DES PLAINES – State Senator Laura Murphy received the 2025 Legislator of the Year award from the Metropolitan Township Association in recognition of her leadership and commitment to achieving community-driven progress.

“Throughout my career, I have worked closely with townships and have seen the essential role they play in addressing the specialized needs of their residents,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “I am humbled to have received this award and will continue to support townships and the work they do to ensure residents in their community receive the services they need.”

SPRINGFIELD – For the 10^th time in less than five years, Illinois has seen another improved bond rating. Moody’s Investors Service – one of the nation’s major rating agencies – announced upgrades Thursday thanks to the fiscally responsible decisions made by state democrats. 

State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. – the Senate Appropriations Committee Chair and Majority Caucus Appropriations Leader – released the following statement:

“The 10^th rating upgrade is yet another sign the years of fiscal discipline and responsibility from the General Assembly is paying off. In recent years, we have been able to put money back in the pockets of the state’s hardworking families, provide funding for the people who need the most help and pay down the state’s bill backlog – all while dealing with economic uncertainty created by a hostile federal government. Illinois is a standout state when it comes to putting the needs of our residents first, and we do so in a responsible and equitable way.

A group of Senate transit leaders release statement highlighting legislation to fix and fund public transit in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD ─ As public transportation systems across Illinois approach a fiscal cliff in 2026, threats of cuts to service and layoffs of transit workers continue to loom as they await funding and reforms from the Illinois General Assembly. 

State Senators Mattie Hunter, Omar Aquino, Robert Peters, Celina Villanueva, Adriane Johnson and Graciela Guzmán have been at the forefront leading legislation to tackle the fiscal cliff and longstanding transit issues through legislation.

The aforementioned members released the following statement to address the need to fix and fund public transit:

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner presented a resolution to recognize and honor the contributions of Eva Carroll Monroe.

“Eva Carroll Monroe was a trailblazer in child welfare, opening her door for Black children,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “As a lifelong Springfield resident, it’s important to bring to light the important pioneers of our history who made a difference in Black communities.”

Senate Resolution 128 formally recognizes and honors the contributions of Eva Carroll Monroe, the founder of the Lincoln Colored Home of Springfield, the first Black orphanage in the state and second in the country. The resolution declares Aug. 4, 2026 as Eva Carroll Monroe Day in Illinois to honor her legacy.

Turner’s measure highlights Monroe’s dedication to the welfare of Black children, particularly during the Jim Crow Era, and her tireless work in creating a safe space for orphaned Black children who were excluded from other orphanages due to racial discrimination.

Senate Resolution 128 was adopted by the Senate on Wednesday.

MOLINE – In order to integrate the Western Illinois economy and drive job growth, State Senator Mike Halpin secured a $1 million upgrade to Moline’s River Drive.

“I am proud to see state dollars being put to work on infrastructure that will build jobs, growth and opportunity in Western Illinois,”said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Repairing and maintaining solid infrastructure means more blue-collar jobs, improved logistics for business, and enhanced safety for everyone on the road. This investment shows we are committed to Western Illinois’ future and improving the daily lives of our residents.”

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Cristina Castro led a measure through the Senate that would make a temporary “cocktails to-go” state law permanent and create new rules to allow more small Illinois distilleries to self-distribute spirits.

“By giving bars, restaurants and craft distilleries the ability to grow and reach more customers, we’re supporting small, independent producers and retailers across Illinois,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “We should be making it easier, not harder, to operate and grow a business in our state.”

The measure would create a class 3 craft distiller’s license, which would allow the distillery to manufacture up to 100,000 gallons of spirits annually. These licensees would then be able to apply for the ability to self-distribute up to 2,500 gallons annually.

Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus statement on armed federal agents in downtown Chicago

CHICAGO — In response to the presence of armed federal agents in downtown Chicago, the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus has issued the following statement:

"We condemn the presence of armed Border Patrol agents patrolling the streets of downtown Chicago. What should have been a peaceful early fall Sunday, enjoyed by families, was marred by the sight of masked, heavily armed federal agents moving through our city as if it were a war zone."

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Illinois Senate Democrats celebrate new quantum hub on Chicago's South Side

CHICAGO — Illinois Senate Democrats joined Governor JB Pritzker and leading quantum institutions today to celebrate the groundbreaking of PsiQuantum’s facility at Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park at Quantum Shore on Chicago’s South Side – marking the start of building state-of-the-art facilities that will make the Park fully operational and Illinois a leader in the global race for quantum technology.

“With this partnership, Illinois is at the forefront of a technological innovation that has the potential to change our lives for the better,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “I want to commend Governor Pritzker and his team for positioning our state to be a leader in quantum technology. This Quantum Park will create jobs, boost our economy and send a message to the world that Illinois is a great place to do business, now and in the future.”

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Edly-Allen highlights success of SmartBuy Program, reducing student debt and increasing housing accessibility

GRAYSLAKE — With almost one-fifth of individuals with student loan debt being denied a mortgage due to their debt-to-income ratio, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen highlighted the importance of Illinois’ SmartBuy program in increasing housing accessibility and affordability.

“As chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee and an educator, I’ve seen how easing student loan debt is more than financial relief — it’s the key to unlocking homeownership for a generation burdened by higher education costs,” said Edly-Allen (D- Grayslake). “The SmartBuy program will help first-time buyers achieve their homeownership dream sooner while also building a better economy for generations to come.”

Read more.

Sound of the State: The Safe Schools for All Act

State Senator Graciela Guzman and State Representative Lilian Jiménez discuss the Safe Schools for All Act, a new law that will protect Illinois students from having immigration authorities called on them or family members while they are in the classroom.

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Copyright 2025 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

CHICAGO – Illinois Senate Democrats joined Governor JB Pritzker and leading quantum institutions today to celebrate the groundbreaking of PsiQuantum’s facility at Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park at Quantum Shore on Chicago’s South Side – marking the start of building state-of-the-art facilities that will make the Park fully operational and Illinois a leader in the global race for quantum technology.

“With this partnership, Illinois is at the forefront of a technological innovation that has the potential to change our lives for the better,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “I want to commend Governor Pritzker and his team for positioning our state to be a leader in quantum technology. This Quantum Park will create jobs, boost our economy and send a message to the world that Illinois is a great place to do business, now and in the future.”

The IQMP is a first-of-its-kind park designed to support the growth of quantum technology and advanced microelectronics research. It aims to bring together companies, researchers, suppliers and other partners to progress the development of quantum both in Illinois and globally. These technologies have the potential to tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges, such as improving health care, energy, the climate crises, transportation, finance and agriculture.