BROOKFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford hosted the 13th Annual Uplift Our Future free back to school event serving nearly 500 community residents with a fun-filled free day at the Brookfield Zoo. 

“Our goal every year is to ensure every child is prepared and emotionally equipped to learn for the upcoming school year while having a fun day at the zoo,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “Regardless of the weather many families still came out, and I thank all the sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and families who weathered the storm with us to ensure we continued to support our future leaders.” 

Since 2009, Lightford has hosted a free Back to School Event for youth and families in the 4th Senate District at the Brookfield Zoo.

SPRINGFIELD – As an advocate for more affordable higher education, State Senator Cristina H. Pacione-Zayas is excited that federal student loans are expected to be forgiven for people facing the most economic hardship.

“With rising tuition prices, many students from low and middle income families have no other choice but to borrow if they want to pursue a degree, and are receiving less federal support relative to the cost of education,” said Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago). “Together, this makes it difficult to make monthly loan payments while also paying their regular bills. I am grateful that President Biden’s plan attempts to mitigate this burden on our hardworking students.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Robert Martwick is encouraging communities with economic challenges in the 10th District to apply for assistance through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program. The program, which usually requires matching funds for projects, now offers complete assistance for distressed communities.

“Funding for our local parks will attract new investments in the future and revitalize an essential part of our community,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “I am happy that we as a state are able to provide this wonderful opportunity to local park districts.”

Joyce hosts roundtable to discuss future of ag

SPRINGFIELD – To kick off Agriculture Day at the Illinois State Fair, State Senator Patrick Joyce hosted a roundtable with Congresswoman Cheri Bustos along with other agriculture professionals to discuss future ag policy.

“As a fourth generation farmer, I know how important ag policy is for farmers and consumers,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Farm bills govern nearly 100% of agricultural and rural policy for the next five years, which is why it’s so important for Congress to work with the ag community and our state legislators to get it right.”

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Communities eligible for assistance through OSLAD program

WAUKEGAN – State Senator Adriane Johnson is encouraging communities with economic challenges in the 30th District to apply for assistance through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program. The program, which usually requires matching funds for projects, now offers complete assistance for distressed communities.

“Now is the time we utilize funding to rebuild local parks in our communities and provide our children and neighbors with safe and new attractions,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “I am encouraging our park districts to take advantage of the opportunity by applying for this grant.”

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Senator Murphy, Mercer County Farm Bureau hold sweet corn donation for local food pantries

DES PLAINES – To make sure every family in the community has the option to enjoy fresh seasonal produce, State Senator Laura Murphy partnered with Mercer County Farm Bureau to donate sweet corn to local food pantries.

“Sweet corn is an Illinois delicacy—but unfortunately, fresh produce is not accessible to many families because of their location or socioeconomic status,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “I am proud that this partnership allows for more corn to go back to the community, and ensuring all of us can enjoy this summer’s crop.”

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Sound of the State: Women's Equality Day

State Senator Linda Holmes talks about Women's Equality Day, from achieving voting rights to pursuing equal payand affordable health care access. She describes how she works to empower women to be fairly represented in public service and all walks of life on this week's Sound of the State.

Listen here.

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The Office of the Illinois Senate President is hiring a number of positions, including Communications Specialists, Legislative Assistants and more. Learn about these positions and how to apply by clicking here.

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SPRINGFIELD – To kick off Agriculture Day at the Illinois State Fair, State Senator Patrick Joyce hosted a roundtable with Congresswoman Cheri Bustos along with other agriculture professionals to discuss future ag policy.

“As a fourth generation farmer, I know how important ag policy is for farmers and consumers,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Farm bills govern nearly 100% of agricultural and rural policy for the next five years, which is why it’s so important for Congress to work with the ag community and our state legislators to get it right.”

The hour-long discussion was hosted and moderated by Joyce and Bustos. Representatives from the Illinois Corn Growers Association, Illinois Soybean Association, Illinois Pork Producers Association, Illinois Beef Association, Illinois Farm Bureau and Illinois Department of Agriculture joined the discussion to share their thoughts about different portions of the current farm bill and what changes they believe should be made in the next federal farm bill, set to be filed and discussed in 2023. 

WAUKEGAN – State Senator Adriane Johnson is encouraging communities with economic challenges in the 30^th District to apply for assistance through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program. The program, which usually requires matching funds for projects, now offers complete assistance for distressed communities.

“Now is the time we utilize funding to rebuild local parks in our communities and provide our children and neighbors with safe and new attractions,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “I am encouraging our park districts to take advantage of the opportunity by applying for this grant.”

In the district Johnson represents, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources highlighted North Chicago and Waukegan as economically disadvantaged communities.

DES PLAINES –To make sure every family in the community has the option to enjoy fresh seasonal produce, State Senator Laura Murphy partnered with Mercer County Farm Bureau to donate sweet corn to local food pantries, including Elk Grove Township Pantry, the Schaumburg Barn, Maine Township Pantry, the Center of Concern, Des Plaines Self Help Closet, Catholic Charities in Des Plaines, and the Schaumburg Township Food Pantry.

“Sweet corn is an Illinois delicacy—but unfortunately, fresh produce is not accessible to many families because of their location or socioeconomic status,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “I am proud that this partnership allows for more corn to go back to the community, and ensuring all of us can enjoy this summer’s crop.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins celebrated a new rule through the Department of Justice Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives that modernizes the definition of a firearm to better address the proliferation of “ghost guns”.

“Our communities have become too accustomed to the tragedies of fatal gun violence,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Keeping our most vulnerable populations safe requires a bold strategy to end the market for ‘ghost guns’.”

ATF’s “Frame or Receiver” rule takes effect this week, making clear that parts kits that are ready to convert to functional weapons, or functional frames or receivers of weapons, are subject to the same regulations as traditional firearms. The rule clarifies that background checks must be run on individuals purchasing parts kits, requires serial numbers on parts, and requires gun retailers to keep records for the entire time they are licensed, rather than for 20 years.