Morrison joins colleagues, advocates to highlight measure providing coverage for seizure detection devices

SPRINGFIELD — Alongside advocates and colleagues, State Senator Julie Morrison hosted a press conference highlighting legislation she is spearheading that would provide coverage for medically necessary seizure detection devices – bolstering treatment and diagnostic access for those suffering from seizure disorders.

“These disorders can greatly affect one’s quality of life – limiting their ability to drive, requiring additional assistance and becoming a financial strain, in addition to living with the disorder itself,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Expanding access to these devices is a critical step to ensuring longer, healthier lives.”

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Faraci advances measure to expand financial freedom for individuals with disabilities

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Paul Faraci advanced a measure that would modify how individuals with developmental disabilities are made aware of critical money-saving resources through the Senator Scott Bennett ABLE Program.

“This program allows individuals with disabilities to save and invest money in tax-advantaged accounts to pay for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for benefits like SSI or Medicaid,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “We have obligations to empower residents with disabilities, to commit ourselves to inclusion and to support those most in need, and improving how we advertise this service would help us fulfill those obligations.”

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Ellman bill protects access to health coverage, prevents denials over past-due premiums

SPRINGFIELD — With nearly one in 10 Americans lacking health insurance coverage according to the U.S. Census Bureau, State Senator Laura Ellman is working to advance legislation to ensure Illinois residents are not locked out of coverage due to past-due premium payments.

“Health care coverage shouldn’t be out of reach for someone simply because they’ve fallen behind on a previous payment,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This legislation is about protecting access to care and making sure families can get insured when they need it most.”

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The Chicago region has everything needed for success. Great resources, great people, great opportunities and great location.

You don’t have to take my word for it.

With more than 600 qualifying business projects across the region in 2025, Site Selection Magazine ranked Chicagoland as the top metro region in the nation. It’s the 13th year in a row the metro region has received the top designation from the industry publication.

https://siteselection.com/2025-top-metros-tier-1.../

Chicago scored higher than the Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth metro areas.

“This momentum is not accidental. It is the result of a region with unmatched logistics power, a diversified and resilient economic base, and a nearly five-million–person workforce spanning advanced research to essential operations. Add to that over 150,000 students entering the regional economy each year, competitive utilities, abundant water, scalable industrial space and a deliberate focus on vibrancy as an economic driver — and you have a market built for sustained corporate growth.” -- Andrew Hayes, vice president of marketing communications for World Business Chicago

Belt's measure expands suicide prevention awareness and education

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Christopher Belt introduced a new measure to increase access to life-saving mental health resources and strengthen suicide prevention efforts across the state.

“What we’re doing is expanding suicide prevention education across the entire state,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “These are meaningful steps to address mental health proactively and compassionately.”

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Halpin bill to address teacher shortage passes committee

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Mike Halpin’s bill to allow retired teachers to work additional paid hours as substitutes in order to address the statewide teacher shortage passed committee.

“Illinois schools need more teachers and more substitute teachers. Allowing retired teachers to continue to work more substitution hours gives the support our education system needs,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “If we are going to solve the teacher shortage we will need creative solutions, this legislation represents one of them.”

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Stadelman outlines safeguards for domestic violence and stalking victims following delays in protection

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Steve Stadelman called a press conference to outline critical legislation designed to eliminate gaps in protection that would leave survivors of domestic violence and stalking without enforceable safeguards.

“This bill was inspired by a courageous constituent who came forward to share her story. Her experience underscores why we must constantly review our laws to ensure they truly protect those they are meant to serve,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This measure guarantees continued protections for victims and strengthens accountability for those who violate court orders.”

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MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Cristina Castro, Elgin: Pritzker, lawmakers renew push for school cell phone ban | WAND

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Senator Celina Villanueva, Chicago: Lawmakers postpone Cook County property tax debt sale to continue working on reforms | WGLT

Copyright 2026 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

Enjoyed a wide-ranging live radio discussion with Illinois Public Media's The 21st Show.

You can listen here: The 21st Show

Senate Democrats begin FY 27 budget process

SPRINGFIELD — Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus heard the governor’s state budget proposal Wednesday and will now begin bipartisan, bicameral conversations to bring forth a balanced budget.

“The governor deserves credit for a proposal that protects our shared goals in an increasingly difficult and chaotic financial climate,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “There’s a lot to like — increased funding for public schools and universities, continued debt reduction and creative ideas on affordable housing.”

“Our work begins to craft another responsible, compassionate budget that highlights Illinois’ commitment to cementing our state as the best place to build and raise a family. Building on seven years of historic fiscal progress, Illinois will meet the challenges that lay ahead. We’ve done so before and we’ll do it again,” said Majority Appropriations Leader Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago). “While the Trump administration is focused on sowing fear and dysfunction, we will work to prioritize every resident, no matter their background, the color of their skin, their education level or their ZIP code.”

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Illinois Legislative Black Caucus responds to budget proposal, calls for equity-focused final budget

SPRINGFIELD — Following the governor’s annual budget address, the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the final state budget delivers meaningful investments in Black communities across Illinois.

“As Senate Joint Chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, I know our communities cannot afford uncertainty at any level of government,” said State Senator Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago). “With federal threats creating instability around health care, food assistance and social services, Illinois must remain steady and proactive. We have a responsibility to craft a final budget that protects our most vulnerable residents, invests in early childhood and education and strengthens economic opportunities in neighborhoods that have been historically disinvested.”

“Proposals set the tone, but budgets set the priorities,” said State Senator Willie Preston (D-Chicago), Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Senate Chair. “We appreciate the continued investments in education, housing stability and health care, but we must ensure the final budget intentionally closes the persistent gaps facing Black families. That means fully funding workforce development, expanding pathways to economic mobility, strengthening violence prevention efforts and ensuring housing initiatives like Home Illinois truly reach the communities most impacted.”

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Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus shares their key priorities after governor's budget speech

SPRINGFIELD — Members of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus have once again affirmed their dedication to standing up for Latino residents, emphasizing their strong commitment to protecting and supporting these communities amid growing threats of potential cuts from the Trump administration.

“The governor’s proposed revenue solutions to bridge the gaps in funding are a solid baseline to address the challenges our state is facing under the federal administration,” said Senate Latino Caucus Chair Karina Villa (D-West Chicago). “One thing is clear: our budget cannot be balanced on the back of working people. As budget negations continue, we will remain steadfast in our commitment to defending the services our communities depend on.”

“We hope to expand funding in the child care tax program. Expanding this program would help so many families afford essentials like diapers, baby food, childcare and more”, said State Senator Javier Cervantes (D-Chicago). “Our working families are struggling to put food on the table. With SNAP benefits changing we need to give Illinois residents all the help we can.”

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Senator Mike Simmons, Chicago: Illinois erases $1.1B in medical debt for more than 500K residents | FOX32

Copyright 2026 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved