SPRINGFIELD – To further mitigate the harmful environmental impact and potential health risks from disposable food packaging, State Senator Laura Fine is leading a measure to prohibit the sale or distribution of food containers containing polystyrene foam, commonly known as Styrofoam.

“When you take food to go, you may dispose of the containers in several minutes. However, if the disposable container is made of polystyrene, it can remain in our environment for many years. Styrene food packaging contains harmful chemicals that can leach into food, especially if the food is hot or acidic," said Fine (D-Glenview). "Polystyrene food containers do not break down naturally in the environment, and pieces of these containers are often found in our waterways and aquatic life.”

In 2023, Fine passed the Degradable Plastic Act to ban state agencies and universities from purchasing or using polystyrene by Jan. 1, 2025. Building on these efforts, Senate Bill 1531 would prohibit the sale or distribution of polystyrene foam food containers across Illinois starting Jan. 1, 2030.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to ensure transparency from health care providers and protect patients from unexpected fees on bills, State Senator Steve Stadelman passed a measure through committee that would require hospitals to be more explicit about the fees included in their services.

“Patients deserve to know ahead of time if any extra fees will be added onto their bill,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “Hospitals need to take responsibility and inform their patients of all applicable fees at any of their facilities.”

House Bill 1431 would require hospitals to develop a policy to inform patients they may be charged a facility fee, if applicable, for outpatient services separate from a professional fee. Facility fees are charges imposed by health care facilities for the use of their space, equipment and administrative services, whereas professional fees cover the cost of the professional providing the care. The lack of transparency between the two has made patients feel like they are being double charged for their visit.

SPRINGFIELD – Domestic violence is a serious public health issue across the United States. In Illinois, 42% of women and 26% of men will face violence from an intimate partner, leading State Senator Mary Edly-Allen to collaborate with State Representative Daniel Didech on House Bill 1278.

“Victims of domestic violence should not have to worry about workplace retaliation,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “Survivors should not be penalized for protecting themselves. This bill can - and will - save lives, and I am proud to carry this legislation through the Senate.”

House Bill 1278 provides that employees can use work devices to document or communicate about violence affecting them or their family, and must be given access to related files if needed for legal action. Employers must post a notice about this right.

SPRINGFIELD — Future educators  may soon see new opportunities for fair compensation thanks to State Senator Adriane Johnson. House Bill 3528, which recently passed the House, would change the Illinois School Code to ensure that institutions of higher education cannot require student teachers to work without pay.

“Student teachers are doing real work in real classrooms, and they deserve the chance to be compensated,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “This measure doesn’t require payment, but it removes outdated policies that flat-out prohibit it. That opens the door for school districts, nonprofits, or other partners to offer stipends or wages if they choose.”

While the measure will not mandate that universities or school districts pay student teachers, it explicitly prohibits any policy that bars such payment. By doing so, it creates legal space for compensation models to emerge and evolve—particularly in high-need areas.

SPRINGFIELD — In response to traffic accidents that have endangered the lives of students, staff and drivers, State Senator Julie Morrison is leading legislation to require seat belts in newly purchased school buses.

“We teach children at a young age the importance of buckling their seat belt when getting into a car,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “With many students riding a school bus several times a week, a seat belt is one more layer of protection.”

Under Senate Bill 191, all school buses purchased or leased after July 1, 2031 would be required to have seat belts on all seats. Current law requires drivers and passengers ages 8 and older to wear seat belts in passenger vehicles, but there is no law requiring safety belts on buses. If the measure passes, Illinois would join nine other states requiring seat belts on buses.

SPRINGFIELD—State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes joined parents, students, and advocates to call for more funding for the evidence-based funding model in the state budget.

“All Illinois students deserve AP courses, STEM labs, up-to-date gymnasiums, after school programs and more,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “When we do not provide enough extra money for our evidence-based funding model, we are letting our children down and behind in their development. I was proud to stand in solidarity with Advance Illinois advocates to call for more funding for EBF in our state’s budget in their recent rally, and plan to continue championing their cause.”

Since 2017, Illinois has adopted an evidence-based funding model for education, which revolutionized the way school districts receive the bulk of state funds. EBF sends more resources to Illinois’ most under-resourced students and takes the first steps toward ensuring all schools have the resources they need to provide a safe, rigorous, and well-rounded learning environment for all students. The implementation of this model reflects that it is important for Illinois to apply a more realistic understanding of the relationship between equity, adequacy, and student outcomes, and create a future with more equitable results.​​

SPRINGFIELD – To offer clarity for patients and pharmacies, State Senator Laura Ellman is sponsoring a measure to ease restrictions on medication containing ephedrine – a drug commonly used to treat allergies and low blood pressure – if it is prescribed by a physician.

“Medical providers want to give their patients the best course of treatment, but current Illinois law does not make it clear if physicians can lawfully prescribe a drug containing ephedrine to treat certain conditions,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This puts providers and order pharmacies at risk of violating existing restrictions and places patients at risk of delayed care.”

SPRINGFIELD — Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus welcomed park districts from across the state to the Capitol to celebrate Parks Day.

“I am grateful for what my local park districts do day in and day out,” said State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex). “Park districts take care of our beautiful parks with walking trails and playgrounds, fitness centers, sports fields and even golf courses. These are places that make a community feel alive and vibrant – a place you want to live in.”

This year's Parks Day theme was “It starts in parks.” Nearly 70 agencies set up colorful displays in the Capitol rotunda and distributed informative literature that showcased the programs, facilities, and services that start people on paths to health, wellness, social connections, affordable childcare, etc.

"It was great seeing Worth and Oak Lawn Park Districts during Parks Day at the Capitol, where we talked about the vital role local parks play in our communities,” said State Senator Bill Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “In Illinois, we’ve made real investments in green spaces that support recreation and community connection across our state."

Parks represent places of joy, recreation, and sanctuary for all Illinois residents. This day offers a unique opportunity for state legislators and the public to engage directly with park district representatives and learn about the innovative programs and services they offer.

To find a list of Illinois parks and recreation areas visit the IDNR website.