Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus

Majority Report - 01-27-12

Written by Senate Democratic Caucus Staff Monday, 30 January 2012 10:20

MajorityReportHeader-75x75

A multi-part series that examines the history of Illinois' pension systems, how other states are dealing with their own pension woes and potential solutions that will guarantee a secure retirement for our public employees is featured in this week's Majority Report.

Also:

Senate Democrats looking for leadership from Governor in key speech
State Legislators to examine CPS closures and ‘turnarounds’when session begins
Online Dating Regulation Coming to Illinois?
Measure Expands Cell Phone Ban to All Highway Construction Sites

VIDEO: Senator Lightford Supports Increasing IL Minimum Wage

Written by Senate Democratic Caucus Staff Thursday, 02 February 2012 11:06

State Senator Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) continues her push to increase Illinois’ minimum wage with Senate Bill 1565. According to a recent Economic Policy Institute report, increasing Illinois’ minimum wage would help working families and give a much-needed boost to the State’s economy.

This week, faith leaders from communities statewide and members of the Raise Illinois coalition held a rally in the Capitol’s rotunda to show their support for the legislation during the first week of the 2012 spring legislative session in Springfield. Senator Lightford spoke at the rally about her continued support for the increase and about some of the challenges they face in seeking its passage.

Senator Steans Discusses Governor’s Address on Politics Tonight

Written by Steans Staff Friday, 03 February 2012 08:53

steans-75x75 State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) recently appeared on Politics Tonight to give her reaction to the Governor’s State of the State address. Senator Steans discussed her thoughts on the Governor’s job creation plans as well as on proposals for further pension reform measures for teachers and state employees.

Click here to view Senator Steans full interview with Politics Tonight.

Senator Jacqueline Collins Introduces Extension of Lottery Game to Fund Fight Against HIV/AIDS (VIDEO)

Written by Collins Staff Wednesday, 08 February 2012 06:53

SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins (D-16^th) has introduced legislation that will allow Illinoisans to continue to play the Quality of Life scratch-off lottery game after the end of 2012. The “Red Ribbon Cash” game has raised over $2.4 million for prevention education and treatment. If Senate Bill 2971 becomes law, it will continue to fund the fight against HIV/AIDS for five additional years.

“Four years after the legislature voted to fund organizations on the front lines of HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, the number of new infections has decreased nationwide, but this devastating disease is still ravaging vulnerable communities, particularly minority women,” Sen. Collins said. “The proceeds from the Quality of Life scratch-off game are helping non-profits save and prolong lives in the populations with the highest risk and we should allow these groups to continue their vital work.”

In Illinois, 53.4 percent of new AIDS diagnoses in 2009 were among African-American residents, although only 14.5 percent of Illinois’ total population is black. More than four times as many African-American women are living with HIV in Illinois as white women, and three out of four women in Illinois diagnosed with HIV in 2009 were black.

Tags:

Sandoval fights to make public universities more accessible and affordable

Written by Sandoval staff Friday, 10 February 2012 09:43

What war is the president of the University of Illinois fighting? He makes twice as much as the President of the United States and that is unacceptable
- Sen. Sandoval
“
”

Illinois State Senator Martin A. Sandoval is continuing his fight to make higher education tuition affordable and accessible to everyone in Illinois.

In a recent interview with ABC 7 in Chicago, Sandoval pondered, “What war is the president of the University of Illinois fighting? He makes twice as much as the President of the United States and that is unacceptable.”

The actions of the University act as case-study of unapologetic vanity. The administration has demonstrated a startling sense of grandiosity in the face of struggling Illinois students dealing with skyrocketing tuition rates.