Senate President Don Harmon issued the following statement after a man visited Gov. JB Pritzker's house to post threatening images and language on social media:

"Even as people across the nation call for an end to hateful rhetoric and for a calmer, more reasonable version of political discourse, yesterday a man went to the governor’s home to threaten him and make online posts inciting violence. That is never OK.

Villanueva law expands reproductive health care access on college campuses

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure young adults can access reproductive health care without unnecessary barriers, a new law led by State Senator Celina Villanueva expands access to contraception and medication abortion directly on college campuses across Illinois.

“Young people shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to access basic health care,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “This law meets students where they are—on campus—and affirms their right to make decisions about their own bodies with dignity and convenience.”

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Feigenholtz celebrates record-breaking tourism surge in Illinois

CHICAGO – State Senator Sara Feigenholtz is celebrating news that Illinois welcomed a record 113 million visitors in 2024, exceeding the previous record and bringing an increase in visitor spending, tax revenue and hospitality jobs.

“Visitors and locals alike know that Illinois is the best place to be, and the ‘Middle of Everything’ campaign has tremendously helped us get the word out far and wide,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “Illinois’ record-breaking tourism numbers are evidence of our commitment to promoting our great state to visitors while supporting our tourism industry.”

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Collins, Lightford bring safe, affordable housing to Maywood

MAYWOOD – Standing alongside Governor JB Pritzker and leaders from Black Men United, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford and State Senator Lakesia Collins proudly cut the ribbon on a new affordable housing unit for low-income families in Maywood.

“The new Maywood facility is a building of hope and opportunities for families who will now have a safe, affordable place to call home,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “The building symbolizes the power of what happens when we invest in our communities and believe in our capacity to create change.”

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Sound of the State: Labor Day and Worker Protections

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.

Listen here.

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Copyright 2025 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

Wishing you a safe Labor Day

This Labor Day, let’s take time to thank all the hardworking men and women here in Illinois who work every day to make our state a great place to live.

Let us recognize the many contributions workers have made for decades to the country’s strength, prosperity and well-being.

We thank all the frontline workers who risk their safety daily to take care of the rest of us. Have an enjoyable and safe Labor Day!

Copyright 2025 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

The Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) released its annual Legislative Environmental Scorecard this week, scoring state legislators based on their voting record on legislation affecting the environment during 2025 legislative business. Senate President Don Harmon has been honored with a perfect voting record on the environment.

The 2025 Legislative Environmental Scorecard includes 16 legislative measures. Specific priorities from this year’s Scorecard include:

• PFAS Product Phase-Out – HB2516 (Rep. Rashid / Sen. Morrison)
  • Phases out the use of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), aka “forever chemicals," in the manufacturing of children’s products, cosmetics, intimate apparel such as sleepwear or underwear, menstrual products, and dental floss by 2032.

• Climate Displacement Act – SB1859 (Sen. Guzmán / Rep. Guzzardi)
  • In a bold commitment to proactive, people-centered climate policy, this bill establishes Illinois’ first Climate Displacement Task Force.
• Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Funding – SB2466 (Sen. Aquino / Rep. Evans)
  • Boosts grant funding for acquiring open space lands and supporting conservation projects in distressed communities and locations.
• Mahomet Aquifer Drinking Water Protections – SB1723 (Rep. Ammons / Sen. Faraci)
  • In 2024, Illinois passed nation-leading legislation to regulate Carbon Capture and Sequestration, but the Mahomet Aquifer, which supplies clean water to nearly one million people throughout Central Illinois, was originally left unprotected. This bill extended that legislation to protect the sole-source aquifer and public drinking water from proposed carbon injection well projects.

A total of 64 state legislators received recognition for their 100% voting record during the legislative session in 2025. IEC releases its scorecard annually.

View Harmon's full voting record here: https://ilenviro.org/2025-environmental-scorecard  

Collins law gives nurse midwives more independence and flexibility in care

SPRINGFIELD — To address health care deserts and provide mothers the care they need, State Senator Lakesia Collins’ new law will give certified nurse midwives more independence and greater flexibility in care they provide.

“This law gives our nurse midwives more flexibility in collaborating and delivering services and care to our communities,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “We are modernizing rules to fit with providers needs and giving our residents greater access to health care.”

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Edly-Allen-backed Dillon's Law prepares communities to act on allergic reactions

SPRINGFIELD — According to the Food Allergy Research & Education organization (FARE), 33 million Americans have a food allergy, with the most common allergies including milk, tree nuts, shellfish and peanuts. To help those having an allergic reaction, Illinoisans will soon have easier access to epinephrine under a new law championed by State Senator Mary Edly-Allen and House Assistant Majority Leader Maurice West.

“Dillon’s Law is common-sense legislation that helps our communities become better equipped to help someone experiencing an allergic reaction,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “If a person does not know they have an allergy, they may not have access to epinephrine, which is why this law could help save so many lives.”

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Belt closes phony lifetime gym membership loophole

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Christopher Belt’s measure to stop gyms and fitness centers from canceling or changing benefits of a promised lifetime membership has been signed into law.

“When gyms offer lifetime memberships, they shouldn’t penalize members for actually using the facility,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “If you sign up for a lifetime membership at a set price, the gym shouldn’t be able to come back a year later and raise your fees.”

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Sound of the State: Morrison on advocating for sexual assault survivors

No one should face barriers to care after experiencing sexual assault. Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) explains 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.

Listen here.

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Copyright 2025 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved