Caucus News

Villanueva honors farmworkers and Dolores Huerta

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Celina Villanueva led two resolutions through the Illinois Senate to honor the legacy of farmworkers and uplift one of the most influential labor leaders in American history. The measures designate March 31, 2026 as Farmworkers Day and April 10, 2026 as Dolores Huerta Day in Illinois.

“Farmworkers have long carried this country on their backs while too often being denied the protections and recognition they deserve,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “As the granddaughter of a Bracero worker who came to this country during and after World War II to work in our fields — and as a proud Latina — I’m honored to help ensure their sacrifices and contributions are seen, valued and remembered — not just in words, but through the policies we fight for every day.”

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Senate Democrats display support to end Alzheimer's

SPRINGFIELD — Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus joined advocates to raise awareness for the needs of those impacted by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia by wearing purple.

“Diseases such as Alzheimer’s and other memory conditions have a devastating impact on communities across our state, affecting patients, their loved ones, and caregivers alike,” said State Senator Rachel Ventura (D-Joliet). “Wearing purple today was a reminder of the Senate’s commitment to raising awareness, offering support, and investing in the resources healthcare providers need to treat the disease, find a cure, and end the suffering.”

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Holmes measure updates prosecutors' options to charge phone and electronic harassment offenders

SPRINGFIELD — In Illinois, law enforcement officers and prosecutors who charge suspects accused of harassment are seeing options to update the law to reflect today’s technology. State Senator Linda Holmes filed legislation to reflect the realities of how offenses are being committed in present day.

“The means to harass someone continues to expand from phones to electronic devices, offering platforms on which to send demeaning, frightening messages,” Holmes (D-Aurora) said. “Emails, social media, forums and gaming are being used by those intending to cause emotional distress to the recipient, so laws need to be amended to address each offense separately.”

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Copyright 2026 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

SPRINGFIELD — To highlight the importance of supporting students beyond academics, State Senator Adriane Johnson championed the effort to declare March 2026 as Illinois Whole Child Month.

“Designating Whole Child Month is about recognizing that student success extends far beyond the classroom,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “We must ensure every child has the resources, support and environment they need to grow, thrive and succeed.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Karina Villa stood in solidarity with Latina lawmakers and community organizations at a press conference Wednesday, calling for culturally responsive services for survivors of gender-based violence in the workplace.

“Latina farmworkers sustain one of our state’s most essential industries, putting food on our tables, all while facing disproportionate rates of gender-based violence and workplace violations,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Today, we stand with these women and reject the misogynistic norms that, for far too long, have forced survivors of gender-based violence into silence in order to protect abusers.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt passed a measure through the Senate that would allow volunteer fire departments to apply for and receive state grants through the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal.

“This would expand grant opportunities so volunteer fire departments and fire protection districts across Illinois can access the funding they need to repair, upgrade or build their facilities,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “In communities like St. Clair County, where many departments are volunteer-based and currently ineligible, this measure would help ensure they have the resources to protect residents safely and effectively.”

SPRINGFIELD – With Illinois’ high school graduation rate at 87%, but only 64% of graduates enrolling in a college program within one year, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen is highlighting the adoption of Senate Resolution 611, which designates March 2026 as Whole Child Month in Illinois, a statewide effort to prioritize student well-being, safety and success both inside and outside the classroom.

“Having spent my career as an educator, I know that students thrive when we support every part of who they are, not just their academic performance,” said Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake). “Whole Child Month is a reminder that when students feel safe, supported and engaged, they are better prepared to succeed in school and beyond.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler’s new initiative to allow public transit agencies to use electronic rearview monitoring systems on their buses and transit vehicles has passed the Senate.

“Our public transit drivers work long hours, deal with rapidly changing weather and, most importantly, get you from place to place,” said Koehler (D-Peoria) “With the wellbeing of a passenger being in the hands of a driver we want to ensure the drivers have a modern system with better safety measures.”

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Rachel Ventura joined State Representative Daniel Didech, and clean energy advocates to launch a campaign to pass legislation she is sponsoring enabling plug-in solar in Illinois.

The Plug-In Illinois Act would unlock access to affordable solar power for millions of Illinoisans who cannot install rooftop solar – because they are renters, apartment dwellers, or can’t afford the upfront cost – by removing regulatory barriers to small scale plug-in or “balcony” solar units.

Senate Bill 3104 – also filed as House Bill 4524 in the House – would allow consumers to buy a certified solar system and plug it into a standard wall outlet. The effort would make Illinois one of the first states in the nation to enact plug-in solar following Utah, which passed plug-in solar legislation with unanimous bipartisan support last year. Lawmakers in Pennsylvania, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and other states have introduced plug-in solar legislation as well.

Illinois Senate recognizes March 31 as Farmworkers Day and April 10 as Dolores Huerta Day

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva led two resolutions through the Illinois Senate to honor the legacy of farmworkers and uplift one of the most influential labor leaders in American history. The measures designate March 31, 2026 as Farmworkers Day and April 10, 2026 as Dolores Huerta Day in Illinois.

“Farmworkers have long carried this country on their backs while too often being denied the protections and recognition they deserve,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “As the granddaughter of a Bracero worker who came to this country during and after World War II to work in our fields — and as a proud Latina — I’m honored to help ensure their sacrifices and contributions are seen, valued and remembered — not just in words, but through the policies we fight for every day.”