Illinois Senate Democrats

01/07/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 02/07/2024 23:15

The Majority Report 07/01/24 - Investing in our state's future

New Department of Early Childhood coming to Illinois thanks to Lightford

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois is just a few months away from having a new state agency to streamline the administration of early childhood education care programs and services thanks to Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford.

"The foundation of a child's success and well-being is built starting the moment they are born," said Lightford (D-Maywood). "As a state, it is our duty to provide the necessary support and resources to build such stability. The creation of this unique agency will break ground on our transition to a whole, trauma-informed approach to meeting children's diverse needs."

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Stadelman economic growth bill signed into law

SPRINGFIELD - Thanks to State Senator Steve Stadelman, a new law is on the books that aims to stimulate economic development through incentives for cutting-edge technology and clean energy manufacturing, with a particular focus on job creation in the Rockford area.

"This is a major step forward for our state's economy," said Stadelman (D-Rockford). "By incentivizing high-tech and clean-energy industries, we are not only paving the way for innovative developments but also ensuring the creation of good-paying jobs for our residents."

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Senate Latino Caucus expresses support for President Biden's executive order on immigration

CHICAGO - Following President Joe Biden's announcement of an executive order to protect immigrant spouses and provide a pathway to work permits to many previously without them, members of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus expressed sincere appreciation for the opportunities these measures will open.

"Considering that this executive power can be challenged and even ended by a different administration, there is a lot more that needs to be done to provide permanent protections for undocumented communities that have contributed to this country for decades," said State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). "Today's action is a great first step, but we must build on this progress and enact comprehensive reforms that honor our nation's history as a beacon of hope and opportunity for all."

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MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Rachel Ventura, Joliet: Valley View receives $40K grant for arts, foreign language | Patch

Senator Lakesia Collins, Chicago: City Club of Chicago: Illinois' abortion reality - Serving as a national access point and model for patient-centered care | WGN

Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, Shorewood: IDOT will invest $6.4M in Romeoville 2025 road improvement projects | Patch

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