SPRINGFIELD – Senate Democrats paid respect to police officers who have fallen in the line of duty at the Illinois State Police Officers Memorial in Springfield Thursday.

“These brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting their communities are the purest example of selfless duty,” said State Senator Martwick (D-Chicago). “As we honor these fallen officers, we must recognize the lasting impact these individuals have made on our communities.”

The ceremony was held at the Illinois State Police Memorial Statue, which sits on the west lawn of the state Capitol bearing the names of the fallen officers who have lost their lives on duty. Since 1990, a ceremony has been held annually to pay tribute to fallen officers and their families. The names of the officers who died while serving during the previous year are engraved on the monument leading up to the ceremony.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) joined forces at a press conference Thursday to discuss the state of cancer and advocate for measures to tackle the deadly disease.

“Increasing cancer awareness and sponsoring policy that positively impacts cancer statistics is a priority,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Since 1990, cancer mortality rates have dropped by 25%. We must act to continue this positive progression and restore hope.”

Nearly 80,000 Illinoisans will be diagnosed with cancer this year and 23,000 will likely lose their lives to the disease.

Currently, cancer screenings for certain types of cancer are covered by insurance as long as the patient meets the age requirement. Senator Morrison is working with ACS CAN to pass Senate Bill 2697.

SPRINGFIELD – In tandem with the beginning of Mental Health Month, State Senator Mike Simmons organized a subject matter hearing at the State Capitol to look at the increase in suicide rates in African-American communities across Illinois.

“I am deeply thankful to the people who traveled here today. It was the first time that several of our witnesses had ever been to the State Capitol,” said Simmons. “Some of them have paid the ultimate price losing loved ones to suicide and other internalized violence borne out by several systems that simply haven’t cut it when it comes to mental health and wellness in African-American communities.”

In a hearing held by the Senate Behavioral and Mental Health Committee, State Senator Mike Simmons brought critical attention to the escalating crisis of suicide rates within Black communities.

SPRINGFIELD – Senator Elgie Sims proclaimed May 1, 2024 as Alpha Phi Alpha Day– recognizing the significant contributions made by the fraternity, particularly in the areas of service, leadership and community empowerment.

"I am proud to recognize Alpha Phi Alpha for their unwavering dedication to uplifting communities and fostering positive change," said Sims (D-Chicago). "Their commitment to service and excellence serves as a guiding light for us all, and I am honored to proclaim May 1 as Alpha Phi Alpha Day in Illinois."

Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for Black men, was founded on Dec. 4, 1906, at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Since its inception, the fraternity has been dedicated to the principles of scholarship, manly deeds, and love for all mankind, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless individuals across the country.

SPRINGFIELD – Simmons advanced legislation through the Senate, which will create a Health Outcomes Review Board to identify and tackle healthcare disparities.

“The findings of the Health Outcomes Review Board will be vital in developing and targeting policy solutions that can improve health outcomes, improve the quality of life for many, reduce health care costs and save lives,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Whether it’s the unacceptable life expectancy gap for African-American and Latine communities, disparities in quality of health insurance coverage for low-income households, or inadequate access to follow up and specialty care for LGBTQ+ communities, the board will help identify those gaps and recommend improvements.”

Simmons’ legislation, Senate Bill 3751, will create the Health Outcomes Review Board, overseen by the Illinois Department of Public Health, which will focus on collecting and analyzing de-identified health data, particularly emphasizing demographic factors such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, and languages spoken.

SPRINGFIELD —State Senator Robert Peters advanced legislation out of the Senate Thursday to ban employers from requiring workers to attend meetings regarding political or religious matters.

“The National Labor Relations Board's top lawyer suggested that mandatory meetings about unions, politics or religion should be illegal under federal labor laws,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “If they are not going to take action, we will.”

The National Labor Relations Board's general counsel issued a memorandum outlining a plan to advocate for mandatory meetings concerning union representation, political opinions and religious matters unlawful under federal labor law. There has been no action following the memorandum, which was issued in 2022.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt moved a bill out of the Senate Thursday that would provide better financial protections for small businesses in the state.

“There are small businesses around the state, especially in my community, that have faced challenges in accessing fair and transparent financing options that have allowed them to fall victim to predatory lending,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “These businesses are the backbone of our communities and they should be uplifted, not burdened with financial hardship and business failure.”

Senate Bill 2234 would create the Small Business Financing Transparency Act, which would provide protections for small businesses when taking out a loan by requiring key financial terms such as the amount financed, fees and the annual percentage rate be clearly disclosed at the time an online or non-bank provider makes an offer for a loan.

SPRINGFIELD – Young adults in Illinois Department of Corrections custody could soon see new educational opportunities thanks to a measure led by State Senator Laura Murphy.

“As a state, we have a duty to ensure young adults in custody have the tools they need to thrive when they return to their communities,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Emerging adults deserve a fresh start when they leave custody, and this measure will put them on the path to successful reintegration.”

The measure allows the Department of Juvenile Justice to establish emerging adult programs for individuals ages 18 to 21 who have been committed to the Illinois Department of Corrections. This would allow qualifying 18- to 21 year-olds to transfer to DJJ facilities to participate in developmentally appropriate educational services as well as holistic services. These services include individual or group therapy, case management, vocational training and higher education opportunities.

Program participants would have to qualify based on eligibility criteria set up by the DJJ and IDOC. Transfer policies and procedures would be established by an intergovernmental agreement set by the two agencies.

“We need to ensure that young adults in custody receive the educational services that they are entitled to, and to give them necessary tools so they don’t reoffend,” Murphy said. “They need to be prepared for when they reenter their communities. By providing them with developmentally appropriate services, they will have a greater chance to find their footing, which will also contribute to a lower rate of recidivism.”

Senate Bill 426 passed the Senate Thursday. It now goes to the House for further consideration.