SPRINGFIELD – Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) issued the following statement after Congress passed a $1.9 trillion federal COVID relief package: 

“I am glad to see the Biden administration recognize the need states and local governments have for relief in the face of this unprecedented crisis.

“The funds Illinois is receiving will help us distribute vaccines, support local health departments, safely reopen schools and provide direct relief to the hardest hit families.

SPRINGFIELD – To assist military personnel and their spouses, Sen. Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) is spearheading a measure to waive application and examination fees for professional and occupational licenses through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

“Members of our military and their families give up so much to serve our country,” said Cullerton, who serves as the chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs committee. “By waiving the fees for applications and exams for professional licenses, we hope to support them in advancing their careers outside of the military.”

Bush measure would allow campaign funds to be used for child care

SPRINGFIELD – Running for elected office calls for a lot of long days, late nights and busy weekends. It can be discouraging for people with children – especially single parents – to chase their desire to serve their communities.

To enable more women – and all parents – to seek public office, State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) is leading a movement to allow campaign finances to pay for child care.

SPRINGFIELD – On Oct. 7, 1965, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered a speech to the Illinois AFL-CIO at the Illinois State Armory. A resolution sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) would place a bronze plaque at this site, commemorating this historic event.

“Dr. King is one of history’s greatest Americans, who worked untold wonders for Black folks in this country,” Peters said. “While he is rightfully most known for his advocacy for civil rights, he also advocated for labor rights, and 55 years ago, in the shadow of the Illinois Capitol, he gave a speech outlining how intertwined the two are. We should commemorate this historic occasion and honor one of the most important figures in the fight for civil and labor rights.”

NAPERVILLE – Each year, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources selects schools across the state to receive grants for field trips. This year, State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is congratulating classes at Benjamin Middle School in West Chicago and Evergreen Elementary School in Carol Stream on being selected as winners.

“This grant program will provide these students with the chance to learn about nature outside of the classroom,” Ellman said. “I’m thrilled that not one, but two classes in the 21st District were chosen for the program.”

The program allows schools to take students to state parks, museums, and other natural resource locations to gain hands-on experience with nature and conservation in Illinois.

Benjamin Middle School’s 6th grade class will take a trip to Lorado Taft Field Campus, and Evergreen Elementary’s 4th grade class will head to The Morton Arboretum. At both locations, students have the opportunity to see first-hand some of what they are learning about in the classroom and expand their knowledge of Illinois and its natural resources.

More information about the Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant Program is available from the IDNR Division of Education at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 217-524-4126. The 2022 application form will be available here.

BUFFALO GROVE – Waukegan High School has received a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to fund a field trip to a natural resources site in Illinois for a lesson on nature and conservation, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) announced.

“Looking back on my own days as a student, some of the most lasting lessons were ones I learned outside the classroom,” Johnson said. “This grant will allow children to learn more about the world around them while exploring the natural wonders our state has to offer.”

SPRINGFIELD – With a long history of successful animal protection legislation in the Illinois Senate, Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) has now presented a measure to add more safeguards in the courts for abused animals.

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved Senate Bill 153 on Tuesday, which would give trial courts discretion in prosecutions for cruelty to companion animals to appoint a volunteer lawyer or supervised law student to assist the court as a special advocate.

“Abuse cases can result in dismissed charges or reduced sentences for animal owners accused of cruelty, often due to prosecutors with good intentions but not enough resources for research and information to make a strong case,” Holmes said. “These advocates can assist the courts in working toward consistent reinforcement of Illinois’ mandate to properly protect companion animals.”

CENTREVILLE – Each year, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources selects schools across the state to receive grants for field trips. This year, Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) is congratulating St. John the Baptist School in Smithton on being selected as a winner.

“I am incredibly grateful that the students at St. John the Baptist School were chosen for this opportunity,” Belt said. “This program offers students an excellent chance to expand their learning outside of the classroom.”