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.

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.

The grants are funded through Illinois’ allocation of the multi-billion-dollar Volkswagen Settlement and are distributed by Illinois EPA’s Driving a Cleaner Illinois Program. The grant program was developed to distribute funding for various types of clean air and energy projects. Illinois EPA has spent nearly $108 million in VW Settlement funds to date, funding 122 electric school buses and 65 direct current fast charging sites across the state. ​The program has also funded 60 electric transit buses in the Chicago area.

New law from Peters ensures equal pay, fair treatment on the job

SPRINGFIELD — Across Illinois, workers are showing up, doing the job and still being paid less – simply because they are a woman or a person of color. A new law from State Senator Robert Peters is changing that by holding businesses accountable and making sure workers are paid what they are owed.

“Women and people of color deserve the same esteem as other workers in similar fields, and people who have worked hard to earn benefits deserve to take advantage of them,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This law ensures businesses in Illinois treat our workers fairly, protecting their rights to equal pay and full access to their benefits.”

Read more.

Villa law secures safe public drinking water

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Karina Villa spearheaded a new law that fortifies safe drinking water standards to ensure residents have access to clean water.

“When people are out in the community, they deserve to know that the water they use is safe,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Safe drinking water standards must be enforced to secure the health of our communities.”

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Johnson honored for leadership in preventing and ending homelessness in Illinois

BUFFALO GROVE — State Senator Adriane Johnson was honored with a 2025 Home Illinois Summit Recognition of Service award for her leadership in advancing statewide efforts to prevent and end homelessness. The recognition took place at the third annual Home Illinois Summit held in Rosemont.

“Ending homelessness requires bold collaboration, accountability and a deep belief in the dignity of every person,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “I’m proud to stand with advocates, providers and state leaders to ensure Illinois leads with compassion and purpose. This recognition is a reminder that when we work together, we can create real, lasting change.”

Read more.

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FRANKFORT — State Senator Michael E. Hastings issued a strong statement Friday condemning State Farm’s recently announced 27.2% premium increase on Illinois homeowners, calling it a breach of trust and further evidence that Illinois must take action to reform its insurance system.

“For over six months, we worked with the insurance industry in good faith to address rising premiums,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “We were told that rates were stabilizing. Weeks later, State Farm announced one of the largest rate hikes in recent history. That is not transparency — it is a slap in the face to consumers and lawmakers alike.”

Hastings, who serves as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has introduced legislation that would stop insurance companies from quietly passing the costs of out-of-state disasters — such as hurricanes or wildfires — onto Illinois policyholders without proper justification. His proposal requires clear actuarial evidence and public disclosure.

CHICAGO – Following Pure Lithium Corporation’s announcement of relocating its headquarters to Chicago, State Senator Lakesia Collins emphasized the importance of clean energy and Illinois’ Economic Growth Plan.

“By moving its operations to Chicago, Pure Lithium is joining a legacy of companies in Illinois’ manufacturing industry that are contributing to the clean energy ecosystem,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “These investments support the goals of growing the clean energy production and manufacturing industries, as outlined in Illinois’ Economic Growth Plan.”