ISDC
  • Home
  • Senators
    • Alphabetical
    • Committees
    • Leadership
    • Find My Senator
  • Caucus News
    • ILBC Committee Roundup
    • Subscribe
    • Majority Report
  • Issues
    • Agriculture
    • Budget
    • Business
    • Criminal Law
    • Diabetes
    • Economic Development
    • Education
    • Environment
    • Ethics
    • Health
    • Higher Education
    • Law Enforcement
    • Seniors
    • Transportation
    • Veterans
  • Multimedia
    • Monthly Minute
    • Photo of the Day
    • Sound of the State
  • Resources
    • Bills / Resolutions
    • Fact Sheets
    • For Educators
    • I Like Illinois
    • Illinois Compiled Statutes
    • Illinois General Assembly
    • Internships
    • Media Guidelines
    • NCSL
    • Senate Schedule
  • About the Senate
  • Contact Us
    • How to contact a Senator
    • Employment
    • Submit Feedback
  • ILBC Pillars
    • Pillar 1
    • Pillar 2
    • Pillar 3
    • Pillar 4
  • COVID-19
  1. You are here:  
  2. Home
  3. Caucus News

Feigenholtz extends cocktails to-go through 2028

Details
Category: Senator Sara Feigenholtz News
Thursday, June 01, 2023 10:44 AM
  • Feigenholtz
  • Cocktails To Go
  • Drink Delivery
  • SB 89

Phase 2 Liquor FB

SPRINGFIELD – In an attempt to help shuttered restaurants, bars, and venues during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz championed a law permitting mixed drink delivery and takeout. To many establishments this effort was vital, enabling them to keep their doors open during the extended stay-at-home order.

This week, Governor Pritzker signed a five-year extension for cocktails to-go into law so that establishments can continue this wildly popular practice.

"The pandemic has changed the dining out habits of many. At the time, cocktails to-go was necessary, and many continue to enjoy the convenience for entertaining at home," Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) said. “The hospitality industry is filled with food and drink artists who are in constant reinvention mode. Giving them room to create their craft is how Chicago has become the number one culinary destination in the world.”

Read more: Feigenholtz extends cocktails to-go through 2028

Villivalam legislation for kosher and halal food options in state schools and facilities passes

Details
Category: Senator Ram Villivalam News
Thursday, June 01, 2023 09:13 AM
  • Villivalam
  • Public Schools
  • Halal
  • Kosher
  • Food Options
  • HB 3643

051823CM0370r

SPRINGFIELD – To provide more food options for all faiths in Illinois, State Senator Ram Villivalam championed legislation that would provide kosher and halal food options in public schools and state facilities.

“We are recognizing the cultural needs of our community and this is a big step for families who eat kosher or halal,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Everyone deserves to have an option that fits their needs. With this legislation I hope to expand the available options for all residents in Illinois.”

House Bill 3643, would require all public schools, the University of Illinois Hospital and state correctional facilities to offer a kosher and halal food option upon request.

Read more: Villivalam legislation for kosher and halal food options in state schools and facilities passes

Simmons secures passage of bill to allow 16-year-olds to pre-register to vote

Details
Category: Senator Mike Simmons News
Wednesday, May 31, 2023 03:58 PM
  • Simmons
  • Young Voters
  • Voter Registration

simmons 053123SPRINGFIELD – To increase young voter engagement, State Senator Mike Simmons secured passage of an elections bill that will allow 16-year-olds to pre-register to vote so they may start voting as soon as they turn 18.

“The young have always played a key part in democracy,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “The younger generations show again and again how engaged they are in social issues — allowing them to pre-register sends a message to youth that their voices are important and allows them to take that activism to the polls.”

Read more: Simmons secures passage of bill to allow 16-year-olds to pre-register to vote

The Majority Report 05/30/23 - Passing a fiscally responsible budget

Details
Category: Majority Report
Tuesday, May 30, 2023 06:33 PM
  • Lightford
  • Majority Report
  • Sims
  • Harmon
  • FY2024 Budget

Howlett Senate Floor

Senate Democrats pass responsible spending plan

Building upon the success of the Fiscal Year 2023 budget, the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus passed the Fiscal Year 2024 budget last week, continuing the state on a path toward fiscal responsibility and investing in education from preschool to college.

“This budget continues the work Democrats have done to restore economic prosperity to our state,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “This was a collaborative effort. I am proud of the work we did, and I look forward to the House sending this balanced budget to the governor so he can sign it into law.”

The budget prioritizes business attraction and development, workforce training, economic assistance programs, and more. It includes funds to support job creation, improve commercial corridors and attract new businesses to the state.

“As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I set a goal that our budget would work to solve the pressing economic issues facing low- and middle-income families,” said State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago). “Because of our responsible fiscal approach, particularly the last few years, our state continues to have fiscal stability while caring for the people of our state.”

The budget includes a $250 million investment into early childhood education. The funding will be used to expand preschool, stabilize the childcare workforce, and provide more early intervention and home visiting programs. It also continues the General Assembly’s commitment of a $350 million increase to K-12 education.

Further, the budget includes additional MAP grant funding, ensuring everyone at or below the median income level can go to community college for free.

“A person’s educational success begins the day they are born. The quickest way to fail a generation is by failing to prioritize their education,” said Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood). “In Illinois, I am proud to say we took a positive step toward ensuring our students aren’t failed by an unjust system.”

To address the rising rate of crime and the need for greater public safety initiatives, the budget also invests millions of dollars to support public safety measures, invest in the tools law enforcement need to prevent and solve crimes and strengthen investments in violence prevention programs that keep communities safe.

Overall, the budget is a balanced plan with conservative revenue estimates that builds on the state’s fiscal progress while making transformative investments in early childhood and higher education, workforce development, and efforts to fight violence and poverty.

 

Copyright 2023 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

Senator Porfirio supports legislation to give Illinois students more in-state opportunities

Details
Category: Senator Mike Porfirio News
Tuesday, May 30, 2023 03:20 PM
  • Porfirio
  • HB301
  • AIM HIGH Grant

porfirio 053023SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Porfirio helped spearhead a measure through the Senate making significant strides to expand the AIM HIGH Grant Pilot Program.

“Making the AIM HIGH program permanent will have profound impacts for our universities and residents,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “This program gives our residents more in-state opportunities to pursue higher education.”

The Aspirational Institutional Match Helping Illinois Grow Higher Education (AIM HIGH) has provided merit-based, means-tested student financial aid to first-time, full-time undergraduate students and transfer students who are Illinois residents attending any of the 12 Illinois public four-year universities since 2019.

Read more: Senator Porfirio supports legislation to give Illinois students more in-state opportunities

Hastings works to increase college affordability

Details
Category: Senator Michael E. Hastings News
Tuesday, May 30, 2023 02:21 PM
  • Hastings
  • HB301
  • AIM HIGH Grant

hastings050523CM0200SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings fought for a significant milestone in the expansion of the AIM HIGH Grant Pilot Program.

“This monumental legislation makes greater investments in our children,” said Hastings (D- Frankfort). “The cost of financing higher education can be overwhelming. The expansion of this grant program will help increase accessibility for middle class families at our state’s universities and colleges.”

House Bill 301 will make the AIM HIGH Grant Pilot Program permanent, increase transparency in the program to allow more students to take advantage of it, increase access for part-time students and make changes to the matching requirements for the public universities.

Since the 2019-2020 academic year the AIM HIGH program has provided merit-based, means-tested student financial aid to first-time, full-time undergraduate students and transfer students who are Illinois residents attending any of the 12 Illinois public four-year universities. AIM HIGH-participating universities are required to provide matching funding for institutional awards for students who meet certain eligibility requirements, as well as those established by each individual university.

The initiative adopts changes to help ensure that the AIM HIGH Grant Program targets those most in need, further amplifying its impact.

“Our children are the future leaders of our great state,” said Hastings. “It’s our goal to provide students with the opportunity to be successful – this legislation is a step in the right direction to do just that.”

House Bill 301 passed the Senate and House with bipartisan support.

Lightford on FY 24 Budget: This is a positive investment for our children

Details
Category: Senator Kimberly A. Lightford News
Friday, May 26, 2023 10:23 AM
  • Mental Health
  • Lightford
  • Education
  • Youth Employment Program
  • FY2024 Budget

Sen. Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) declared the state’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget a positive investment for our state’s children – prioritizing education, youth employment and mental health.

“A person’s educational success begins the day they are born. The quickest way to fail a generation is by failing to prioritize their education,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “In Illinois, I am proud to say we took a positive step toward ensuring our students aren’t failed by an unjust system.”

The budget – backed by Lightford – includes a $250 million investment into early childhood education. The funding will be used to expand preschool, stabilize the child care workforce, and provide more early intervention and home visiting programs.

Read more: Lightford on FY 24 Budget: This is a positive investment for our children

Preston: New Budget offers more equitable, advantageous opportunities across Illinois

Details
Category: Senator Willie Preston News
Friday, May 26, 2023 10:08 AM
  • Preston
  • FY2024 Budget

021523CM0027rSPRINGFIELD – During his first year in office, State Senator Willie Preston (D-Chicago) was proud to support a budget that prioritizes education from birth to college, enhances workforce development, and includes efforts to uplift low- and middle-class families.

In response to the Fiscal Year 2024 budget passing the Senate, Preston released the following statement:

“The working class people of the 16th District sent me to Springfield to help shape a budget that provides educational and career opportunities that promote stabilization of our communities, support the re-emergence of entrepreneurship in our most economically challenged communities, and ensure equitable opportunities for all. I am excited to expand these opportunities to many of the residents in the area who have been underserved.”

“The investments in apprenticeship programs, early childhood, and higher education are amongst the highest investments to professional development and our education system in years. This budget uplifts the education system, supports the entrepreneurial spirit, and expands the workforce to ensure that everyone is awarded the opportunity to provide for their families and build their communities.”

More Articles ...

  1. Senator Porfirio supports legislation to give Illinois students more in-state opportunities
  2. Senate Democrats pass responsible spending plan
  3. Murphy plan allows after-school employees to administer EpiPens, inhalers
  4. Morrison leads measure to allow law enforcement to use drones to detect public safety issues

Page 25 of 606

  • 20
  • 21
  • 22
  • 23
  • 24
  • 25
  • 26
  • 27
  • 28
  • 29

Follow ILSenDems

Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube

Cooling Centers

Sign up for the Majority Report

Employment Opportunities

Find Your Senator

Senate Schedule

Bills & Resolutions

  1. You are here:  
  2. Home
  3. Caucus News
SPRINGFIELD OFFICE

phone(217) 782-2728

phone309 State House
Springfield, IL 62706

Senate Floor, Michael J. Howlett Building, Springfield, IL

Senate President Don Harmon © 2023 Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus
FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTube
CHICAGO OFFICE

phone(312) 814-2075

phone160 N. LaSalle St., Ste. 720
Chicago, IL 60601