Caucus News

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Emil Jones III successfully led a resolution to rename a portion of I-55 in honor of late State Trooper Clay M. Carns.

“Trooper Carns died doing the same thing he had done every day for 11 years – diligently and faithfully serving the people of Illinois,” said Jones (D-Chicago). “This resolution is only a small token of our immense gratitude for his life and service.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham championed a resolution to designate a portion of Southwest Highway in Palos Park as “Dave Sanders Way,” honoring David Sanders’ decades of service and leadership at The Center in Palos Park.

“For generations, The Center in Palos Park has been a place where people have come together to learn, grow, reflect and support one another,” said Cunningham a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “David Sanders dedicated his life to continuing that mission, and this designation is a fitting tribute to the impact he and his family have had on countless people throughout our communities.”

Senate Joint Resolution 60 would designate Southwest Highway between 12600 and 13100 as “Dave Sanders Way” in recognition of Sanders’ lasting impact on the Palos Park community and the greater Chicagoland region. Founded in 1932 by Reverend Paul T. Sanders and Elizabeth Sanders, The Center in Palos Park has served as a regional resource for more than 90 years. Under David Sanders’ leadership, The Center expanded programs and services focused on spiritual care, youth programming, agricultural education, the arts, counseling and recovery support.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Graciela Guzmán’s resolution to explore introduction of Arabic as a foreign language option in school has been adopted by the Senate.

“Arabic is spoken in the homes of hundreds of thousands of Illinois families,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “These students deserve the opportunity to develop and formalize their heritage language in our public schools.”

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Ram Villivalam joined hundreds of environmental advocates Saturday for a rally urging for data center regulations that protect Illinois communities.

“Families are worried about rising costs, communities want transparency and accountability and people want to know their drinking water is safe,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “We need real and meaningful action – that’s what the POWER Act is all about.”

Villivalam is sponsoring Senate Bill 4016, known as the POWER Act, which is a comprehensive measure that would provide common-sense guardrails on data centers to protect natural resources, the environment and communities across Illinois.

SPRINGFIELD – To help Illinois residents access treatment for conditions like cancer, polycystic ovary syndrome and other endocrine disorders, State Senator Lakesia Collins advanced a measure that would require health insurance plans to cover up to a six-month supply of prescription hormone therapy.

“Too many people face unnecessary barriers when trying to stay on a treatment plan that supports their health and well-being,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “This measure helps ensure patients can access the medication they need without worrying about frequent trips to the pharmacy, insurance hurdles or disruptions in care.”

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Robert Martwick’s measure to extend the highly successful Accelerated Pension Benefit Program has passed.

“Public employees dedicate years of service to our communities and programs like the Accelerated Pension Benefit Program help provide additional retirement planning tools and stability,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “Continuing the program reflects a commitment to honoring workers while responsibly managing pension obligations.”

SPRINGFIELD – To bring awareness to a condition that will be faced by more than half of all Illinoisans, State Senator Adriane Johnson championed the effort to declare Oct. 11-17, 2026 Menopause Awareness Week.

“Highlighting menopause is vital to guaranteeing that individuals receive empathy, support, medical care, and dignity they deserve during this major stage in life,” said Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “By breaking the stigma and championing education, we can improve health outcomes and empower people to navigate menopause with confidence.”

SPRINGFIELD ─ State Senator Ram Villivalam advanced a measure through the Senate to streamline implementation of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act.

“The Northern Transit Authority Act is a historic, transformative law securing the future of world-class public transit in Illinois, but our work shouldn’t stop there,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “With June 1 quickly approaching, it is imperative that we continue to work and ensure streamlined implementation throughout the transition to NITA.”

House Bill 2335 would solidify and streamline the comprehensive reforms under the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act. Signed into law in December, the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act addresses the fiscal cliff that was expected to cause mass layoffs and reduced transit service in 2026 and 2027 with necessary reforms and a transformational $1.5 billion investment.