Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Illinois Senate Democrats continue lead on efforts toward equity, access, and fiscal responsibility. In this edition of the Majority Report, learn more about the recently-signed Dignity in Pay Act, as well an effort to strengthen the state's healthcare workforce, plus the latest positive news in the state's financial health.

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.