Illinois students’ learning, engagement and test scores could be on track to improve significantly under a proposal from State Senator Cristina Castro seeking to limit students’ use of cellphones during classroom instruction.

“Every student in Illinois deserves a quality education,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “The growing mental health crisis among children has been shown to be directly related to constant access to these devices, which poses a serious concern for their education.”

 Almost three-quarters of high school teachers recently polled by Pew Research said cellphone distraction is a major problem in their classes. At least 10 states currently have laws, executive orders, or state education department policies restricting student use of cellphones during class.

Stadelman measure to protect consumers against speculative ticket sales

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Steve Stadelman is taking action to protect consumers and promote transparency in the ticket sales industry.

“There are many people who have been misled by the terms and conditions of buying a ticket online, often leading to extra fees,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “All consumers deserve to know up front the conditions and final price of their tickets. This measure will give consumers peace of mind before making a final purchasing decision.”

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Faraci announces free prep classes for UIUC students studying for professional and licensing exams

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Paul Faraci is announcing a new state program that will help all Illinois college students prepare for graduate school and in-demand careers.

“It is unfortunate to see gifted students’ dreams and career choices limited simply because they can’t afford the classes that would prepare them for graduate school entrance exams or for professional license exams,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “I am pleased to see Illinois making this $10 million investment to help our best and brightest succeed regardless of their ability to pay for graduate and professional prep classes.”

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Villivalam holds subject matter hearing to address public transit challenges

CHICAGO — Senate Transportation Committee Chair Ram Villivalam held a subject matter hearing last week to hear from advocates and stakeholders about two pieces of legislation that would make changes to governance and address issues riders face.

“Given persistent delays and service gaps that riders face, it is important that we prioritize improvements to our public transit system,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “We had the opportunity to hear from advocates and stakeholders about measures that would provide reliable, affordable, safe and coordinated transit to our region.”

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Copyright 2025 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci is announcing a new state program that will help all Illinois college students prepare for graduate school and in-demand careers.

“It is unfortunate to see gifted students’ dreams and career choices limited simply because they can’t afford the classes that would prepare them for graduate school entrance exams or for professional license exams,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “I am pleased to see Illinois making this $10 million investment to help our best and brightest succeed regardless of their ability to pay for graduate and professional prep classes.”

The Prepare for Illinois' Future Program is the result of a commitment by the State of Illinois, Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) and leading global education company Kaplan to provide free test preparation courses to students enrolled in Illinois’ public universities as well as five community colleges. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has already onboarded the program.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham has received the Reuben Soderstrom Award for being a labor champion.

“Unions represent an essential pillar for protecting Illinois workers and our communities as a whole,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “Standing in solidarity with labor is something one should do regardless of recognition, but I am happy to accept the award and encourage my colleagues to keep up the good fight.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman is taking action to protect consumers and promote transparency in the ticket sales industry.

“There are many people who have been misled by the terms and conditions of buying a ticket online, often leading to extra fees,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “All consumers deserve to know up front the conditions and final price of their tickets. This measure will give consumers peace of mind before making a final purchasing decision.”

Speculative ticket listing refers to when sellers list tickets for events that they do not possess in the hope of acquiring them later at a lower price. This often leads to inflated ticket prices and leaves customers vulnerable to price gouging.

CHICAGO — Senate Transportation Committee Chair Ram Villivalam held a subject matter hearing Tuesday to hear from advocates and stakeholders about two pieces of legislation that would make changes to governance and address issues riders face.

“Given persistent delays and service gaps that riders face, it is important that we prioritize improvements to our public transit system,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Today, we had the opportunity to hear from advocates and stakeholders about measures that would provide reliable, affordable, safe and coordinated transit to our region.”

Senate Democrats display support to end Alzheimer's

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Democrats joined advocates to bring attention to the needs of those impacted by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia by wearing purple.

Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms eventually grow severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. In 2020, there were 230,000 people over 65 years of age living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia in Illinois. This figure is projected to reach 260,000 in 2025, a 13% increase.

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Murphy's measure aims to increase safety in school zones

SPRINGFIELD – Children who walk to and from school would be safer under a new proposal from State Senator Laura Murphy.

“School zones should be the safest places for children, but distracted drivers and speeders pose a hazard that needs to be addressed,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Installing flashing beacons at crosswalks is a simple, effective way to prevent accidents and protect students and their parents on their daily commutes.”

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Feigenholtz advances measure to expand leave for short-term teachers

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Sara Feigenholtz is leading a measure that would allow short-term teachers to take family and medical leave.

“Illinois has been tackling the ongoing teacher shortage for years – and this is another step in the right direction,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “We should be encouraging people to become educators, not holding them back.”

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SPRINGFIELD — To recognize and honor former Cook County Commissioner and soul singer Jerry “Iceman” Butler, State Senator Mattie Hunter sponsored a resolution declaring March 12, 2025 as “Jerry Butler Day” in Illinois.

“Jerry ‘Iceman’ Butler was a dedicated public servant, talented artist and a loving neighbor,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Recognizing his life is an honor as he dedicated his life to advocating, supporting and championing efforts to ensure everyone had access to the care they need.”

Through the resolution, Jerry “Iceman” Butler is remembered for his contributions and work as a Cook County commissioner, as well as his lasting music career. He was raised in Chicago’s Near North Side neighborhood, and lived in the Cabrini-Green Public Housing Development. He attended Washburne Trade School, where he studied to be a chef, but later embarked on a journey in music where he achieved fame as a member of the musical group The Impressions and later toured as a solo artist.