Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

In this episode of the Sound of the State, State Senator Cristina Castro reacts to the signing of legislation ending the subminimum wage for people with disabilities, the Ilinois Legislative Latino Caucus defends immigrant rights, and State Senator Willie Preston organizes against unfair housing practices.

In this edition of the News Brief, Senator Willie Preston reacts to FDA ban of red dye No.3. Plus, Senator Graciela Guzman applauds the continued protection of immigrants by the Chicago City Council, and Senator Doris Turner highlights the public vote for a new Illinois flag.

Senator Doris Turner joins the Sound of the State to talk about the work of the Illinois Flag Commission and the public's opportunity to vote on a potential new design for the Illinois state flag.

Measures sponsored by members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus closing a child exploitation loophole, improving Prisoner Review Board transparency, and easing seasonal job restrictions for teens are highlighted in this edition of the News Brief.

The 104th General Assembly was recently sworn in, with the Senate set to be led through the next two years by Senate President Don Harmon. Hear Senate President Harmon's remarks on the Senate's first day of business in the new General Assembly, in this edition of the Majority Report.

The beginning of the 104th General Assembly in Illinois brings a new member to the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus. Get to know Senator Graciela Guzmán of the 20th District, joined by Senator Omar Aquino, in this episode of the Sound of the State.

A range of measures passed in the Illinois Senate on Monday - from Karina's Law protecting domestic violence survivors to measures on name changes, energy storage, and prison reform - are featured in this edition of the Sound of the State.

In this episode of Sound of the State, State Senators Cristina Castro, Celina Villanueva, and Lakesia Collins champion worker and senior protections, advancing bills to enhance labor rights, workplace transparency, and accountability in nursing homes.

The first week of 2025 has a number of new laws taking effect, including efforts led by State Senators Bill Cunningham, Lakesia Collins, and Karina Villa which empower Illinois families and consumers. Learn more about those laws in this edition of the News Brief.

With the start of a new year, there are a number of new laws taking effect in Illinois. This episode of the Sound of the State takes a look at ten of those laws, ranging from one that fights catalytic converter theft to one which lowers the out-of-pocket cost to Illinois families for life-saving EpiPens, and more.

The Senate Human Rights Committee, led by Senator Mike Simmons, heard testimony this week on "Housing is a Human Right." Learn more, plus news from Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford and Senator Doris Turner, in this edition of the News Brief.

State Senator Dave Koehler discusses his initiative to support small farmers producing specialty crops by establishing a new grant program, which has allowed local farmers to increase their product yield and made food grown in the state more accessible to Illinoisans.

Legislative efforts by State Senators Robert Peters, Mike Simmons, Cristina Castro, and Karina Villa to help Illinoisans receive unpaid wages, promote the educator and childcare provider workforce, strengthen our state's performing arts industry, and further language equity in interactions with state agencies are highlighted in this edition of The Majority Report.

State Senator Lakeisa Collins joins the Sound of the State to talk about her new law designed to improve birth outcomes through improved access to midwives, perinatal doulas, and lactation consultants.

Bills passed by State Senators Cristina Castro, Mattie Hunter, Lakeisa Collins, and Paul Faraci during veto session - including an effort to begin phasing out the federal subminimum wage for Illinoisans with disabilities - are highlighted in this edition of the Majority Report.

Measures led by State Senators Mattie Hunter, Mike Simmons, and Paul Faraci to address the foster care system, educator and child care provider workforce, and mental health care access for veterans and first responders are featured in this edition of the News Brief.

State Senator Paul Faraci has filed a bill to strengthen protections to the Mahomet Aquifer. Learn more about that story and others, in this edition of the News Brief.

For the month of October, the nation honors those affected by breast cancer and raises awareness to help promote early detection, treatment, and a cure. In this episode of the Sound of the State, State Senator Laura Ellman discusses the significance of this annual observance and shares her personal story about overcoming breast cancer.

The second Monday in October is recognized as Indigenous Peoples' Day, which honors the sovereignty, resilience and contributions of Indigenous communities. State Senator Mark Walker joins the Sound of the State to highlight legislation he's led to address past injustices, including the repatriation of Native remains and artifacts and an effort to transfer land back to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.

Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus recently celebrated groundbreaking ceremonies for new business opportunities for the state, a shoreline stabilization project along Lake Michigan, and more. Learn about those stories, and others, in this edition of the Majority Report.

 Illinois safeguards the fundamental right to choose — including the right to choose when and how to start a family. This episode with Senator Cristina Castro and Representative Margaret Croke dives into a new law expanding coverage for fertility treatments like IVF.