Sound of the State

Illinois Senate Democrats introduce legislation to strengthen children and families, fight organized retail crime, and more.

With under two weeks to go in this legislative session, last week was filled with action in Springfield. Get the biggest stories when you listen to this episode of our Sound of the State podcast series.

Catch up on everything that happened Thursday in Springfield - including news from Senate President Don Harmon, and Senators Linda Holmes, Laura Fine, Robert Peters, Laura Ellman, and more - with this edition of the News Brief.

Catch up on work being done in Springfield this week by State Senators Ann Gillespie, Christopher Belt, Melinda Bush, Napoleon Harris III, and others, in this edition of the News Brief from the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus.

As we recognize National Social Worker Month in March, Senator Karina Villa discusses the importance of social workers and the job they do in this episode of the Sound of the State podcast.

State Senators Ram Villivalam and Doris Turner discuss the recent visit of the Mobile Museum of Tolerance to Springfield, the importance of the history it covers, and more in this episode of the Sound of the State podcast.

State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) discusses efforts to ease financial burdens for mothers through SB634 in this edition of the Sound of the State podcast.

This week is National School Breakfast Week and this episode with State Senator Christopher Belt includes the importance of nutrition for students in school, legislative measures to provide access to nutritious meals, and more.

Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) and PhD. Candidate Lukas Urbane discuss the role of lawmakers in improving higher education in this episode of the Sound of the State podcast.

Early childhood education is important for bringing up our society’s future leaders. State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas sits down with us to talk about the state of early childhood care and education in Illinois and how we can support our daycare providers.

Legislation from State Senators Steve Stadelman, John Connor, Doris Turner, Laura Fine, and Dave Koehler covering subjects ranging from improving access to protective orders for abuse victims to encouraging and incentivizing the purchase of vehicles manufactured in Illinois is covered in this edition of the News Brief.

Senate President Don Harmon reveals his musical side, sharing some favorite songs and fun anecdotes in this episode of our Sound of the State podcast series

State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) outlines the need for improved access to broadband and steps being taken by the General Assembly in this episode of our State of the State podcast series.

Join State Senator Napoleon Harris III (D-Chicago) for a discussion on the importance of telehealth expansion in Illinois, in this edition of the Sound of the State podcast

Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) highlights the contributions of Timuel Black to politics in Chicago, the legacy of his impact on Black politicians, and the importance of uplifting Black History throughout the year.