Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus

As Chair of the Senate Labor Committee, Senator Robert Peters knows how vital workers are to our state's success. From the Haymarket Riots to today's workforce development, Illinois has always been at the heart of America's labor movement. In this Labor Day episode of Sound of the State, he shares why Illinois is leading the way in labor rights and equity.

Newly signed laws sponsored by members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus take actions to protect families in missing persons cases, ban unfair ticketing in schools, give NICU families a stronger start and address mental health workforce shortages. Learn more, in this edition of the News Brief.

No one should face barriers to care after experiencing sexual assault. Senator Julie Morrison joins the Sound of the State to explain how her new law requires hospitals to put survivors first—strengthening trauma-informed care, expanding nurse examiner training, and giving the Illinois Department of Public Health more authority to ensure hospitals meet their responsibilities.

From protecting our most vulnerable seniors to giving sexual assault survivors real support, addressing mental health for first responders, and ensuring workers' rights are respected, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus are taking action. This episode of the News Brief features newly signed laws from Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, as well as Senators Suzy Glowiak Hilton, Mike Porfirio, and Graciela Guzmán.

From protecting organ donors at work to easing student debt, expanding e-waste recycling, and cracking down on crypto fraud, these newly signed laws from State Senators Christopher Belt, Omar Aquino, Linda Holmes, and Mark Walker put people and consumers first.

In this edition of the News Brief, four new laws focus on safety, health, and consumer protection. Senator Julie Morrison improves trafficking victim identification, survivor support, and justice access. Senator Paul Faraci safeguards the Mahomet Aquifer from contamination threats. Senator Javier Cervantes ensures dental insurers pay providers directly when requested, and Senator Steve Stadelman bans license plate flippers used to evade law enforcement. 

Illinois lawmakers are stepping up to protect communities and ensure every voice is heard. Senator Turner's new law improves police vetting to ensure only the most qualified officers serve. Senator Halpin gives local governments the power to enforce human trafficking training and issue fines to noncompliant businesses. Senator Loughran Cappel bolsters early childhood disability representation in state education policy.

In this edition of the News Brief, we explore three new laws making a real difference in Illinois. Senator Julie Morrison expands Illinois State Police authority to investigate online child exploitation. Senator Robert Peters gives workers more retirement savings flexibility. Senator Laura Murphy ensures insurance covers medically necessary equine therapy. These changes put safety, financial security, and health first for Illinois residents.

From protecting vulnerable mental health patients from unregulated AI, to supporting working nursing mothers, to helping unhoused residents get back on their feet — Illinois is taking bold steps toward equity and access. In this episode, Senators Villivalam, Fine, and Simmons explain how their new laws will make life better for people across the state.

The Illinois State Fair is more than fun and funnel cakes — it's a celebration of agriculture, youth leadership, and investment in our state's #1 industry. Senator Doris Turner and Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello talk about upgrades to the fairgrounds, diversity in ag, and what the future holds for FFA, 4-H, and more.

From saving mothers' lives to protecting consumers from car scams, this episode of The Sound of the State covers four new Illinois laws making a difference. Senators Preston, Feigenholtz, Castro, and Murphy explain how they're addressing maternal health inequities, easing teacher shortages, improving firefighter safety, and holding unlicensed car dealers accountable.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.