SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes wants all Illinoisans to learn more about Multiple Sclerosis and how it affects the lives of more than 20,000 individuals in the state, including their family, friends and loved ones. Worldwide, MS is thought to affect more than 2.3 million people.

March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month. As one of those 20,000 people in Illinois with MS, Holmes spoke of her experience on the Senate floor last week while presenting a Senate Resolution marking March 10-16 as MS Awareness Week in Illinois.

“There are a range of symptoms that vary in type and severity and, in time, may diminish or disappear, or persist and worsen,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “MS is a continuous disease process that is influenced and driven by underlying mechanisms of central nervous system damage.”

MS generally strikes people between the ages of 20 and 50. The cause of this disease is unknown but is thought to be an immune-mediated disorder. While there are several treatments, no cure currently exists. Since 1946, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has been a driving force in MS research, relentlessly pursuing prevention, treatments and cures, and it has invested more than $1 billion in research.

“Increased awareness of MS over time has resulted in more people being diagnosed,” Holmes said. “The good news is, no one has to face MS alone. Through the National MS Society, there are many resources available as a patient, parent or supporter of someone diagnosed with MS.”

The Senate adopted SR 699. To learn more about Multiple Sclerosis, visit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Illinois Department of Public Health. 

SPRINGFIELD – Highlighting a commitment to supporting survivors and addressing the critical needs of residents grappling with the impacts of sexual violence, State Senators Dave Koehler, Robert Peters and Ann Gillespie joined Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault advocates in the Capitol on Wednesday to call for a $20 million budget allocation for sexual assault services.

“We must invest more resources toward sexual assault crisis services to ensure that every survivor has access to the support they deserve,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This means bolstering funding for crisis hotlines, counseling programs, legal assistance and medical care. It means expanding outreach efforts to underserved communities and marginalized populations. It means breaking down the barriers that prevent survivors from seeking help.”

The requested funding increase would strengthen essential services provided by organizations like ICASA, which offers a range of support, including crisis intervention, counseling, legal advocacy and prevention education. These services are crucial for empowering survivors, holding perpetrators accountable and creating safer communities for all.

SPRINGFIELD — State oversight authorities could soon have clarity in order to hold financial institutions accountable for deceptive practices under legislation sponsored by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz.

“Throughout my career, I have prioritized strengthening corporate and consumer transparency,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “Taking on the financial sector is the next step to continue fostering a fair and equitable business environment in Chicago and throughout the state.”

Feigenholtz’s measure seeks to modernize the law regulating entities like credit unions, currency exchanges, pawnbrokers, collection agencies and payday lenders in Illinois. The legislation would provide the Division of Financial Institutions at the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation with more substantial enforcement authority so the agency can investigate complaints against the entities it licenses.

SPRINGFIELD – E-cigarette use is rising dramatically among Illinois teens – with the newest culprit of the epidemic being vapes that look like highlighters, markers and other school supplies.

During a press conference Thursday, State Senators Julie Morrison and Meg Loughran Cappel outlined their proposals to curb the youth vaping epidemic.

“The dangerous and addictive nature of nicotine consumption is the reason I have taken a strong stand on this issue,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “We should do everything in our power to make it impossible for children to obtain and conceal tobacco products.”

State Senator Dave Koehler joined the Illinois Stewardship Alliance and rural farmers today to discuss his latest measure, Senate Bill 3077, which would strengthen local food production and distribution.

“We should be supporting our farmers here in Illinois rather than purchasing products across the country,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Farming is more than just sticking a seed in the ground. You must also have the infrastructure to be able to harvest and process food for people.”

Senate Bill 3077 would create the Local Food Infrastructure Grant Act. This measure would require the Illinois Department of Agriculture to amplify local food processing, collection and distribution within the state through grants. Eligible applicants would include farms, co-ops, process facilities, food businesses and hubs with fewer than 50 employees, as well as Illinois nonprofit organizations and local governments.

Koehler, the Illinois Stewardship Alliance and farmers rallied behind the measure, highlighting the importance of having locally sourced food in stores and the impact it would have on the economy.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to bring equity to funding for special education students, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel passed a measure through the Senate Education Committee that would create a fair reimbursement rate for special education day schools.

“Since I became a state senator, I’ve been working to level the playing field to ensure our students get a quality education in the least restrictive environment,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We have to ensure every child receives the education they deserve, no matter their ZIP code.”

Senate Bill 3606 would equalize the reimbursement rate received by public school districts from the Illinois State Board of Education when sending high-needs special education students to private and public special education day schools.

Under Loughran Cappel’s measure, public schools would be eligible to receive a reimbursement from ISBE for tuition costs for high-needs special education students that exceed the average cost for students not receiving special education services.

“Special education schools prioritize students by giving them the resources and tools they need to thrive,” said Loughran Cappel. “Some students have additional needs, which increase the costs for the school. This is an effort to achieve equitable funding for our special needs students across the state.”

Senate Bill 3606 passed the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman is leading a measure to protect election workers from threats and harassment.

“Election workers are the backbone of our democracy,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “People working for elections should be able to perform their job without the threat of violence or harassment.”

Senate Bill 2932 would prohibit people from intimidating or threatening an election worker with the intent to interfere with their election-related duties. A person who violates these provisions would be guilty of a petty offense and subject to a fine of up to $1,000. According to the Brennan Center, nearly one in three election officials have been harassed, abused, or threatened because of their job.

“Election workers play a crucial role in protecting the integrity of our democratic process,” said Stadelman. “We must do what we can to safeguard the rights of election workers and ensure they can perform their jobs without interference.”

Senate Bill 2932 was assigned to the Senate Subcommittee on Elections.

AURORA – Members of the community interested in applying for U.S. Citizenship are invited to attend the upcoming Citizenship Workshop hosted by State Senator Karina Villa.

“Coming from a family of immigrants, I witnessed first-hand the plight of seeking citizenship,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “I am honored to provide members of our community a greater opportunity to fulfil, what is for many, a lifelong dream.”

The Citizenship Workshop is in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights under the New Americans Initiative and Family Focus - Aurora. The event is co-hosted by the offices of State Representative Barbara Hernandez and Aurora Alderwoman Juany Garza.

The workshop will be held on Saturday, March 23 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church - Simard Hall, located at 769 Fulton St. in Aurora. Individuals eligible for citizenship are strongly encouraged to attend.