Illinois Senate Democrats celebrate the opening of IATSE Local 2's new training center

CHICAGO — Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus applauded the opening of a new training center for the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 2 Stagehands, thanks to a $5 million grant they backed.

“Our entertainment workforce displays great creativity and passion for their craft,” said State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin). “Supporting their efforts to develop and train workers in this arena will bring greater opportunities for more pillars of the filmmaking community to call Illinois their home.”

Read more.

 

Ellman commemorates opening of new Philip J. Rock Center and School facility for deaf-blind students

GLEN ELLYN — State Senator Laura Ellman joined local, state and community leaders to celebrate the grand opening of the new Philip J. Rock Center and School, the nation’s only publicly-funded residential school dedicated to serving students who are deaf-blind.

“As the only publicly-funded residential school in the country for students who are deaf-blind, the Philip J. Rock Center and School has helped students discover their strength and independence for generations,” said Ellman (D–Naperville). “I’m thrilled that Illinois is supporting this incredible place, ensuring its impact reaches even more families across our community.”

Read more.

 

Belt celebrates groundbreaking on new grocery store in Venice

VENICE — State Senator Christopher Belt joined leaders from across the Metro East region to break ground on a new grocery store in Venice as part of the Illinois Grocery Initiative — marking an important milestone in expanding access to fresh, affordable food for local residents. The groundbreaking represents a critical joint effort to revitalize the city, which was made possible through a $2.4 million state grant and private funding.

“We have had some great days here in Venice, first for our bill signing, then to award this grant, and now we are here to put a shovel in the ground,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “I don’t have a crystal ball, but I think we’ll be here again when the grocery store is completed to celebrate what we have accomplished.”

Read more.

 

Impacts of federal budget decision on education in Illinois

From reducing access to health care and meals for public school students, to slashing options for student loan repayments, the federal administration’s budget makes devastating cuts across education – from preschool to college.

State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, a former teacher, joins the Sound of the State to discuss the impact HR1 has on our students.

Listen here.

 

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Omar Aquino, Chicago: Bill creating safety zones, allowing immigrant families to file civil lawsuits against ICE heads to Pritzker's desk | WAND

Senator Don Harmon, Oak Park: Illinois lawmakers pass behavioral healthcare parity law, send plan to Pritzker's desk | WAND

Senator Mike Simmons, Chicago: Illinois Senate passes bill banning rent junk fees, House ends session without voting on plan | WAND

 

Copyright 2025 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

Sims: Clean Slate Act is about creating pathways to opportunity for people who have earned a second chance

SPRINGFIELD — Marking a significant step forward in criminal justice reform, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. led a transformative approach to providing second chances while maintaining critical public safety protections.

"The Clean Slate Act is about creating pathways to opportunity for people who have earned a second chance," said Sims (D-Chicago). "By automating the sealing process for eligible records, we're removing unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles that keep people from finding employment, securing housing, and fully reintegrating into their communities. At the same time, we've been deliberate in maintaining strong public safety protections and ensuring law enforcement has the access they need."

Read more.

 

Fine legislation addressing foster care liability coverage passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD — In order to protect community based foster care agencies from the increasing costs and the decreasing availability of liability insurance, State Senator Laura Fine passed legislation to analyze the current foster care liability insurance landscape in Illinois.

“Foster care and adoption services must maintain liability coverage to operate in the state,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Without sustainable insurance options, these foster agencies are at risk of shutting down altogether.”

Read more.

 

Cervantes legislation to protect immigrant workers passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD — At a time when immigrant workers are facing unprecedented surveillance and discrimination, State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes is fighting to protect employees from unfair retaliation from their workplace through new legislation.

“Every employee makes mistakes, especially when filling out confusing, lengthy paperwork,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “It is unfair to hold immigrant employees to a wholly different standard where making such a mistake can result in them losing their job. As many immigrants are more afraid of losing work because of their immigration status than ever before due to the current political climate, I am proud to be making one element of their lives less anxiety-inducing through this legislation.”

Read more.

 

Celebrating Veterans Day

This Veterans Day, let’s come together to celebrate our service members for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. We must also honor the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country – you will never be forgotten.

The men and women who serve in our military are nothing short of American heroes, and they deserve our utmost respect and gratitude. If you are currently serving or did a tour of duty in the past, thank you for your service. Your bravery and dedication to protecting American families and our greatest ideals is incomparable.

 

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Don Harmon, Oak Park: Advocates celebrate final passage of the Equality for Every Family Act | Windy City Times

Senator Michael E. Hastings, Frankfort: Illinois Sen. Hastings cold spa regulation bill passes House and Senate | Will County Gazette

Senator Julie A. Morrison, Lake Forest: Statewide act pushes Illinois from ‘F’ to ‘A’ on human trafficking report card | Yahoo

 

Copyright 2025 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

Dear friends,

October has been busy, and I am pleased to report that we completed one of the most productive and consequential veto sessions in recent memory.

More information is below on bills to protect Illinoisans’ constitutional rights, create a world-class transit system, and more.

The status of SNAP funding remains uncertain amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. Information on finding food assistance in the 39^th District is included in this newsletter.

If you have any questions or concerns in this difficult time, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at 708-848-2002 or http://donharmon.org/contact-senator-harmon

Sincerely,

Don Harmon

Senate President, 39^th District

 

Veto Session Recap

The Senate completed one of the most productive and impactful veto sessions in recent memory late last week.

Senators advanced a number of measures to protect Illinoisans and build a better future for our state.

 

Protecting civil rights amid ICE activities

Working with the Senate Latino Caucus, I advanced legislation out of the Senate during veto session that responds to infringements on personal liberty by federal immigration agents in Illinois.

The measure protects Illinois residents’ constitutional rights and ensure safe access to public spaces amid increasingly aggressive violations of those rights in Chicagoland and across the state.

Read more here.

 

Delivering a world-class public transit system

State Senator Ram Villivalam passed historic legislation through the Senate providing rider-focused reforms and transformational investments to address the public transit fiscal cliff in Illinois.

The legislation creates a new regional oversight board for Metra, CTA and Pace. It also addresses safety concerns, ensures integrated service and establishes a unified fare system.

Read more here.

 

Lowering energy costs, creating a sustainable future

The Senate passed an energy relief package Thursday that is projected to save Illinois households more than $13 billion over the next two decades.

Senate Bill 25 aims to give Illinois new tools to reduce utility rate hikes, strengthen the state’s power grid, expand renewable energy sources and keep bills low for consumers.

The legislation incentivizes measures that lower electricity prices by addressing the demand for energy and increasing grid capacity through things like battery storage.

Read more here.

 

Where to Find Food Banks and Emergency Food

In the Spring, the Senate foresaw the potential damage federal cuts would cause Illinoisans and joined the House and Governor Pritzker in creating the BRIDGE Fund to set aside funding to help when the time came.

Thanks to that effort, Gov. Pritzker announced this week that he is able to direct $20 million to food banks to assist them in meeting the needs of people suddenly and cruelly cut off from SNAP benefits.

Below, please find a list of food pantries and food distribution options in the 39^th District:

 

Addison

Addison Township Pantry
50 East Oak Street, Addison, IL 60601
630-530-8161 Ext. 158

Bensenville

Tioga Elementary School
212 West Memorial Road, Bensenville, IL 60106

Bensenville Wood Dale Food Pantry
192 S Center Street, Bensenville, IL 60106
630-766-9382

Chicago

Fraternite Notre Dame
502 N. Central Ave., Chicago, IL 60644
773-261-0101

Helping Our People Excel Community Development Corporation
5912 W Iowa St., Chicago, IL 60651
773-921-2243

Pine Avenue United Church
1015 N Pine Ave, Chicago, IL 60651
773-287-4777

Westside Health Authority
5417 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60651
773-378-1878

Sheridan Carroll Charitable Works Fund, Inc.
2015 N. Harlem Ave., Chicago, IL 60707
773-237-4937

Elmwood Park

Elmwood Park Community Church
2334 North 75th Ave., Elmwood Park, IL 60707
224-319-7836

Franklin Park

Leyden Family Services
2501 Mannheim Rd., Franklin Park, IL 60131
847-773-1535

Melrose Park

Lighthouse of Hope Assembly
1719 W. North Ave., Melrose Park, IL 60160
773-921-1243

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel
1119 N 23rd Ave., Melrose Park, IL 60160
708-344-4140

River Forest United Methodist Church
1112 N 9th Ave., Melrose Park, IL 60160
708-356-6743

Oak Park

New Life Ministries C.O.G.I.C.
634 N Austin Blvd., Oak Park, IL 60302
772-640-0919

Beyond Hunger
848 Lake St., Oak Park, IL 60301
708-386-1324

New Life Christian Fellowship
6235 W North Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302
224-423-1791

Additionally, please reach out to my office at 708-848-2002 if you need help finding food.  

 

 

Bridge Center Ribbon Cutting

This month, I attended the ribbon cutting of the newly renovated Bridge Center on Austin Boulevard in the former St Catherine St Lucy rectory.

The Bridge Center will connect families in need with essential resources and support. The facility also supports Housing Forwardand Faith and Fellowship.

 

 

10 Years of Restore Justice

Earlier this month, I joined Restore Justice for a panel celebrating the organization’s 10-year anniversary.

The panel shared real stories of the transformational impact Restore Justice has had on individuals navigating the criminal justice system in Illinois.

I shared the story of how I first became involved in efforts to reform the criminal justice system and discussed some of our accomplishments, most especially reinstating parole and eliminating mandatory life sentences for certain youthful offenders.

 

 

Congratulations to Our Blue Ribbon Schools!

I am pleased to announce that two schools in the 39th District have been named Illinois Blue Ribbon Schools!

Ascension Catholic School and my former elementary school, St. Giles School, both received the honor.

Governor Pritzker established the Governor's Blue Ribbon Schools Program this year after the federal program was abruptly cancelled in August. The program selects schools based on exemplary student achievement and celebrates the hard work of principals, teachers, support staff, and students.

Congratulations to these local schools!

 

 

 

Coming Up: Mobile DMV

 

 

Coming Up: Oak Park Town Hall

 

 

Dear friends,

With political violence and hateful rhetoric dominating the headlines, I joined my colleague Senate Minority Leader John Curran to call for a return to peaceful debate:

If you have any questions or concerns in this difficult time, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at (708) 848-2002 or www.donharmon.org.

In happier news, I wanted to share some of what we’ve been up to in the 39^th District. You’ll find that and information on upcoming events in the district below.

Sincerely,

Don Harmon

Senate President, 39th District

 

Galewood Town Hall

I joined State Representative Camille Lilly at Sayre Elementary School in Galewood at the beginning of September for another in our series of town halls.

It’s always good to connect with our constituents and neighbors in the 39^th District, to hear feedback and share our update from Springfield.

Thanks for an engaging evening!

 

IEC 50^th Anniversary

The Illinois Environmental Council this month celebrated 50 years of making our air cleaner to breathe, our water safer to drink and our land more livable. 

I’m proud to consider myself a supporter, and to have on three occasions been the recipient of the IEC’s Environmental Leadership Award.

I look forward to continuing to work with the IEC in the future.

 

 

Oak Park-River Forest High School Civics Learning Fair

I had the pleasure this month of speaking to a packed auditorium at Oak Park-River Forest High School as part of their Civics Service Learning Fair.

Hundreds of juniors and seniors participated, posing questions about the work we do and policy topics on their minds.

They also had the opportunity to learn about nonprofit and volunteering opportunities in our community.

 

Austin P.O.W.E.R. 5K 10-year anniversary

The Austin P.O.W.E.R. 5K celebrated its 10-year anniversary on September 20.

The annual race began in 2015 to highlight the P.O.W.E.R. (People, Organizing, Wealth, and Economic Resources) a community can have when we work together.

I have been a proud sponsor of this event for each of these 10 years, and I was thrilled at the excellent turnout.

 

Upcoming: Senior Health Fair in Franklin Park

 

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

1 in 3 women and 1 in 7 men are victims of domestic violence.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available.

You can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233 to speak with someone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Locally, Sarah’s Inn is one of the largest and most comprehensive domestic violence agencies serving the Chicagoland area.

Visit www.sarahsinn.org or call their 24-hour crisis line at 708-386-4225 to learn more.

 

Know Your Rights

Federal immigration efforts are active in Chicago, causing fear and uncertainty in our communities.

It is important to know your rights if you or a neighbor is confronted by ICE. Review the information below and share with anyone you think might benefit.