Legislation championed by State Senator Willie Preston becomes reality with ribbon cutting ceremony

CHICAGO – In a historic and heartfelt tribute, the Illinois Secretary of State’s flagship building has been officially named in honor of Jesse White, the longest-serving and most respected Secretary of State in Illinois and American history. The dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting took place today in Chicago, marking the culmination of legislation spearheaded by State Senator Willie Preston.

“It was my honor to carry this legislation through the Senate to ensure the legacy of Secretary Jesse White is forever etched in the fabric of Illinois,” said Preston. “His decades of service, unwavering integrity, and transformative leadership have shaped not only the Secretary of State’s office, but public service in this state and across the nation.”

ROCK ISLAND – To honor the life and public service of former Congressman Lane Evans, State Senator Mike Halpin, alongside Representative Gregg Johnson, dedicated I-74 in the Quad Cities to his memory.

“Lane Evans was committed to this community and to this country,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “With this dedication, Illinois recognizes Evans’ service and accomplishments. Both as a mentor and a friend, Lane served as a great inspiration to me and showed what public service is all about: speaking your mind and fighting for folks in your community.”

Senate Joint Resolution 48 designates I-74 in the Quad Cities from 4^th Avenue to I-280 as the “Rep. Lane Evans Memorial Highway.” This designation pays honor and respect to former Congressman Evans’ service to his country.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Lakesia Collins’ new law will give clarity to law enforcement so they can more easily remove criminal trespassers from a person’s home.

“Our intention is to make it easier for law enforcement to enforce criminal trespassing and remove squatters from property,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “We are responding to constituents who have had trouble with squatters who could not be removed without an eviction, and this will simplify the process.”

Collins’ new law, Senate Bill 1563, clarifies the state’s eviction law to ensure nothing about the eviction process keeps law enforcement from enforcing criminal laws. This change clarifies that squatters – who are trespassers – can be removed without going through the eviction process.

“Squatters are a problem, and no one should have to get an eviction notice to remove squatters from their home,” said Collins. “Law enforcement need to be able to do their job and return homes to their rightful owners. This law will bring back much-needed security to residents.”

Senate Bill 1563 was signed on Monday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Senate Democrats applaud $13 million investment in new all-electric school buses

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus celebrated the recent announcement of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s $13 million investment for 46 new all-electric school buses. The funding will facilitate the swap from older diesel-powered buses to brand new electric buses with the charging infrastructure needed to power the new fleet.

"An investment in clean transportation represents a win-win for our communities - we're protecting the health of our children while moving Illinois toward a more sustainable future. The new electric buses heading to Community Consolidated Schools District 168 in Sauk Village will mean cleaner air for our students during their daily commutes and reduced emissions in our neighborhoods,” said State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago). “This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking investment that will benefit families in the 17th District for years to come."

Read more.

Lightford celebrates unveiling of Children's Adversity Index to measure exposure to childhood trauma

CHICAGO – Building off her success in leading a whole-child, trauma-informed approach to helping youth, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford is celebrating the launch of the Children’s Adversity Index – a pivotal step in identifying and addressing systemic challenges impacting communities statewide.

"The Children's Adversity Index represents exactly the kind of comprehensive, data-driven approach we need to tackle the complex challenges facing Illinois families. By mapping adversity across our communities and identifying where resources are most needed, we're moving beyond treating symptoms to addressing root causes,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “This tool will be invaluable as we work to ensure every child in Illinois has the support they need to thrive, regardless of their ZIP code.”

Read more.

Johnson honored with amphitheater naming in Buffalo Grove

BUFFALO GROVE – In recognition of her unwavering dedication to public service and community advancement, State Senator Adriane Johnson will be honored with the naming of the amphitheater at Mike Rylko Community Park in Buffalo Grove.

“I am deeply humbled by this recognition and grateful to the Buffalo Grove Park District for this incredible honor,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This amphitheater has been a space for gathering, art, and connection in our community, and I am thrilled it will continue to serve residents for generations to come.”

Read more.

Sound of the State — Organ donation: From recipient to advocate

In this episode of Sound of the State, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) shares his powerful personal story as a kidney transplant recipient. Belt discusses the life-changing moment he received his transplant, the struggles he faced during dialysis, and how his journey inspired him to champion organ donation legislation in Illinois.

Listen here.

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Graciela Guzmán, Chicago: Dual language education expansion awaits Pritzker's signature | WAND TV

Senator Michael E. Hastings, Frankfort: Suburban senator stresses need for reform amid State Farm homeowner rate increase | WAND TV

Senator Ram Villivalam, Chicago: Bill notifying families of NICU baby early intervention services arrives on Pritzker's desk | WAND TV

Copyright 2025 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

ELGIN – State Senator Cristina Castro is urging community organizations, educational institutions, and industry groups to apply for grants from the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program to enhance workforce training and economic growth in Illinois communities.

“I’m thrilled to see the continued success of the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “The funding provided through this program is critical to increasing career opportunities for Illinoisans and building up our state’s world-class workforce.”

This latest round of funding provides $25 million to support pre-apprenticeship programs that aim to increase diversity and create pathways for underrepresented groups in the construction industry, including women, veterans and people of color. The program offers comprehensive, tuition-free training and certifications, along with supportive services to help individuals gain entry to apprenticeships and ultimately secure stable, well-paying careers.

NORMAL – State Senator Dave Koehler commended the announcement that Adient, a global automotive seating supplier, will open a new manufacturing facility in Normal, strengthening Central Illinois’ role in the electric vehicle industry and creating 75 new full-time jobs.

“This announcement is fantastic news for Central Illinois,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Adient’s decision to locate in Normal not only builds on our region’s growing role in the EV supply chain, but it also brings new, good-paying jobs to our community.”

Adient will invest over $8 million to establish the new facility, which will supply seating assemblies directly to Rivian, the prominent electric vehicle manufacturer headquartered in Normal. Adient plans to renovate an existing 85,000-square-foot warehouse near Rivian’s leading production site, enabling efficient supply chain integration.

CHICAGO – Building off her success in leading a whole-child, trauma-informed approach to helping youth, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford is celebrating the launch of the Children’s Adversity Index – a pivotal step in identifying and addressing systemic challenges impacting communities statewide.

"The Children's Adversity Index represents exactly the kind of comprehensive, data-driven approach we need to tackle the complex challenges facing Illinois families. By mapping adversity across our communities and identifying where resources are most needed, we're moving beyond treating symptoms to addressing root causes,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “This tool will be invaluable as we work to ensure every child in Illinois has the support they need to thrive, regardless of their ZIP code.”

As part of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ Four Pillar Agenda in 2021, Lightford created the Whole Child Task Force to analyze statewide data related to childhood trauma exposure. The group outlined its report in 2022, which included the need for the Child Adversity Index – a comprehensive, data-driven perspective on adverse community conditions affecting Illinois youth. Its creation became law in 2023 and came to fruition this month.

BUFFALO GROVE – In recognition of her unwavering dedication to public service and community advancement, State Senator Adriane Johnson will be honored with the naming of the amphitheater at Mike Rylko Community Park in Buffalo Grove.

“I am deeply humbled by this recognition and grateful to the Buffalo Grove Park District for this incredible honor,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This amphitheater has been a space for gathering, art, and connection in our community, and I am thrilled it will continue to serve residents for generations to come.”

The Adriane Johnson Amphitheater Naming Ceremony will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 5, at 5:30 p.m. as part of the National Night Out festivities hosted by the Buffalo Grove Park District. The event will be held at 951 McHenry Rd., near the Spray ‘N Play.