Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus

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Follow our channel for the latest news from the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus, led by Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago).

Illinois Senate Democrats


    • Aug 5, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 7m AVG DURATION
    • 728 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus

    News Brief - August 5, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 6:05


    This edition of the News Brief highlights legislation recently signed into law addressing survivor-centered care, family services, violence prevention, and affordable access to anesthesia during medical procedures.

    From Personal Experience to Policy: Senator Lakesia Collins Fights for Maternal Equity

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 10:29


    State Senator Lakesia Collins is leading the charge for birth justice in Illinois. In this episode of The Sound of the State, she explains how legislation she carried this year removes barriers for certified nurse midwives and expands access to care, particularly in underserved communities.

    News Brief - July 29, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 6:08


    Legislation led by State Senators Laura Ellman and Bill Cunningham to address gun violence in Illinois have been signed into law. Learn more about those new laws, plus the dedication of the Secretary of State's flagship building in honor of former Secretary of State Jesse White, in this edition of the News Brief.

    News Brief - July 24, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2025 4:38


    Law enforcement will soon have additional clarity in the steps it can take to remove squatters from property in Illinois, thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Lakesia Collins. Learn more about that, as well as steps taken to honor a longtime representative of Illinois in Congress, plus continued reaction to the recent State Farm rate hike, in this edition of the News Brief.

    Senator Dave Koehler Discusses the Freedom Trails Commission and Mapping Illinois' Contributions to the Underground Railroad

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2025 8:58


    In this episode of Sound of the State, State Senator Dave Koehler discusses the Freedom Trails Commission — a statewide effort to map and connect Underground Railroad sites throughout Illinois. Building on the work of the Underground Railroad Task Force, the commission will help communities share their unique histories and preserve the legacy of freedom seekers. From local efforts in Peoria to broader stories across the state, hear how Illinois aims to honor this critical chapter of American history while remaining a beacon of hope today.

    Majority Report - July 21, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2025 6:26


    Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus celebrate investments in all-electric school buses, as well as the unveiling of the Children's Adversity Index to measure - and help develop appropriate responses for - childhood trauma. Learn more about those stories and more, in this edition of the The Majority Report.

    News Brief - July 15, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 6:18


    In this edition of the News Brief, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford unveils the new Children's Adversity Index — a data-driven tool to help address childhood trauma across the state - while members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus voice their support for $13M in Illinois EPA funding for electric school buses to reduce emissions and improve student health. Plus, Senator Michael Hastings calls for insurance reform after State Farm's recent rate increase news.

    Senator Graciela Guzmán: Addressing Food Insecurity on College Campuses

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 11:14


    In this episode,State Senator Graciela Guzmán discusses her proposal to expand SNAP eligibility for college students and address food insecurity on college campuses in Illinois. Senator Guzmán goes into detail about her personal connection to the cause, and how this legislation could help over 100,000 students access basic nutrition while pursuing their education.

    Majority Report - July 2, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025 4:10


    This week's Majority Report spotlights wins for working families and vulnerable communities in Illinois. Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus passed new laws to strengthen equal pay protections, ensure safe drinking water, and expand long-term efforts to prevent and end homelessness. 

    News Brief - July 2, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025 5:46


    From expanding mental health care access and strengthening safe drinking water standards, to lowering prescription drug costs and offering permanent traffic fine relief for low-income residents, these new laws led by members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus aim to build a more compassionate, affordable, and healthier Illinois for everyone.

    News Brief - July 1, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 5:38


    From expanding college credit opportunities for high schoolers to streamlining the college admissions process and cracking down on human trafficking, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus are leading the effort to improve the lives of the state's residents. In this episode, we cover new laws led by State Senators Cristina Castro, Christopher Belt, and Laura Murphy that aim to improve educational access, simplify direct college admissions, and strengthen public safety across the state. 

    News Brief - June 25, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 7:04


    This edition of the News Brief highlights reforms to the state's Prisoner Review Board, thanks to a new law led by State Senator Laura Murphy, as well as efforts to protect safety net hospitals and expedite FOID card proceedings.

    Championing Life: Senator Christopher Belt on Organ Donation and Advocating for Donor Rights

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 11:18


    State Senator Christopher Belt joins the Sound of the State to share his powerful personal story as a kidney transplant recipient and efforts he has championed to advocate for organ donation in Illinois. 

    Majority Report - June 23, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 6:05


    From honoring Juneteenth and advancing the fight for equity, to boosting funding for safety net hospitals that serve our most vulnerable to creating a more efficient appeals process for FOID card hearings, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus highlight important steps forward in this edition of the Majority Report. 

    Majority Report - June 10, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 8:04


    In this episode, we're covering big changes and bold investments in Illinois. We break down a major overhaul of the state's public transit system aimed at improving safety, service, and accountability for riders. Plus, we explore new protections for local pharmacies, patients, and consumers, as well as updated workplace laws that give harassment victims and witnesses a stronger voice. Finally, we spotlight the state's historic $500 million investment to revitalize abandoned sites, attract businesses, and create new job opportunities across Illinois.

    Majority Report - June 4, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 3:19


    Building upon the responsible spending decisions the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus made and balanced budgets they've passed in recent years, they passed a smart spending plan Saturday to make Illinois a better place to live, work and raise a family.

    News Brief - June 2, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 5:34


    Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus passed a number of bills relating to justice, safety, and fairness as the spring session came to a close. In this episode, learn about three of them - measure from State Senators Robert Peters, Christopher Belt, and Meg Loughran Cappel.

    News Brief - June 1, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2025 8:29


    The final scheduled day of the spring legislative session saw a flurry of action in Springfield, including the passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 state budget and Senate passage of a plan to address public transit in and around Chicago. Learn more, in this edition of the News Brief.

    News Brief - May 31, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2025 5:10


    Supporting students and securing retirements, legislation from State Senators Karina Villa, Cristina Castro, and Robert Martwick are highlighted in this edition of the News Brief from the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus.

    News Brief - May 30, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 5:08


    State Senators Laura Murphy, Christopher Belt, and Robert Peters have advanced measures aimed at protecting crime victims, upholding justice, and encouraging more individuals to consider organ donation. Learn more about these stories in this edition of the News Brief.

    News Brief - May 29, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 4:40


    From renters facing hidden housing costs to families looking for afforadble libary access and diners unknowingly paying inflated reservation fees, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus are taking action to protect everyday Illinoisans. In this edition of the News Brief, learn more about legislative efforts from State Senators Mike Simmons, Laura Ellman, and Sara Feigenholtz.

    News Brief - May 28, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 7:11


    In this edition of the News Brief, State Senator Laura Fine stands against antisemitism, Senator Adriane Johnson fights insurance discrimination for people with past convictions, and Senator Mary Edly-Allen advances a bill to better connect unhoused individuals to critical shelter services.

    Majority Report - May 27, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 6:51


    Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus are taking action to ensure access to reproductive health care for college students, assist in securing financial aid to pursue higher education, and more. Learn about legislation from State Senators Celina Villanueva, Javier Cervantes, Michael E. Hastings, and Mattie Hunter in this edition of the Majority Report.

    News Brief - May 21, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 5:43


    Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus continue efforts to protect the most vulnerable and uphold core rights. In this edition of the News Brief, learn more about measures sponsored by State Senators Michael E. Hastings, Cristina Castro, and Karina Villa addressing missing persons investigations, essential public services and those who deliver them to residents, and reproductive rights.

    Majority Report - May 20, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 7:16


    In this edition of The Majority Report, Illinois Senate Democrats outline continued efforts to tackle the state's teacher shortage, plus State Senator Bill Cunningham advances a measure to relieve a burden from parents of newborns requiring intensive care, and State Senator Mark Walker moves to increase consumer confidence in crypto.

    News Brief - May 20, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 5:31


    Illinois Senate Democrats are advancing legislative efforts to support youth, families, and educators across the state, creating healthier, safer, and more equitable futures for all Illinoisans. Learn more about measures from State Senators Adriane Johnson, Mike Porfirio, and Robert Peters in this edition of the News Brief.

    News Brief - May 19, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 5:30


    In this episode of the News Brief, State Senator Graciela Guzmán details her measure to increase food security for college students, plus State Senators Laura Fine and Mark Walker look to strengthen employee protections in the workplace and ensure consumer confidence and safety in the growing crypto space.

    Majority Report - May 12, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 5:52


    Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus spent the week in Springfield defending communities, empowering survivors, and showing support for cancer research efforts. Learn more, in this edition of the Majority Report.

    Majority Report - May 5, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 6:00


    Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus are taking steps to raise wages for workers, protect consumers who are looking to purchase a vehicle, further protect first responder mental health, and more. 

    News Brief - May 2, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 6:59


    Legislation to address growing concerns around at-home sexual assault evidence kits, as well as strengthening human trafficking preventions efforts, are featured in this edition of the News Brief.

    News Brief - May 1, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 7:30


    As the calendar flips to May, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus advanced measures supporting health care workers, first responders, and our environment, while also addressing juvenile sentencing reform. Learn more in this edition of the News Brief.

    News Brief - April 30, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 4:18


    Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford's measure to take on the practice of "resident dumping" by nursing home and assisted living facilities has advanced. Learn more about that, and other stories, in this edition of the News Brief.

    Majority Report - April 28, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 5:51


    This edition of the Majority Report from the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus includes news on State Senator Mike Halpin's legislation to strengthen training to recognize and stop human trafficking, as well as news from State Senators Elgie Sims, Jr. and Linda Holmes.

    Majority Report - April 21, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2025 4:57


    This week's Majority Report includes news on legislation from State Senators Paul Faraci, Robert Peters, and Dave Koehler.

    Majority Report - April 14, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 7:55


    In this edition of the Majority Report, we're spotlighting powerful new steps to keep Illinois communities safer and healthier - including gun storage reforms, plus improvements to the 2-1-1 helpline that connects residents to critical services, school safety requirements for hazardous emergencies and a plan to bring free mental health screenings to Illinois students.

    News Brief - April 10, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 7:11


    From smarter policies regarding the presence of cellphones in the classroom to combatting elder financial fraud, this episode of the News Brief features legislation from State Senators Cristina Castro, Karina Villa, Paul Faraci, and Steve Stadelman.

    Majority Report - April 7, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2025 5:59


    In this edition of the Majority Report, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Cacuus are rolling out plans to grow a more diverse mental health workforce, break down financial barriers to care, and give providers and patients more control over treatment. Learn more about those efforts, plus a push to give veterans more time off to access health care and a plan to make getting into college simpler for Illinois students, in this episode.

    Majority Report - March 31, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2025 6:15


    Two new laws signed recently backed by State Senators Lakesia Collins and Mark Walker will take steps toward equity, safety, and justice. State Senator Ram Villivalam's measure to provide kosher and halal meal options for students across Illinois is highlighted, as well as recent grants made in support of goals of the landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act.

    News Brief - March 19, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2025 7:25


    In this episode of the News Brief, Senator Celina Villanueva advocates for increased wages for home care workers in Illinois, Senator Cristina Castro backs limitations on cellphone use in the classroom, and Senator Rachel Ventura looks to take steps to reform the juvenile justice system in the state.

    News Brief - March 6, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2025 4:21


    This episode of the News Brief highlights three Illinois legislative measures aimed at saving lives and strengthening communities in Illinois. Learn more about these proposals from State Senators Doris Turner, Mike Simmons, and Christopher Belt when you listen now.

    News Brief - March 5, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2025 5:45


    In this edition of the News Brief, State Senator Willie Preston calls for insurance coverage for speech therapy to treat stuttering, State Senator Julie Morrison advocates for food assistance for veterans, and State Senator Sara Feigenhotlz pushes for FMLA rights for short-term teachers.

    Honoring the Impact of the Pullman Porters in American Labor History

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2025 26:15


    In this Black History Month episode, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. sits down with the president of the Pullman Porter Museum,  Dr. David Peterson Jr., to discuss the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters – a pivotal moment in the labor and civil rights movements.

    News Brief - February 21, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2025 12:50


    Governor JB Pritzker presented his FY2026 budget proposal this week. Hear reaction from members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus and more, in this edition of the News Brief.

    Majority Report - February 21, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2025 3:35


    The process of crafting the FY2026 budget is underway. Senate President Don Harmon and Majority Appropriations Leader Senator Elgie Sims, Jr. react to Governor Pritzker's introduced budget proposal.

    Karina's Law: Protecting Survivors & Strengthening Justice

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2025 14:53


    In this episode, we dive into Karina's Law—a groundbreaking measure to protect domestic violence survivors by closing loopholes in firearm removal. Senator Villanueva shares how this law honors Karina Gonzalez and others affected by similar tragedies, the challenges faced during the legislative process, and what's next in the fight for survivor safety. Tune in to learn how this law will make a difference and what resources are available for those in need.

    Majority Report - February 10, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2025 6:09


    Families in Illinois looking to take in a relative in the foster care system will face lesser financial barries, thanks to the KIND Act, sponsored by State Senator Mattie Hunter. Learn more about the new law, plus measures addressing food safety, workplace rights for nursing mothers, and increased access to hypoallergenic formula, in this edition of the Majority Report.

    News Brief - February 7, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2025 5:48


    In this edition of the News Brief, Senator Doris Turner introduces measures for reform after the death of Sonya Massey. Plus, the Senate recognizes Wear Red Day and Senator Michael Hastings calls for water contract transparency

    News Brief - February 6, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2025 6:10


    In this edition of the News Brief, State Senator Mattie Hunter celebrates the signing of the KIND Act, prioritizing placement with and support for relative caregivers of children in the foster care system. Plus, Senators Willie Preston and Karina Villa advance measures addressing food safety and rising congenital syphilis cases, respectively.

    Senator Robert Peters Highlights African Americans in Illinois Labor History

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2025 11:40


    In this Black History Month episode, State Senator Robert Peters discusses the history of African American labor movements in Illinois, his advocacy for labor rights and state efforts to support Black laborers and promote workforce equality. #AfricanAmericansAndLabor #BHM2025

    News Brief - February 5, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2025 5:47


    In this edition of the News Brief, State Senators Laura Fine and Doris Turner introduce measures to support nursing parents and improve access to formula, Senator Ram Villivalam discusses progress toward a unified transit authority to address public transportation issues in northeastern Illinois, and Senator Rachel Ventura introduces a bill aiming to expand broadband services, closing the digital divide in underserved areas.

    illinois news brief rachel ventura
    News Brief - January 30, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2025 6:58


    In this edition of the News Brief, State Senator Adriane Johnson introduces the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act, which seeks to align the state's retirement systems with its environmental goals. Meanwhile, State Senator Willie Preston proposes reforms aiming to prevent unnecessary delays in contractor payments, and State Senator Michael E. Hastings advocates for Illinois families against unjustified insurance rate hikes.

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