CHICAGO –State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) along with other elected officials, community activists, business leaders and nonprofit executives held a press conference today in Rogers Park to reflect on the value of Pride Month and offer their thoughts on the state of LGBTQ+ progress in the wake of the Supreme Court case overturning Roe v. Wade. 

“The LGBTQ community is resplendent and beautiful in its diversity. As the first openly LGBTQ person to serve in the Illinois Senate, I took great pride in convening so many people from across our large community to reflect on Pride and offer their own unique thoughts on the moment we’re living in,” Simmons said. “It was a healing space for so many. It was humbling for me to be in community with so many leaders I respect deeply.” 

"This Pride Month has been a veritable roller coaster of emotions. The highs of parades and parties and reconnecting with friends were often overwhelmed by the lows of historic attacks on our rights,” State Rep. Kelly Cassidy said. “Coming together in community yesterday was a lovely way to acknowledge the complexities of our present and a reminder that there is joy in fighting for liberation."

WEST CHICAGO – State Senators Laura Fine and Karina Villa held a Senate Behavioral and Mental Health Subject Matter Hearing Thursday to discuss the psychiatric needs of detained youth across Illinois.

“Today’s hearing shined a light on where we need to focus our efforts to improve the delivery of mental healthcare for youth in crisis across Illinois,” said Fine (D—Glenview). “Our committees are working diligently to ensure our children and loved ones have access to vital mental health resources and treatments for successful outcomes.”

The hearing was held at the request of Villa’s Mental Health Advisory Committee, a group made up of mental health professionals in DuPage, Kane and Kendall counties who work together to advocate for mental health resources and care in the community.

June marked Men’s Health Month. Senators in the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus discussed various topics impacting men’s health during a virtual town hall to bring more awareness to the cause. Inspired by the signing of House Bill 4589 creating a Men’s Health Division in the Illinois Department of Public Health, the senators were empowered to speak on how Illinois supports healthy communities.

State Senators Napoleon Harris III, Robert Peters and Elgie Sims R. Sims, Jr. discussed the importance of prostate cancer awareness, telehealth opportunities, going to the doctor and much more. The event was moderated by fellow Illinois Legislative Black Caucus member State Senator Christopher Belt.

CHICAGO – Starting July 1, residents will begin to see direct relief at the pump, grocery store and soon in their mailbox thanks to the Illinois Family Relief Plan championed by Illinois Democrats.

“This new law puts money back in the pockets of homeowners and families in the South Suburbs,” said State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort), who served as chief sponsor of the plan. “We are slowly recovering from the most severe public health crisis that our state, country and world has seen in the last century. It is crucial that we prioritize families by providing them with much-needed and deserved relief to keep growing Illinois’ economy.”

The $1.8 billion tax relief plan championed by the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus during the spring session prioritizes families, single parents and vulnerable communities.

SPRINGFIELD – New construction projects will soon pop up around the historic Illinois State Fairgrounds to address years of deferred maintenance thanks to advocacy of State Senator Doris Turner.

“The investment into the State Fairgrounds will provide an extensive facelift, further improving the fair experience for everyone,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “People from all over Illinois come to Springfield to enjoy the fair, and these investments will draw more tourists and provide them with a better State Fair experience for years to come.”

CHICAGO – Employers can no longer discriminate based on hair, thanks to a measure led by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago).

The Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act was signed into law Wednesday by Governor JB Pritzker, which includes hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks and twists to the Illinois Human Rights Act’s definition of “race”.

“So much of our identity has been wrapped into our hair, and the way we wear it has been judged for centuries,” Hunter said. “The CROWN Act shouldn’t have been necessary in the land of the ‘free’, but its implementation will protect people from petty discrimination.”

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CHICAGO – School districts will now have greater flexibility in contracting with food service providers, thanks to a new law spearheaded by State Senator Ram Villivalam that was signed on Wednesday.

“Local school boards know what food options are best for students in their communities,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Our plan allows schools to contract with providers that share the same set of values as they do.”

President Harmon reacts to SCOTUS decision on Roe v. Wade

OAK PARK – Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) issued the following statement today after the Supreme Court issued an opinion overturning Roe v. Wade:

“Today’s ruling is a distressing departure from five decades of precedent and a devastating blow to women around the country.

This decision turns the clock back to a time when women did not have autonomy over their own bodies and died trying to access health care.

Over the past few years, we took many steps in Illinois to affirm a woman’s right to make decisions about her own body.

As long as there is a Democratic majority in the Illinois State Senate, we will continue to protect those rights.”

Read more.

Castro plan to address wage theft in the construction industry signed by governor

ELGIN – Construction workers who are not fairly compensated by subcontractors will soon be given an opportunity to collect unpaid wages, thanks to a new law spearheaded by State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin).

“Wage theft is a real problem, especially in the construction industry, which can have a complicated web of involved companies,” Castro said. “This law will provide a mechanism for the workers who have been slighted to receive their fair compensation and encourage primary contractors to employ reputable subcontractors.”

Read more.

New Villa law protects nursing home residents in Illinois

WEST CHICAGO – In partnership with community members and other professionals on her Senior Advisory Committee, State Senator Karina Villa championed a new law to protect the dignity and rights of nursing home residents across Illinois and ensure they are afforded the highest quality of care.

“Many families struggle with the decision to placed loved ones in long-term care facilities,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “With everything that goes into this decision, families shouldn’t also have to worry about abuse or neglect.”

Read more.

Insulin-dependent diabetics will soon receive an easier way to track their blood sugar thanks to Morrison

CHICAGO – To give insulin-dependent diabetics a more effective way to manage their blood sugar levels, State Senator Julie Morrison championed a newly signed law to require insurance plans to cover continuous glucose monitors.

“This is a development in science that should be available to help people better regulate their diabetes,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Glucose monitoring systems should be covered the same as other medical equipment.”

Read more.

Sound of the State: Celebrating Pride Month

As we celebrate Pride Month, State Senators Laura Fine (D-Glenview) and Robert Peters (D-Chicago) highlight legislative initiatives and steps we can all take to help foster and create a culture that encourages Illinois’ LGBTQ+ communities to come together and celebrate the freedom to be themselves during this episode of the Sound of the State podcast.

Listen here.

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