Caucus News

DECATUR — State Senator Doris Turner fought for increased investment in ADM’s Decatur facility, bringing jobs and economic development to the community.

“ADM’s investment in Decatur is a powerful vote of confidence in our workforce and our community,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “This modernization will create new jobs and ensure Central Illinois remains a global leader in agriculture and food processing.”

AURORA – State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) released the following statement announcing her retirement from the Illinois State Senate:

“After 20 years of serving the people of Illinois’ 42nd District, I have made the difficult decision to retire from the Illinois State Senate at the end of my current term.

“Living with Multiple Sclerosis for the past 37 years has shaped my perspective and strengthened my commitment to public service. While I have been fortunate to manage this disease for many years with few symptoms, it is now time for me to slow down and focus on my health. 

Sims: FY 27 budget invests in families without compromising our fiscal future

CHICAGO — Majority Caucus Appropriations Leader Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the Fiscal Year 2027 budget was signed into law:

“Through our unwavering commitment to fiscal responsibility, Illinois has engineered a remarkable financial turnaround over recent years. Our principled approach has kept our fiscal house in order, allowing us to invest in and uplift communities across the state despite the uncertainty looming from the Oval Office."

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Lightford passes sweeping hemp, cannabis legislation

SPRINGFIELD — After years of advocacy, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford led a wide-ranging law that brings new rules to Illinois' hemp market and delivers long-overdue improvements to the state's cannabis laws for patients, small businesses and social equity licensees.

“I have fought for years to bring order and fairness to these markets, and working with our House colleagues, we finally got it done,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “This is about protecting people, keeping our promises, and keeping Illinois at the forefront nationally.”

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Aquino law strengthens Illinois' health care system

SPRINGFIELD — A new law led by State Senator Omar Aquino aims to strengthen Illinois’ health care system by increasing government efficiency and transparency while maximizing state dollars to fund essential services vulnerable communities depend on.

“Impending federal cuts to Medicaid are a threat to the stability of our health care system, risking access to care for thousands of Illinoisans,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “Safeguarding local hospitals and community-based services is needed to ensure our most vulnerable communities are not left behind.”

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Copyright 2026 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

CHICAGO — Majority Caucus Appropriations Leader Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement Tuesday after the Fiscal Year 2027 budget was signed into law:

“Through our unwavering commitment to fiscal responsibility, Illinois has engineered a remarkable financial turnaround over recent years. Our principled approach has kept our fiscal house in order, allowing us to invest in and uplift communities across the state despite the uncertainty looming from the Oval Office.

“We’re building on that foundation with investments we can be proud of as Illinoisans – educating our young people, enhancing good-paying job opportunities, keeping our communities safe and growing the economy. Illinois will continue to step up where the federal government has stepped away, investing in the whole person, no matter the color of their skin, their education level or their ZIP code.

SPRINGFIELD – A new law led by State Senator Omar Aquino aims to strengthen Illinois’ health care system by increasing government efficiency and transparency while maximizing state dollars to fund essential services vulnerable communities depend on.

“Impending federal cuts to Medicaid are a threat to the stability of our health care system, risking access to care for thousands of Illinoisans,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “Safeguarding local hospitals and community-based services is needed to ensure our most vulnerable communities are not left behind.”

Senate Bill 3365 creates the Distressed Hospital Loan Program, which will provide interest-free cash flow loans to public and nonprofit hospitals in financial distress. The goal is to prevent hospital closures and maintain services while also instituting guardrails that will make sure distressed and safety net hospitals are on a path to financial sustainability.

Peters measure to honor legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., empower young voices in democratic process

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Robert Peters – in collaboration with a coalition of civic advocates – is honoring the legacy of civil rights leaders like Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., who believed the ballot is the most powerful tool for change. To fulfill Jackson’s vision of ensuring every student graduates with both a diploma and voter registration card, Peters is spearheading a measure that would recognize education and civic engagement go hand in hand.

“Voting is a cornerstone of our democracy, but too often, young people leave high school without ever being invited or encouraged to participate in that process,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “By connecting voter registration directly to graduation, we would be removing barriers and setting the expectation that every young person has both the right and responsibility to have a voice in their future.”

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Porfirio champions legislation to increase road safety through Senate

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Mike Porfirio advanced two pieces of legislation that would create safer roadways for drivers, pedestrians and students on buses.

“We need to prioritize legislation that empowers our communities to make road safety changes where they need it most urgently,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “We must also be fair to drivers by ensuring that any revenue collected through traffic infractions are reinvested into initiatives that keep our community safe.”

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Stadelman works to protect older adults from financial exploitation

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Steve Stadelman advanced legislation to strengthen protections for older adults by allowing courts to issue temporary restraining orders in cases involving abuse, neglect or financial exploitation.

“Older adults and vulnerable individuals are too often targeted by scammers and bad actors looking to take advantage of them financially,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This measure gives courts and law enforcement stronger tools to step in quickly, stop exploitation and protect victims before even more harm is done.”

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Copyright 2026 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

SPRINGFIELD – After years of advocacy, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford led a wide-ranging law that brings new rules to Illinois' hemp market and delivers long-overdue improvements to the state's cannabis laws for patients, small businesses and social equity licensees.

“I have fought for years to bring order and fairness to these markets, and working with our House colleagues, we finally got it done,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “This is about protecting people, keeping our promises, and keeping Illinois at the forefront nationally.”

Senate Bill 3222 establishes mandatory licensing and uniform standards for CBD manufacturers while creating a responsible transition path for hemp businesses entering the licensed cannabis market, with at least 45 infuser licenses reserved for social equity applicants.

SPRINGFIELD — Under a new law led by State Senator Cristina Castro, unaccompanied immigrant children will have a path to Illinois’ legal system and access to comprehensive resources and social services following abuse, neglect or abandonment.

“All children deserve protection, no matter their immigration status or background,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “We have a moral obligation to uplift those in need, especially children.”

Under the federal administration, unaccompanied immigrant children are being held in federal detention, often for months with no end in sight – a practice that not only inflicts physical and psychological harm but also precludes youth from being able to seek legal protections such as a Special Immigrant Juvenile Status order. While the number of children and the network of shelters that house them have decreased in recent years, the average length of stay for young people has more than tripled between 2015 and 2025.