Sound of the State

In this episode of the News Brief, State Senator Graciela Guzmán details her measure to increase food security for college students, plus State Senators Laura Fine and Mark Walker look to strengthen employee protections in the workplace and ensure consumer confidence and safety in the growing crypto space.

Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus spent the week in Springfield defending communities, empowering survivors, and showing support for cancer research efforts. Learn more, in this edition of the Majority Report.

Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus are taking steps to raise wages for workers, protect consumers who are looking to purchase a vehicle, further protect first responder mental health, and more. 

Legislation to address growing concerns around at-home sexual assault evidence kits, as well as strengthening human trafficking preventions efforts, are featured in this edition of the News Brief.

As the calendar flips to May, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus advanced measures supporting health care workers, first responders, and our environment, while also addressing juvenile sentencing reform. Learn more in this edition of the News Brief.

Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford's measure to take on the practice of "resident dumping" by nursing home and assisted living facilities has advanced. Learn more about that, and other stories, in this edition of the News Brief.

This edition of the Majority Report from the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus includes news on State Senator Mike Halpin's legislation to strengthen training to recognize and stop human trafficking, as well as news from State Senators Elgie Sims, Jr. and Linda Holmes.

This week's Majority Report includes news on legislation from State Senators Paul Faraci, Robert Peters, and Dave Koehler.

In this edition of the Majority Report, we're spotlighting powerful new steps to keep Illinois communities safer and healthier - including gun storage reforms, plus improvements to the 2-1-1 helpline that connects residents to critical services, school safety requirements for hazardous emergencies and a plan to bring free mental health screenings to Illinois students.

From smarter policies regarding the presence of cellphones in the classroom to combatting elder financial fraud, this episode of the News Brief features legislation from State Senators Cristina Castro, Karina Villa, Paul Faraci, and Steve Stadelman.

In this edition of the Majority Report, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Cacuus are rolling out plans to grow a more diverse mental health workforce, break down financial barriers to care, and give providers and patients more control over treatment. Learn more about those efforts, plus a push to give veterans more time off to access health care and a plan to make getting into college simp...

Two new laws signed recently backed by State Senators Lakesia Collins and Mark Walker will take steps toward equity, safety, and justice. State Senator Ram Villivalam's measure to provide kosher and halal meal options for students across Illinois is highlighted, as well as recent grants made in support of goals of the landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act.

In this episode of the News Brief, Senator Celina Villanueva advocates for increased wages for home care workers in Illinois, Senator Cristina Castro backs limitations on cellphone use in the classroom, and Senator Rachel Ventura looks to take steps to reform the juvenile justice system in the state.

This episode of the News Brief highlights three Illinois legislative measures aimed at saving lives and strengthening communities in Illinois. Learn more about these proposals from State Senators Doris Turner, Mike Simmons, and Christopher Belt when you listen now.

In this edition of the News Brief, State Senator Willie Preston calls for insurance coverage for speech therapy to treat stuttering, State Senator Julie Morrison advocates for food assistance for veterans, and State Senator Sara Feigenhotlz pushes for FMLA rights for short-term teachers.

In this Black History Month episode, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. sits down with the president of the Pullman Porter Museum,  Dr. David Peterson Jr., to discuss the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters – a pivotal moment in the labor and civil rights movements.

Governor JB Pritzker presented his FY2026 budget proposal this week. Hear reaction from members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus and more, in this edition of the News Brief.

The process of crafting the FY2026 budget is underway. Senate President Don Harmon and Majority Appropriations Leader Senator Elgie Sims, Jr. react to Governor Pritzker's introduced budget proposal.

In this episode, we dive into Karina’s Law—a groundbreaking measure to protect domestic violence survivors by closing loopholes in firearm removal. Senator Villanueva shares how this law honors Karina Gonzalez and others affected by similar tragedies, the challenges faced during the legislative process, and what’s next in the fight for survivor safety. Tune in to learn how this law will make a dif...

Families in Illinois looking to take in a relative in the foster care system will face lesser financial barries, thanks to the KIND Act, sponsored by State Senator Mattie Hunter. Learn more about the new law, plus measures addressing food safety, workplace rights for nursing mothers, and increased access to hypoallergenic formula, in this edition of the Majority Report.

In this edition of the News Brief, Senator Doris Turner introduces measures for reform after the death of Sonya Massey. Plus, the Senate recognizes Wear Red Day and Senator Michael Hastings calls for water contract transparency

In this edition of the News Brief, State Senator Mattie Hunter celebrates the signing of the KIND Act, prioritizing placement with and support for relative caregivers of children in the foster care system. Plus, Senators Willie Preston and Karina Villa advance measures addressing food safety and rising congenital syphilis cases, respectively.

In this Black History Month episode, State Senator Robert Peters discusses the history of African American labor movements in Illinois, his advocacy for labor rights and state efforts to support Black laborers and promote workforce equality. #AfricanAmericansAndLabor #BHM2025

In this edition of the News Brief, State Senators Laura Fine and Doris Turner introduce measures to support nursing parents and improve access to formula, Senator Ram Villivalam discusses progress toward a unified transit authority to address public transportation issues in northeastern Illinois, and Senator Rachel Ventura introduces a bill aiming to expand broadband services, closing the digital...

In this edition of the News Brief, State Senator Adriane Johnson introduces the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act, which seeks to align the state's retirement systems with its environmental goals. Meanwhile, State Senator Willie Preston proposes reforms aiming to prevent unnecessary delays in contractor payments, and State Senator Michael E. Hastings advocates for Illinois families against unjustified in...