SPRINGFIELD – A new measure led by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton would prohibit “spoof” calling – a misleading tactic call scammers use to disguise their caller ID.

“Many Illinoisans receive scam calls every day,” said Glowiak Hilton (D – Western Springs). “This measure prohibits spoof calling to ensure our residents can trust who is on the other end of the phone.”

Senate Bill 160 prohibits spoof calls – and would no longer allow people to use a fake caller ID. The measure would also require automated telemarketers to state the organization they represent, the purpose of the call and require them to confirm that the individual wants to continue with the call. If the caller refuses the organization’s solicitation, the business must ensure they will not call the individual again and must take the steps necessary to remove the individual from their records.

SPRINGFIELD – For the seventh time in less than two years, Illinois has seen another improved bond rating. S&P Global Ratings – one of the nation’s major rating agencies – announced upgrades Thursday thanks to the fiscally responsible decisions made by Illinois Democrats.

State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. – the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Majority Caucus Appropriations Leader – released the following statement:

“Today’s news is yet another sign the years of fiscal responsibility from the General Assembly is paying off. In recent years, we have been able put money back in the pockets of the state’s hardworking families and provide funding for the people who need the most help – all while paying down our bill backlog. Illinois is a standout state when it comes to putting the needs of our residents first, and we do so in a responsible and equitable way.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senators Cristina Pacione-Zayas and Mike Simmons – along with the One Fair Wage advocacy group – held a press conference Wednesday to outline their plan to give tipped employees across the state more financial stability.

“If you are paid as a tipped worker in Illinois, and earn a “subminimum wage,” you can leave your shift unable to pay for a single meal you served to customers that night,” said Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago). “Restaurant workers are essential to our society, and deserve a living wage. I am proud to lead legislation to end subminimum wages in Illinois, and ensure all workers are granted the dignity of being justly paid for their labor.”

Since the start of the pandemic, an estimated 27,000 Illinois restaurant workers have left the industry. In a recent survey, 53% of those who remain in the Illinois restaurant industry reported that they were considering leaving and 84% stated that the only thing that will make them stay or return to working in restaurants is a full livable wage in addition to the tips they receive.

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Mike Porfirio has introduced Senate Bill 2422, aimed at increasing the eligibility requirements for the Illinois Veterans Grant Program.

The proposed legislation would revise the eligibility requirements for the grant program, allowing for a wider range of individuals to access it and receive educational assistance.  

"Illinois has a long and proud history of supporting our veterans and military personnel," said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “As a veteran myself, I am proud to be a voice for other veterans in our state.”

The expanded eligibility will incentivize those who left Illinois to serve their country to return to their home state while adding eligibility to those who come to Illinois to serve to stay here.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin advanced a measure through the Senate State Government Committee which will require lodging establishments in Illinois to provide Human Trafficking Recognition Training (HTRT) to their employees in order to receive state and local funds.

"Human trafficking is a terrible crime that destroys lives and tears apart families," said Halpin (D-Rock Island). "We have a responsibility to do everything we can to combat this heinous practice and ensure that our state is a safe and welcoming place for all people.”

The legislation aims to combat human trafficking in Illinois by ensuring that employees of lodging establishments are trained to recognize and report signs of human trafficking. By making HTRT a requirement for lodging establishments to receive state and local funds, the bill will create a strong incentive for businesses to invest in training their employees and help prevent human trafficking from occurring in Illinois.

New legislation creates mobile app warning of road conditions

SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman that would require the Department of Transportation to develop a mobile application to provide motorists with updates on road conditions passed committee Tuesday.

“Drivers rely on information on road conditions to make it to their destinations safely,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “The Illinois Department of Transportation has valuable information that can help keep Illinois drivers safe.”

Senate Bill 1526 stipulates the mobile application must include updates on accidents, construction zones, lane closures and delays, weather conditions, and other various road conditions throughout Illinois. The measure is similar to an initiative of the Indiana Department of Transportation, who have already implemented a mobile application.

SPRINGFIELD – Continuing to support our growing workforce in Illinois, State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes is building support for new legislation creating the Graduate and Retain Our Workforce Illinois Program that will assist students in STEM fields here in Illinois.

“How we support our students affects how the workforce of the future will find good paying jobs. Illinois is here to support students through their educational journey and ensure they reach their destination,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “These growing tech fields are in dire need of employees and we are creating a pipeline for students to grow their life here in Illinois.”

The new legislation, Senate Bill 1453, will create the Graduate and Retain Our Workforce Illinois Program, otherwise known as the GROW Illinois Program, is intended to allow public institutions of higher education to award forgivable loans to individuals with qualifying degrees and jobs that are in high demand.

Senate Democrats begin budget talks

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus heard the governor’s state budget proposal Wednesday and will immediately begin bipartisan, bicameral conversations to bring forth a balanced budget that prioritizes Illinoisans in all corners of the state.

"We have labored for years to build a solid, stable fiscal foundation for the state of Illinois. Because of those responsible decisions, we find ourselves in the position to be able to invest in our future and do so in a way that can make a real difference," said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). "I applaud the governor for starting this conversation and for setting priorities that hopefully can bring people together in bipartisan support."

A few highlights of the proposed budget include:

• A $250 million investment toward a multi-year Early Childhood Program to increase preschool availability and promote equality in the childcare system
• A continued commitment of a $350 million increase toward the evidence based funding model for K-12 education
• A $350 million investment to target the prevention of homelessness and increase job opportunities for the homeless
• An additional $200 million pension payment, on top of the $500 million added in the previous two fiscal years
• An investment of $400 million to support job creation and business development
• Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus will now spend the following weeks negotiating the budget.

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Black Caucus outlines vision for upcoming session

SPRINGFIELD – History was made Wednesday, as it was the first time in Illinois history that a Black Speaker of the House and a Black female Majority Leader - Kimberly A. Lightford - presented a governor at the State of the State Address.

Following the monumental moment, members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus held a press conference to outline their agenda for the upcoming legislative session. They will focus on passing a balanced budget that uplifts low-income and working families and enhances classroom and early childhood education.

"The governor’s proposed budget showcases a continual dedication to fund programs that promote public safety and equity for all Illinois residents," said State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago). "A budget proposal that contains investments in schools, small businesses, working families and our environment reframes key investments that have traditionally left out Black and Brown communities and is a step toward progress."

After the governor outlined his legislative priorities, the Black Caucus highlighted the importance of putting the voices and needs of Illinois’ Black communities at the forefront of upcoming budget negotiations.

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Latino Caucus reacts to governor's budget address

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus expressed support for a number of proposals outlined in the governor’s budget address Wednesday.

"We need a budget that addresses the lack of immigration rights, health and education equity, economic justice for workers, and proper representation for Latino communities," said State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). "One of our top priorities in this year’s budget is to ensure that equitable opportunities are created for Latino communities in Illinois to live a healthy and sustainable life."

In their budget response, the caucus’ leadership emphasized the need to work with the governor to address racial inequities and disparities in Latino communities. The caucus strives to set goals that combat the lack of access to quality health care, affordable housing, sustainable job opportunities, quality education resources and the lack of representation in Latino communities.

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