The Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus is complete: two new senators were recently sworn in, filling two remaining vacancies.

Senator Doris Turner of Springfield was appointed to serve for the 48th District after Andy Manar’s departure last month. She was sworn in on Saturday.

Senator Mike Simmons was appointed and sworn in to serve for the 7th District representing the north side of Chicago, succeeding Heather Steans who retired from the Senate recently.

AURORA – Senator Linda Holmes will lead a subject matter hearing in the Senate Labor Committee this week to learn about the status of several Unemployment Insurance issues plaguing the Illinois Department of Employment Security in the last year. Their handling of an unprecedented flood of claims in the last year, when more than 1 million Illinoisans lost their jobs, overwhelmed the department.

“Our working group on this major issue has been investigating this since shortly after the pandemic began,” Committee Chair Holmes said. “We’ve had input from colleagues and the hundreds of constituents who’ve contacted us about their difficulties getting payments, navigating the website or getting a call back from IDES.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) will continue to serve on Senate President Don Harmon’s leadership team as Majority Caucus Whip during the 102^nd General Assembly.

“I am deeply humbled President Harmon has given me the distinct honor of continuing to serve on his leadership team,” Hastings said. “While our state faces challenges not seen in generations, I have no doubt that under his leadership we will implement creative solutions that give our people the relief they deserve in an effective, bipartisan manner.”

Hastings was appointed to Senate President Harmon’s leadership team to serve as Majority Caucus Whip in 2020. In this role, Hastings works closely with fellow caucus members on policy issues and offers advice on their respective legislative agendas. Hastings will also continue to serve as chair of the Senate Public Utilities and Energy Committee.

“We have our work cut out for us in 2021,” Hastings said. “In addition to providing our communities with the tools necessary for an effective and efficient COVID-19 response, we need to consider solutions that secure the future of clean energy in Illinois. That starts with investing in existing infrastructure and preserving the good-paying jobs in our communities.”

In the coming months, Hastings hopes to help foster bipartisan collaboration on key issues, including equitable clean energy solutions, implementing ethics reform to restore the public’s trust in government, and increasing support for small businesses and families struggling during the pandemic.

Hastings has served the 19th Legislative District since 2012, when he was elected as one of the youngest Senators in state history. Since then, he has worked tirelessly to pass legislation with the goal of improving the social and financial climate of the state of Illinois.

BUFFALO GROVE – Up to 750 North Chicago residents will be able to get vaccinated each week at a clinic opening at the Greenbelt Community Center next week. State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is encouraging anyone eligible for the vaccine to register for an appointment.

“Seniors have been waiting nearly a year for a sense of normalcy,” Johnson said. “Now that the vaccine exists, many are still waiting for their chance to roll up their sleeves. The North Chicago clinic will allow hundreds of residents to finally receive their long-awaited dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.”

The vaccine clinic, located at the Greenbelt Community Center, opens Feb. 15. Its hours will be Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. 

The clinic is sponsored by AbbVie, a research-based global biopharmaceutical company with a long-standing commitment to North Chicago. Together, North Chicago Community Partners, AbbVie, and the Lake County Health Department hope to reach as many community members as possible.

Registration is required. To register, North Chicago residents should email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with their full name, phone number and birthdate. Anyone with questions can call North Chicago Community Partners at 847-582-1362.

Those who need assistance getting to the clinic can contact Pace’s Dial-A-Ride service at 1-800-201-6446.

SPRINGFIELD – As COVID-19 vaccine distribution continues, Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) and her colleagues have fielded hundreds of questions and concerns from people across the state about the rollout, leading her to schedule a hearing to help get to the bottom of the confusing process and call for a more comprehensive and timely plan.

“The COVID-19 vaccine is the greatest line of defense we have against the pandemic,” Morrison said. “Unfortunately, many people across the state who are eligible for the vaccine haven’t been able to get their dose – and that’s disheartening. I hope this hearing will lead us toward a path of greater efficiency.” 

SPRINGFIELD — Senate President Don Harmon issued the following statement on the passing of Karen Lewis.

"I cherished Karen’s friendship and mentorship and will always be better for it. She was an amazing person, devoted teacher, champion of the professional educator and skilled leader. She was one of a kind, dedicated to her core to challenging and changing lives and communities. We are indebted to her service and leadership, for which she will be remembered and forever missed."

Many older adults have been isolated from their loved ones for nearly a year due to the ongoing public health crisis. To show people living in long-term care facilities that people are thinking about them, a number of democratic senators are collecting Valentine’s Day card from their respective communities.

“Whether the cards are bought in a store or made from paper and markers, many older residents could use an extra reminder that they are cared for,” said State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport).

From now until Feb. 10, Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign), Senator John Connor (D-Lockport), Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon), Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs), Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) and Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) will be collecting store-bought and hand-made cards. The cards will then be donated to a number of long-term care facilities across the districts they represent.

BROADVIEW - Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) released a video message urging Illinoisans to wear a mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“This pandemic has shined a light on the inequities faced in Black and Brown communities, especially when it comes to education,” Lightford said. “I urge everyone to do their part and mask up, so we can get students back into classrooms safely and give them the resources they need to succeed.”