CHICAGO – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus celebrated news Monday that Illinois hotel revenue during the 2023 fiscal year exceeded the highest pre-pandemic record, bringing an increase in visitor spending, tax revenue and hospitality jobs.

“These numbers show once again that people all across the country and all around the world think Illinois is great and can’t wait to come here,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “Illinois is a world-class destination that from the Shawnee National Forest to the shoreline of Lake Michigan – and all points in between – has something terrific to offer everyone. This success is a collaborative effort and shows we can balance budgets, grow the economy and break records all at the same time.”

Illinois welcomed 111 million visitors who spent $44 billion in 2022 – representing 14 million additional travelers spending $12 billion more than they did in calendar year 2021. Because of tourist spending and visits in 2022, the overall economic impact – which includes indirect and induced impacts – amounted to a staggering $78 billion, a 30% increase from 2021.

SPRINGFIELD – Under a new law championed by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz, more adoptees will be able to obtain post-adoption information related to their birth and placement.

“This legislation addresses the barriers adoptees face when seeking information about their histories – especially those whose adoption agency has closed,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “With this fix, more people will be able to learn critical medical and biographical information about their lives.”

Feigenholtz’s legislation adds new language to the Adoption Act to clarify that a confidential intermediary, on behalf of an adoptee or their family, can request access to non-identifying records from closed child welfare agencies that are housed in Central State Storage. Currently, in cases where the adoption agency that oversaw placement has closed or merged with another agency, records are housed in state repository, leading to barriers for adoptees seeking historical and medical information about themselves.

As an adopted adult herself, Senator Feigenholtz has worked to assure that the practice of adoption in Illinois strives to be the gold standard for adoptive parents, biological parents and adoptees. Feigenholtz has been the voice of adopted adults who desire information about their beginnings and health care information. She passed the original birth certificate access law that provided adult adopted persons access to their original birth certificates.

Senate Bill 2134 was signed by the governor on Friday.

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.”

SPRINGFIELD – People seeking reproductive health care are one step closer to privacy protections thanks to legislation spearheaded by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz.

“Illinois will not permit data collection tools like automated license plate readers to be weaponized against people traveling to our state to access reproductive health care services,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “Since the Dobbs decision, Illinois has methodically buttoned down all possible protections for people coming to our state for help."