BROADVIEW – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) is celebrating Illinois’ next minimum wage increase and reminding employees to double check their paychecks after Jan. 1. The minimum wage will increase to $11 an hour on New Year’s Day.

“Even before the pandemic, many working families were struggling,” said Lightford, chief sponsor of the 2019 law raising the minimum wage. “This increase won’t solve all of their problems, but it will surely help.”

The current state minimum wage is $10 an hour, up from $8.25 in 2019. Lightford is also responsible for the 2003 and 2006 laws that gradually increased the minimum wage from $5.15 to $8.25 per hour.

SPRINGFIELD – The Senate Higher Education Committee held a hearing Monday on the progress of SHIELD Illinois, the system which administers University of Illinois’ state-of-the-art rapid COVID-19 test, which uses saliva rather than the common nasal swab and is intended to be made available to all of the state’s public universities.

"Everyone at the U of I involved in developing and utilizing the saliva test deserves our thanks," said Senator McGuire, Chair of the Higher Education Committee. "Our next task is to implement the test at our eight other public universities so they can resume in-person learning next semester."

According to Tim Killeen, president of the U of I System, the university is organizing a testing program and infrastructure to deploy the innovative test across the state. This plan includes a prototype lab on wheels that will allow testing to take place where it is needed most.

BUFFALO GROVE – To support local businesses that continue to struggle due to the public health crisis and provide an opportunity for their owners to share concerns about the response to the pandemic, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is accepting applications to tour small businesses throughout the 30^th District.

“Small businesses have faced unimaginable challenges this year, and many worry daily if they’ll be able to make it through the winter months,” Johnson said. “I want to tour these businesses, learn their owners’ stories, and encourage Lake County residents to help support them.”

Senator Johnson would like to visit a variety of businesses, including, but not limited to, retail shops, manufacturing businesses and businesses in the service industry – from salons to optometrists.

To sign up for a tour from Senator Johnson, businesses can visit SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com/SmallBusinessTours. Once an application is received, a member of her team will reach out with additional details.

People with questions can contact Senator Johnson’s office by calling 847-672-4395 or visiting SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com and clicking contact us.

CHICAGO – Many of those in long-term care facilities are in need of holiday cheer, and State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) is collecting holiday cards to deliver to the residents at Norwood Crossing in Norwood Park and Seniors Assistance Center in Norridge.

“During the holidays this year, many of the folks who live in long-term care facilities are struggling,” Martwick said. “With people staying home for safety, we are getting creative with the ways we support our seniors.”

Martwick is encouraging everyone in the 10^th District to write cards, which can be homemade or store-bought, to help spread some holiday cheer during this difficult time.

Martwick is also encouraging kids to participate and make homemade cards.

Cards can be delivered to Martwick’s district office every Tuesday and Thursday until the 17^th.

6315 N Milwaukee, Suite 101
Chicago, IL 60646

For more information call 773-286-1115 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Loughran Cappel joins the Illinois State Senate

SHOREWOOD — Joliet native Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Joliet) was sworn in to represent the 49th State Senate District on Thursday.

Loughran Cappel is ready to advocate for Will and Kendall County families in Springfield.

“It is an honor to represent the hardworking families of our district in Springfield,” Loughran Cappel said. “We have important decisions to make this upcoming legislative session and I am ready to fight to protect our local businesses, ensure our children and educators have the resources to be successful and for common sense measures that will grow our region’s economy.”

Read more.

Harris advocates for diversity in Illinois pension funds

SPRINGFIELD — As an advocate for diversity and inclusion, State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) chaired a meeting for the Special Committee on Pension Investments on Thursday to discuss the importance of achieving diversity goals for pension investment managers with representatives from various Illinois pension funds.

“In order to begin to bridge historical disparities, existing industries need to give minority firms a chance to enter the market,” Harris said. “Allowing Illinois pension funds to move at their own pace has not achieved spring of diversity we were anticipating, so we must now redouble our efforts in order to meet those goals.”

Read more.

Feigenholtz partners with dentists of Illinois masonic for a new mobile van

CHICAGO — To expand access to dental care, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) joined the dental team at Illinois Masonic hospital at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new mobile dentistry van. Feigenholtz successfully fought for funding in the state budget to make the new van a reality.

“Oral hygiene and dental health is an important part of a person’s health care, but often is overlooked,” Feigenholtz said. “Dental visits are often expensive and not always covered by insurance. This new mobile unit will provide comprehensive and affordable dental care to adults and children that have traditionally experienced barriers to care.”

Read more.

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senators Christopher Belt, Centreville and Rachelle Crowe, Glen Carbon: Round 2 applications now being accepted by DCEO | Riverbender.com

Senator Cristina Castro, Elgin: 'Pop-up' food event funded by Meridian Health distributes 400 meals to Elgin people need | Chicago Tribune

Senators Michael Hastings, Frankfort and Bill Cunningham, Chicago: Advocates tout economic benefits of renewable energy investment | WSIU

Senator Andy Manar, Bunker Hill: Re-envisioning early childhood education and care in Illinois | Week.com

Copyright 2020 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

Senate President Don Harmon issued the following statement following Monday’s electoral college vote:

“I was proud to cast my electoral ballot today for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to become the next President and Vice President of the United States.

MARYVILLE – With winter weather fast approaching, State Senators Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) and Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) recommend bookmarking the Illinois Department of Transportation’s GettingAroundIllinois.com website for continually updated information on road conditions.

“We all know how dangerous roads can become in the wintertime,” Belt said. “During snowy or icy conditions, Getting Around Illinois is a great tool for determining whether your trip out is safe.”

CHAMPAIGN – To help ensure folks stay warm during the cold winter months, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is collecting supplies to benefit C-U at Home. 

“The ongoing public health crisis has left families and neighbors in need of basic items this year,” Bennett said. “I’m confident we can come together as a community and support these people during this incredibly challenging time.” 

C-U at Home is in particular need of new backpacks, hygiene supplies, long underwear and socks. These items are urgently needed to meet the needs for homeless individuals in the community.

“These folks are looking for a helping hand this year to survive the cold winter months,” Bennett said. “Donate today, if you can.” 

Residents are encouraged to drop off donations to the collection box outside of Senator Bennett’s office in Champaign, located at 45 E. University, Suite 206 through Friday, Dec. 18. Bennett reminds those donating to wear a mask in the building and practice social distancing.