Sound of the State

Illinois Senate Democrats continue lead on efforts toward equity, access, and fiscal responsibility. In this edition of the Majority Report, learn more about the recently-signed Dignity in Pay Act, as well an effort to strengthen the state's healthcare workforce, plus the latest positive news in the state's financial health.

In this episode of the Sound of the State, State Senator Cristina Castro reacts to the signing of legislation ending the subminimum wage for people with disabilities, the Ilinois Legislative Latino Caucus defends immigrant rights, and State Senator Willie Preston organizes against unfair housing practices.

In this edition of the News Brief, Senator Willie Preston reacts to FDA ban of red dye No.3. Plus, Senator Graciela Guzman applauds the continued protection of immigrants by the Chicago City Council, and Senator Doris Turner highlights the public vote for a new Illinois flag.

Senator Doris Turner joins the Sound of the State to talk about the work of the Illinois Flag Commission and the public's opportunity to vote on a potential new design for the Illinois state flag.

Measures sponsored by members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus closing a child exploitation loophole, improving Prisoner Review Board transparency, and easing seasonal job restrictions for teens are highlighted in this edition of the News Brief.

The 104th General Assembly was recently sworn in, with the Senate set to be led through the next two years by Senate President Don Harmon. Hear Senate President Harmon's remarks on the Senate's first day of business in the new General Assembly, in this edition of the Majority Report.

The beginning of the 104th General Assembly in Illinois brings a new member to the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus. Get to know Senator Graciela Guzmán of the 20th District, joined by Senator Omar Aquino, in this episode of the Sound of the State.

A range of measures passed in the Illinois Senate on Monday - from Karina’s Law protecting domestic violence survivors to measures on name changes, energy storage, and prison reform - are featured in this edition of the Sound of the State.

In this episode of Sound of the State, State Senators Cristina Castro, Celina Villanueva, and Lakesia Collins champion worker and senior protections, advancing bills to enhance labor rights, workplace transparency, and accountability in nursing homes.

The first week of 2025 has a number of new laws taking effect, including efforts led by State Senators Bill Cunningham, Lakesia Collins, and Karina Villa which empower Illinois families and consumers. Learn more about those laws in this edition of the News Brief.

With the start of a new year, there are a number of new laws taking effect in Illinois. This episode of the Sound of the State takes a look at ten of those laws, ranging from one that fights catalytic converter theft to one which lowers the out-of-pocket cost to Illinois families for life-saving EpiPens, and more.

The Senate Human Rights Committee, led by Senator Mike Simmons, heard testimony this week on "Housing is a Human Right." Learn more, plus news from Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford and Senator Doris Turner, in this edition of the News Brief.

State Senator Dave Koehler discusses his initiative to support small farmers producing specialty crops by establishing a new grant program, which has allowed local farmers to increase their product yield and made food grown in the state more accessible to Illinoisans.

Legislative efforts by State Senators Robert Peters, Mike Simmons, Cristina Castro, and Karina Villa to help Illinoisans receive unpaid wages, promote the educator and childcare provider workforce, strengthen our state's performing arts industry, and further language equity in interactions with state agencies are highlighted in this edition of The Majority Report.

State Senator Lakeisa Collins joins the Sound of the State to talk about her new law designed to improve birth outcomes through improved access to midwives, perinatal doulas, and lactation consultants.

Bills passed by State Senators Cristina Castro, Mattie Hunter, Lakeisa Collins, and Paul Faraci during veto session - including an effort to begin phasing out the federal subminimum wage for Illinoisans with disabilities - are highlighted in this edition of the Majority Report.

Measures led by State Senators Mattie Hunter, Mike Simmons, and Paul Faraci to address the foster care system, educator and child care provider workforce, and mental health care access for veterans and first responders are featured in this edition of the News Brief.

State Senator Paul Faraci has filed a bill to strengthen protections to the Mahomet Aquifer. Learn more about that story and others, in this edition of the News Brief.

For the month of October, the nation honors those affected by breast cancer and raises awareness to help promote early detection, treatment, and a cure. In this episode of the Sound of the State, State Senator Laura Ellman discusses the significance of this annual observance and shares her personal story about overcoming breast cancer.

The second Monday in October is recognized as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, which honors the sovereignty, resilience and contributions of Indigenous communities. State Senator Mark Walker joins the Sound of the State to highlight legislation he’s led to address past injustices, including the repatriation of Native remains and artifacts and an effort to transfer land back to the Prairie Band Potawatomi...

Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus recently celebrated groundbreaking ceremonies for new business opportunities for the state, a shoreline stabilization project along Lake Michigan, and more. Learn about those stories, and others, in this edition of the Majority Report.

 Illinois safeguards the fundamental right to choose — including the right to choose when and how to start a family. This episode with Senator Cristina Castro and Representative Margaret Croke dives into a new law expanding coverage for fertility treatments like IVF.

State Senator Rachel Ventura reacts to an Illinois Supreme Court decision regarding cannabis and traffic stops, plus news from State Senators Ram Villivalam and Elgie R. Sims, Jr., all in this edition of the News Brief.

This week's Majority Report spotlights moves toward a greener, fairer Illinois. From a $25.5M push to help underserved communities lead the way in renewable energy, to a brand new law requiring large event spaces to finally step up their recycling and composting game, Illinois is putting sustainability front and center. Plus, learn how the state is taking steps to protect workers by cutting wait t...

You can design a new state flag for Illinois! The submission period is now open, as the Illinois Flag Commission - including State Senator Doris Turner - seeks public input on a new flag. Learn more about that, plus back-to-school savings for families and educators and the closing of an insurance loophole that harmed patients with major jaw injuries, in this week's Majority Report.