Majority Report

Sims: FY 27 budget invests in families without compromising our fiscal future

CHICAGO — Majority Caucus Appropriations Leader Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the Fiscal Year 2027 budget was signed into law:

“Through our unwavering commitment to fiscal responsibility, Illinois has engineered a remarkable financial turnaround over recent years. Our principled approach has kept our fiscal house in order, allowing us to invest in and uplift communities across the state despite the uncertainty looming from the Oval Office."

Read more.

Lightford passes sweeping hemp, cannabis legislation

SPRINGFIELD — After years of advocacy, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford led a wide-ranging law that brings new rules to Illinois' hemp market and delivers long-overdue improvements to the state's cannabis laws for patients, small businesses and social equity licensees.

“I have fought for years to bring order and fairness to these markets, and working with our House colleagues, we finally got it done,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “This is about protecting people, keeping our promises, and keeping Illinois at the forefront nationally.”

Read more.

Aquino law strengthens Illinois' health care system

SPRINGFIELD — A new law led by State Senator Omar Aquino aims to strengthen Illinois’ health care system by increasing government efficiency and transparency while maximizing state dollars to fund essential services vulnerable communities depend on.

“Impending federal cuts to Medicaid are a threat to the stability of our health care system, risking access to care for thousands of Illinoisans,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “Safeguarding local hospitals and community-based services is needed to ensure our most vulnerable communities are not left behind.”

Read more.

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Mike Halpin, Rock Island: Lawmakers send private student loan transparency plan to Pritzker | WAND

Senator Mike Simmons, Chicago: Rental junk fee ban awaiting Pritzker's signature | WAND

Senator Celina Villanueva, Chicago: Reproductive Health Records Privacy Act awaits Pritzker's approval | WAND

Copyright 2026 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved