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.”

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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.”

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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.”

Wishing you a happy and safe Fourth of July

Happy Fourth of July! As we gather with family and friends to celebrate the birth of our great nation, the Senate Democratic Caucus wishes you a joyful and memorable Independence Day!

As you celebrate this weekend, remember to stay safe. Plan on how you’ll get home from festivities and follow firework safety tips.

Wishing you a safe and happy Fourth of July filled with pride, joy and gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy.

Copyright 2025 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

PEORIA — State Senator Dave Koehler led a new law to end unfair practices by pharmacy benefit managers, in turn protecting local pharmacies and consumers.

"Pharmacy benefit managers have too often prioritized profits at the expense of patients and local pharmacies," said Koehler (D-Peoria). "This new law allows transparency and fairness, keeping health care services affordable and accessible for Illinois families."

SPRINGFIELD – To further increase access to mental health treatment, State Senator Laura Fine passed a law extending the existing prior authorization ban to cover medically necessary outpatient mental health services.

“Mental health care needs are equivalent to physical health care needs,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This law breaks down barriers to access so patients can receive the help they need in a timely manner.”

Last year, the Healthcare Protection Act was signed into law, making health care more accessible and affordable for Illinoisans. The law banned step therapy requirements, prohibited prior authorization for inpatient mental health care at hospitals, banned junk insurance plans, and ended unchecked rate increases for large group insurance companies.

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.”

The summit brought together individuals with lived experience, service providers, philanthropic leaders, advocates, elected officials and government partners for a two-day convening focused on ending homelessness through collaboration, best practices and equity-driven solutions. Hosted by the Illinois Office to Prevent and End Homelessness, the event celebrated the collective progress of HOME Illinois — the state’s comprehensive interagency plan to reduce homelessness to a rare, brief, and one-time experience.