SPRINGFIELD – Building upon her decades of advocacy to combat the ongoing HIV/AIDS epidemic in Black communities, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford is pushing for $15 million to help bring greater resources to disadvantaged communities.

“African Americans represent a fraction of Illinois' population, yet we bear a vastly disproportionate burden of new HIV diagnoses,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “Our mothers, our brothers and our neighbors are dying at rates that should outrage every person.”

SPRINGFIELD—In solidarity with home health workers, teachers, homelessness advocates, and other state officials, State Senator Graciela Guzmán advocated for the Fiscal Year 2027 budget to utilize progressive revenue measures, ensuring essential programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid do not face cuts from a shortage of federal dollars.

“Parents are anxious about being able to afford food on the table while billionaires are ordering catering to their fleet of yachts,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “This gross disparity between our lived experiences is not okay. We need to make sure our most wealthy are paying their fair share, because cutting essential programs for the working families that make up the heart of Illinois isn’t an option. We cannot balance this budget by cuts to working class people that are already hurting.”

SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Senator Laura Fine called a press conference on Wednesday to outline crucial legislation that would protect families and curb ICE intimidation by preventing newly hired ICE agents from serving as law enforcement officers in Illinois.

“Police officers occupy positions of public trust. Given widespread concern over ICE’s violent tactics, allowing current ICE agents to police local communities undermines that trust and should be prohibited,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “My district is one of many communities across the state that has repeatedly voiced concerns about increased ICE activity in our neighborhoods, schools, shopping centers and public spaces, and it’s time we take action against threats to public safety.”

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

“We have several volunteer fire departments in the Metro East that would be able to take advantage of new funding,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Right now, only city-run fire departments have access to state grants for equipment and building upgrades, this will change that.”

Senate Democrats highlight over $17 million awarded to pre-apprenticeship programs across the state

SPRINGFIELD — Thanks to the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus more than $17 million in funding is being sent to 39 program recipients to expand the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The program, which serves up to nearly 2,000 community members statewide, creates a qualified talent pipeline of diverse candidates in the construction and building trades.

“The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program is essential to expanding opportunities for individuals in the construction trades,” said State Senator Christopher Belt (D – East St. Louis). “I’m thrilled to see the continued success of this program and its critical impact on Illinoisans, particularly those from communities historically underrepresented in the trades.”

“Through programs like the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, the state has created pipeline of diverse talent within the trade industry,” said State Senator Cristina Castro (D – Elgin). “These apprenticeship programs provide a range of opportunities and a pathway to a long-term career for the next generation of Illinoisans.”

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Feigenholtz leads measure to allow Illinoisans to bet on Academy Awards

SPRINGFIELD — Betting on the Oscars could soon be legal in Illinois under a new proposal from State Senator Sara Feigenholtz, opening the door for wagers on major entertainment awards alongside traditional sports betting.

“Cinema lovers, entertainment gurus and Oscar party-goers in my district are always looking for fun and creative opportunities to attract more visitors to our neighborhood bars,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “With Academy Awards betting, the possibilities are endless.”

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Ventura champions measures requiring car dealers to provide buyers with vehicle history report

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Rachel Ventura introduced a new measure that would require car dealers to provide a vehicle history report to buyers with the purchase of any used car.

“Buyers deserve to know exactly what they’re getting when they make a purchase, especially for an investment as important as buying a vehicle,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This legislation will ensure accountability and transparency in vehicle transactions, ensuring customers don’t end up surprised by serious defects or issues after they’ve already paid a significant amount of money for a new car.”

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CHICAGO — Thanks to the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus more than $17 million in funding is being sent to 39 program recipients to expand the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The program, which serves up to nearly 2,000 community members statewide, creates a qualified talent pipeline of diverse candidates in the construction and building trades.

“The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program is essential to expanding opportunities for individuals in the construction trades,” said Senator Christopher Belt (D – East St. Louis). “I’m thrilled to see the continued success of this program and its critical impact on Illinoisans, particularly those from communities historically underrepresented in the trades.”  

The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program launched in 2021 with the goal of increasing diversity and access to apprenticeship programs. Comprehensive pre-apprenticeship programs help participants gain admission to apprenticeship programs, which provide a greater opportunity to obtain employment in the construction trades and secure a lifelong career.

SPRINGFIELD — Betting on the Oscars could soon be legal in Illinois under a new proposal from State Senator Sara Feigenholtz, opening the door for wagers on major entertainment awards alongside traditional sports betting.

“Cinema lovers, entertainment gurus and Oscar party-goers in my district are always looking for fun and creative opportunities to attract more visitors to our neighborhood bars,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “With Academy Awards betting, the possibilities are endless.”

Wagering on entertainment awards shows is gaining popularity nationwide, with seven states and Puerto Rico allowing betting on the industry. Ontario, Canada also permits wagering on entertainment shows.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Rachel Ventura introduced a new measure that would require car dealers to provide a vehicle history report to buyers with the purchase of any used car.

“Buyers deserve to know exactly what they’re getting when they make a purchase, especially for an investment as important as buying a vehicle,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This legislation will ensure accountability and transparency in vehicle transactions, ensuring customers don’t end up surprised by serious defects or issues after they’ve already paid a significant amount of money for a new car.”