundreds of people in the Highland Park community ran for their lives as a gunman opened fire on the town from a rooftop, killing seven and injuring 48.

Morrison immediately got to work to put forth legislation to ensure parade goers – and other attendees of large events – can live with better peace of mind. Her measure – House Bill 3902 – allows law enforcement to use drones to monitor special events, like parades and festivals, to detect breaches and identify public safety issues.

It garnered support from Governor JB Pritzker, who said the new measure will give law enforcement another tool to keep communities safe.

”Part of addressing public safety means constantly adapting to new technologies and tools that can protect our communities, and Senator Morrison’s bill does just that,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Alongside the banning of assault weapons and strengthening penalties on ‘ghost guns,’ this important law gives law enforcement another tool to work to ensure that Illinoisans can gather together in times of celebration or remembrance without fear of becoming another mass shooting statistic.”

The measure was signed into law June 16 and took effect immediately.

JOLIET – State Senator Rachel Ventura, who has had a long history of standing with health care workers to ensure that their voices are heard, will speak at a picketing event and press conference Thursday, in support of St. Joseph Medical Center nurses.

“Health care workers should have a viable and transparent relationship with their employers. I encourage residents to show their support with those who take care of us when we are in need of medical care,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “My office has corresponded with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) on investigating reports of repeated violations of Illinois staffing laws, and I am pushing for answers.”

In addition to working with IDPH, Ventura attended a rally to support nurses last week, and she previously sat in on negotiations with hospital officials. Ventura will be a featured speaker at an informational picket and press conference held Thursday, July 20 at the St. Joseph Medical Center.  The picket will take place at the Madison entrance of Ascension Saint Joseph starting at 3 p.m., followed by a press conference at 5:30 p.m. 

St. Joe’s Nurses Association has been in negotiations with Ascension representatives since May and many of the union’s proposals have remained virtually untouched in the intervening months. Nurses say the future of the only hospital in Joliet depends on this contract. The current union contract expires on July 19, 2023.

“St. Joe’s nurses deserve to work in an environment with safe staffing levels and they shouldn’t be made to feel taken advantage of,” said Ventura. “Our health care workers are a critical part of our communities and I will continue to be a voice for them in-district, and in Springfield.”

For additional questions about this event, contact Sarah Hurd with the Illinois Nurses Association (INA) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced an investment of $82 million in road and bridge improvement projects for the 2024 fiscal year thanks to smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Robert Peters.

“As chair of the Senate Labor Committee, I’m always happy to support infrastructure projects because of the increase in employment opportunities for skilled laborers,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “The economic significance of this is huge considering the valuable goods that are being transported back and forth on local highways in addition to the increase in financial resources for workers.”

AURORA – Building upon the Illinois Department of Transportations’ Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, State Senator Linda Holmes is pleased to announce infrastructure investments of $162,156,000 in road, bridge and rail crossing improvement projects in the 42^nd District. The 31 projects in the plan for Fiscal Years 2024 – 2029 include repaving, adding lanes, rebuilding bridges, replacing culverts, improving railroad crossings and upgrading safety features.

“Thanks to the ongoing Rebuild Illinois program, these investments will improve roads and bridges across the state and provide improved access to jobs and opportunities in our area,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “Our counties are seeing considerable growth; transportation infrastructure expands our capacity for those commuting for work, running errands, or providing goods and services. This work also improves accessibility and safety, and creates a number of good-paying jobs.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Holmes represents will see infrastructure projects totaling more than $162 million over the next six years. In FY 24, eight projects totaling more than $36 million in work are planned, including:

• Improvements and bridge work in Naperville
• Reconstruction of East State Street in Geneva
• Resurfacing and additional lanes in Aurora

These projects are part of IDOT’s Multi-Year Plan, a $40 billion investment in construction projects for the next six fiscal years. The project invest in all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, as well as bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

“Investing in our communities is essential to help our economy continue to move forward,” Holmes said. “As our area continues to see significant growth, these investments will help serve our needs and equip our economy for the future.”

To find a full list of projects slated for the 42^nd Senate District, visit IDOT’s website.

Will lift up the work of 7th District Single Moms Council, highlight child care policy successes in Illinois

Washington D.C. – State Senator Mike Simmons will attend the White House States Convening on child care to champion policy proposals that achieve high quality, affordable child care with senior White House officials and other state leaders.

WHO: State Senator Mike Simmons, New Mexico Governor Lujan Grisham, New York Governor Hochul, Minnesota Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, and 91 other state legislators from 41 states across the country.

WHAT: White House Convening on childcare

WHEN: Wednesday, July 19, 2023 7:30 a.m. central time

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that the Pretrial Fairness Act provisions of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus-championed SAFE-T Act are constitutional.

“I am extremely proud that our state’s highest court is prioritizing public safety over wealth. This historic decision is the culmination of over a decade of organizing from countless grassroots organizations that deal directly with vulnerable communities in which cash bail has affected, including groups that support survivors of gender-based violence,” said State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago). “I would like to take this opportunity to specifically thank the Coalition to End Money Bond, the State’s Attorneys Association, the Sheriff’s Association and survivor advocates for their assistance in getting pretrial fairness across the finish line.”

The state’s top court signaled in their opinion that the state can eliminate cash bail and shift toward a process that determines whether someone is held in the criminal justice system based on their danger and flight risk, rather than their wealth.

CHICAGO – State Senator Robert Peters released the following statement in response to the Illinois Supreme Court’s ruling on the pretrial release portions of the SAFE-T Act:

“I am extremely proud that our state’s highest court is prioritizing public safety over wealth. This historic decision is the culmination of over a decade of organizing from countless grassroots organizations that deal directly with vulnerable communities in which cash bail has affected, including groups that support survivors of gender-based violence. I would like to take this opportunity to specifically thank the Coalition to End Money Bond, the State’s Attorneys Association, the Sheriff’s Association and survivor advocates for their assistance in getting pretrial fairness across the finish line.

“In the aftermath of this historical achievement, I expect there to be backlash and calls for the reinstatement of a cash bail system in response to controversial legal cases. Let me be clear: cash bail delegitimizes criminal justice systems and transforms them into systems that violate public safety instead of upholding it. Illinois will not go back. We will only move forward with our goal of ensuring public safety for all Illinoisans, regardless of their background or financial position.” 

Read more about the SAFE-T Act here.