SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings was joined at a press conference Wednesday by Senators Willie Preston, Paul Faraci, Meg Loughran Cappel, Christopher Belt and Doris Turner to announce new legislation designed to protect homeowners from excessive insurance rate increases and ensure fairness, transparency and accountability in Illinois homeowners insurance.

"When you open that renewal notice from your insurance company and your premium has gone up 30% or more, it is like stepping on a Lego at six in the morning — you didn’t do anything wrong, but you are definitely feeling it," said Hastings (D-Frankfort). "Across Illinois, homeowners insurance premiums have jumped 20% to 30% over the past year. Our neighbors are asking themselves, 'What did I do to cause this? I did not file a claim. I did not move. I did not change a thing, but my rates still went up.' And they are right to ask that question.”

PEORIA — State Senator Dave Koehler helped secure a $10 million commitment to reconstruct and modernize Sheridan Road, as part of a larger round of projects funded through the state’s multi-year transportation program.

“The investment in modernizing Sheridan Road will enhance the lives of residents and visitors alike, as every mile of road we repair contributes to the longevity of Illinois’ transportation,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This project will connect residents to jobs, schools, and businesses, while improving the interconnectivity of our state.” 

ROCKFORD — State Senator Steve Stadelman praised Monday’s announcement that the historic Rockford Brake Manufacturing factory is reopening following an Economic Development for Growing Economy (EDGE) for Startups agreement – bringing $6.6 million and 150 new job opportunities to the Rockford region.

“This announcement highlights a welcome return on public investment in our workforce and emphasizes the importance of the automotive industry in Rockford’s economy,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This investment enables the Rockford Brake Manufacturing company to revitalize their machinery and take part in the growing commercial vehicle industry.”

Chicago – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus joined the Illinois Department of Transportation in celebrating the early completion of the Kennedy Expressway Rehabilitation project along with thanking the public for their understanding and endurance during the length of the three-year, $169 million endeavor.

“This marks the end of a long road for commuters. A new, safer Kennedy is open so people can get where they need to go faster and hopefully with less frustration,” said Illinois Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “To accelerate the timeline on the rehabilitation, IDOT ensured that traffic on the expressway worked its way in and out of completed sections to enhance the flow of traffic during heavy construction periods. Extended hours and supplemental workers were used whenever it was deemed possible.”

DES PLAINES – State Senator Laura Murphy received the 2025 Legislator of the Year award from the Metropolitan Township Association in recognition of her leadership and commitment to achieving community-driven progress.

“Throughout my career, I have worked closely with townships and have seen the essential role they play in addressing the specialized needs of their residents,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “I am humbled to have received this award and will continue to support townships and the work they do to ensure residents in their community receive the services they need.”

SPRINGFIELD – For the 10^th time in less than five years, Illinois has seen another improved bond rating. Moody’s Investors Service – one of the nation’s major rating agencies – announced upgrades Thursday thanks to the fiscally responsible decisions made by state democrats. 

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

“The 10^th rating upgrade is yet another sign the years of fiscal discipline and responsibility from the General Assembly is paying off. In recent years, we have been able to put money back in the pockets of the state’s hardworking families, provide funding for the people who need the most help and pay down the state’s bill backlog – all while dealing with economic uncertainty created by a hostile federal government. 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.

A group of Senate transit leaders release statement highlighting legislation to fix and fund public transit in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD ─ As public transportation systems across Illinois approach a fiscal cliff in 2026, threats of cuts to service and layoffs of transit workers continue to loom as they await funding and reforms from the Illinois General Assembly. 

State Senators Mattie Hunter, Omar Aquino, Robert Peters, Celina Villanueva, Adriane Johnson and Graciela Guzmán have been at the forefront leading legislation to tackle the fiscal cliff and longstanding transit issues through legislation.

The aforementioned members released the following statement to address the need to fix and fund public transit:

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner presented a resolution to recognize and honor the contributions of Eva Carroll Monroe.

“Eva Carroll Monroe was a trailblazer in child welfare, opening her door for Black children,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “As a lifelong Springfield resident, it’s important to bring to light the important pioneers of our history who made a difference in Black communities.”

Senate Resolution 128 formally recognizes and honors the contributions of Eva Carroll Monroe, the founder of the Lincoln Colored Home of Springfield, the first Black orphanage in the state and second in the country. The resolution declares Aug. 4, 2026 as Eva Carroll Monroe Day in Illinois to honor her legacy.

Turner’s measure highlights Monroe’s dedication to the welfare of Black children, particularly during the Jim Crow Era, and her tireless work in creating a safe space for orphaned Black children who were excluded from other orphanages due to racial discrimination.

Senate Resolution 128 was adopted by the Senate on Wednesday.