Senate Democrats applaud $13 million investment in new all-electric school buses

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus celebrated the recent announcement of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s $13 million investment for 46 new all-electric school buses. The funding will facilitate the swap from older diesel-powered buses to brand new electric buses with the charging infrastructure needed to power the new fleet.

"An investment in clean transportation represents a win-win for our communities - we're protecting the health of our children while moving Illinois toward a more sustainable future. The new electric buses heading to Community Consolidated Schools District 168 in Sauk Village will mean cleaner air for our students during their daily commutes and reduced emissions in our neighborhoods,” said State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago). “This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking investment that will benefit families in the 17th District for years to come."

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Lightford celebrates unveiling of Children's Adversity Index to measure exposure to childhood trauma

CHICAGO – Building off her success in leading a whole-child, trauma-informed approach to helping youth, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford is celebrating the launch of the Children’s Adversity Index – a pivotal step in identifying and addressing systemic challenges impacting communities statewide.

"The Children's Adversity Index represents exactly the kind of comprehensive, data-driven approach we need to tackle the complex challenges facing Illinois families. By mapping adversity across our communities and identifying where resources are most needed, we're moving beyond treating symptoms to addressing root causes,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “This tool will be invaluable as we work to ensure every child in Illinois has the support they need to thrive, regardless of their ZIP code.”

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Johnson honored with amphitheater naming in Buffalo Grove

BUFFALO GROVE – In recognition of her unwavering dedication to public service and community advancement, State Senator Adriane Johnson will be honored with the naming of the amphitheater at Mike Rylko Community Park in Buffalo Grove.

“I am deeply humbled by this recognition and grateful to the Buffalo Grove Park District for this incredible honor,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This amphitheater has been a space for gathering, art, and connection in our community, and I am thrilled it will continue to serve residents for generations to come.”

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Sound of the State — Organ donation: From recipient to advocate

In this episode of Sound of the State, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) shares his powerful personal story as a kidney transplant recipient. Belt discusses the life-changing moment he received his transplant, the struggles he faced during dialysis, and how his journey inspired him to champion organ donation legislation in Illinois.

Listen here.

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New law from Peters ensures equal pay, fair treatment on the job

SPRINGFIELD — Across Illinois, workers are showing up, doing the job and still being paid less – simply because they are a woman or a person of color. A new law from State Senator Robert Peters is changing that by holding businesses accountable and making sure workers are paid what they are owed.

“Women and people of color deserve the same esteem as other workers in similar fields, and people who have worked hard to earn benefits deserve to take advantage of them,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This law ensures businesses in Illinois treat our workers fairly, protecting their rights to equal pay and full access to their benefits.”

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Villa law secures safe public drinking water

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Karina Villa spearheaded a new law that fortifies safe drinking water standards to ensure residents have access to clean water.

“When people are out in the community, they deserve to know that the water they use is safe,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Safe drinking water standards must be enforced to secure the health of our communities.”

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Johnson honored for leadership in preventing and ending homelessness in Illinois

BUFFALO GROVE — State Senator Adriane Johnson was honored with a 2025 Home Illinois Summit Recognition of Service award for her leadership in advancing statewide efforts to prevent and end homelessness. The recognition took place at the third annual Home Illinois Summit held in Rosemont.

“Ending homelessness requires bold collaboration, accountability and a deep belief in the dignity of every person,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “I’m proud to stand with advocates, providers and state leaders to ensure Illinois leads with compassion and purpose. This recognition is a reminder that when we work together, we can create real, lasting change.”

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I am hosting a Senior Town Hall and listening session later this month with State Representative Camille Lilly.

The event will be held on Thursday, July 24 at 12:30 PM at Lorraine Hansberry Apartments, 5760 W. Lake St., Chicago.

This event is free and open to the public. Light lunch will be served. For more information, contact my office at (708) 848-2002 or Representative Lilly’s office at (773) 473-7300.

I hope to see you there!

Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) announced libraries in the 39^th District are set to receive a combined total of nearly $340,000 for library services and programming.

“Libraries are invaluable in our communities, serving as a resource for everyone from ages 1 to 100,” Harmon said. “These grants are an investment in lifelong learning.”

Through the Illinois Secretary of State’s Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants program, 639 public libraries statewide will receive nearly $18 million in grants. Libraries may use the funds to support resources and services for their communities, including books, e-books, online resources and internet access, personnel, public programming and capital expenditures.

Nine libraries in the district Harmon represents received funding:

• Addison Public Library District, $52,660
• Bensenville Community Public Library, $32,114
• Elmwood Park Public Library, $36,168
• Franklin Park Public Library District, $27,375
• Melrose Park Public Library, $36,574
• Northlake Public Library District, $39,334
• Oak Park Public Library, $80,510
• River Forest Public Library, $17,283
• River Grove Public Library District, $15,603

More information on available library grants can be found here.