Sound of the State

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 Nation.

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.

State Senator Doris Turner has announced the beginning of a submission period for anyone interested in proposing a new design for the Illinois flag. Get more on that story and more, in this edition of the News Brief.

A new law to reduce the amount of plastic waste in Illinois is highlighted in this edition of the Majority Report, as well as one benefiting military members attending college classes.