Sound of the State

Access to gambling is on the rise and with it has come an increase in addictive gambling behaviors. State Senator Julie Morrison sat down with Dr. Aaron Weiner, a psychologist who specializes in addiction to discuss the importance of her bill which will increase resources for people struggling with a gambling disorder.

Illinois receives a boost to its financial outlook, and a measure to aid families in getting a diagnosis of a devastating childhood disease much sooner than is currently typical passes the Senate - get those stories and more, in this edition of The Majority Report.

Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus are working to reduce barriers for professionals in Illinois, as well as protect the health of Illinois residents, with legislation that moved through the Senate this week. Catch up on those stories and more in this edition of the Majority Report.

Senator Rachel Ventura joins the Sound of the State to recognize Earth Day 2024 and discuss her ongoing legislative efforts, including Senate Bill 2781 to create a grant for local governments to help mitigate the effects of climate change.

Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford's proposal to create a new state agency responsible for early childhood care and education has passed the Senate. Learn more, plus other news from the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus, in this edition of the Majority Report.

As lawmakers in several states work to make it harder for people seeking to start or grow their family with assisted reproductive technology, State Senators Cristina Castro, Natalie Toro and Michael Hastings joined the Sound of the State to discuss three bills they’re working on to protect and expand access to these services in Illinois.

Senator Adriane Johnson joins the Sound of the State to discuss her 30 Wonders of the 30th District project, highlighting public amenities, parks, monuments and beloved spots throughout the district.

On the first full day of Spring, get in the know regarding legislation from State Senators Steve Stadelman, Dave Koehler, and Sara Feigenholtz covering election worker safety, protecting the environment, and holding financial institutions accountable for deceptive practices.

State Senators Rachel Ventura and Mike Porfirio join the Sound of the State to discuss Ventura’s new CURE Act legislation that would help veterans and those afflicted with mental illnesses.

A busy week in Springfield featured legislation to ensure clean drinking water across Illinois, improve our food supply and empower local growth and production, make sure that our school children have access to food, and more. 

Senator Michael E. Hastings advocates for Illinois families looking to utilize IVF and Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford advances a measure to streamline early childhood education in the state. Those stories, plus other news from Springfield, in this edition of the News Brief.

State Senator Julie Morrison joins the Sound of the State to talk about her legislation to provide training for first responders and awareness to the public about the health information apps on many cell phones that could provide better response in emergencies.

Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus have introduced a package of legislation to improve water quality in Illinois. Learn more, plus get news from State Senators Julie Morrison, Bill Cunnigham, and Steve Stadelman, in this edition of the News Brief.

Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus have introduced legislation to combat food deserts and ensure all K-12 students have access to healthy food during the school day. Find out more about that package of bills, plus news from State Senators Cristina Castro and Robert Peters, in this edition of the News Brief. 

State Senator Laura Murphy's measure to ease burdens to access for Alzheimer's treatments recently passed out of committee. Learn more about that, plus news from State Senators Steve Stadelman, Laura Ellman, and Rachel Ventura, in this edition of the News Brief.

State Senator Michael E. Hastings looks to improve access to mental health care, State Senators Dave Koehler and Doris Turner advance legislation out of committee aiming to tackle food supply growth in Illinois, and State Senator Rachel Ventura introduces legislation to legalize psilocybin for mental health care purposes. Catch up on those stories, in this edition of the News Brief.

Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford comments on public university funding in Illinois, plus legislation continues to advance from committees this week - including bills from State Senators Laura Murphy, Mike Simmons, and Lakesia Collins. Get in the know, with this edition of the News Brief.