Caucus News

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Karina Villa advanced a measure through the Senate that would expand access to emergency housing assistance for students and their families, providing crucial stability for children experiencing homelessness.

“Addressing housing instability is essential to keep students in school and prevent families from falling into a cycle of economic and emotional hardship,” said Villa (D- West Chicago). “By giving school districts the ability to step in during times of crisis, we can help children stay in their schools and communities, where they belong.”

House Bill 4137 would allow school districts to provide an extended motel stay for students that are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, providing families with critical support while they secure or maintain permanent housing.

SPRINGFIELD – According to the RAINN, only 310 out of every 1,000 sexual assaults are reported to police, underscoring the need to build trust and improve survivor experiences within the justice system. To address this critical issue, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen advanced legislation through the Senate aimed at improving how survivors of sexual assault are supported during the criminal justice process.

“Survivors of sexual assault deserve to feel safe, respected and fully supported when they are coming forward,” said Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake). “House Bill 4394 is about making sure survivors know their rights and have some control in a moment where so much has already been taken from them.”

House Bill 4394 would require law enforcement officers to inform survivors of sexual assault or abuse that they may request to be interviewed by an officer of a particular sex or gender.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton passed a measure through the Senate to include railroad safety information in student handbooks.

“Trains move swiftly through cities across Illinois, and while their speed is necessary for transporting goods and people, it can pose a serious risk when students misuse railroads and their crossings” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “Understanding why crossings are designed the way they are and the importance of warning signals can protect students. Sharing information about rail safety encourages informed decisions and helps bring awareness to the entire community.”

BLOOMINGTON – State Senator Dave Koehler is pleased by the rapid expansion of Rivian’s Manufacturing plant in Bloomington Normal. The additions to the manufactures plant bring with it more economic and job opportunities for our community while bolstering our states electric vehicle ecosystem.

“Rivian’s continued growth in Normal is a testament to what can happen when state, local, and private partners collaborate with a unified vision for the future,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “The expansion of the plant, the development of the supplier park, and infrastructure investments all culminate in job creation, safety improvements, and a stronger position for Illinois as a leader in advanced manufacturing and clean energy alternatives. It’s exciting to see these investments paying off for workers and everyone involved.”

SPRINGFIELD – In the face of higher student debt for many in Illinois and across the country, State Senator Mike Halpin’s measure to keep track of the private student loan borrowing market has passed the Senate.

“With the Trump administration placing caps on federal lending for student borrowers, we need to keep track of where the Illinois student loan market is at,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Monitoring student loan default rates and loans with cosigners will give us a clearer picture of how students are doing with their debt and what actions Illinois can make to assist them.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson has passed legislation to ensure students experiencing asthma attacks can access life-saving medication where they are most needed.

“By keeping asthma medication in gyms and practice fields, we allow students to participate in sports and activities without worrying about access to medication,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “Quick access to life-saving medication can make all the difference in an emergency.”

SPRINGFIELD – Digital coupons have become more common; however, not all consumers can easily access them. State Senator Laura Ellman is combatting this with House Bill 45 to ensure eligible consumers receive the benefits of digital promotions when they meet the stated terms.

“People shouldn’t miss out on savings because a promotion isn’t accessible,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “If it’s offered, it should be usable to all, especially when a digital coupon can make a difference when buying in bulk with increasing grocery prices.”

House Bill 45 would require retailers offering digital promotions to provide a way for eligible consumers to redeem them, including options like automatic discounts, point-of-sale assistance, QR codes or receipt submission. Additionally, the proposed measure would preserve flexibility for businesses and would not require paper coupons or changes to loyalty programs.

SPRINGFIELD – In the face of sky-high rental costs in Chicago and across Illinois, Senator Graciela Guzmán is working to crack down on price fixing schemes landlords conduct using AI algorithms.

“This measure is about restoring fairness, transparency and accountability to our housing market by cracking down on AI-driven rent fixing schemes that undermine competition and exploit renters,” said Guzmán. “I’m proud to have worked alongside partners at the city, state and local levels to confront the growing abuse of algorithmic pricing tools and put people ahead of corporate greed.”