On this episode of Sound of the State, State Senator Cristina Castro and Nick Nagele with the Illinois Craft Distillers Association discuss how a measure she recently passed supports craft distillers, enhances cocktails-to-go and streamlines the small liquor licensing process.

Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus celebrate recent events in the Chicago area and Metro East that will create opportunities for growth in state's television and film production industry, education, and access to healthy food. Learn more in this edition of The Majority Report.

State Senator Elgie Sims, Jr. passed a measure during the recent Veto Session to assist those who have earned a second chance with the often complex process of sealing certain records that could be a burden to successful reintegration to their communities. Learn more about the Clean Slate Act, in this edition of the News Brief.

State Senator Ram Villivalam recently led a transformative measure through the Senate to ensure the world-class public transit system that Illinoisans deserve. Learn more about that legislation and what it means for the future of public transit in our state, in this edition of the News Brief.

From reducing access to health care and meals for public school students, to slashing options for student loan repayments, the federal administration’s budget makes devastating cuts across education – from preschool to college. State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, a former teacher, joins the Sound of the State to discuss the impact HR1 has on our students.

Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus led legislation during the recent veto session to protect vulnerable communities and help create pathways to opportunity for people who have earned a second chance. Learn more, in this edition of The Majority Report.

A popular option at Illinois restaurants could become permanent as part of a bill sponsored by State Senator Cristina Castro to support small businesses. Plus, State Senator Elgie Sims, Jr. reacts to another bond rating upgrade received by the state. Those stories, and more, are in this edition of The Majority Report.

State Senator Adriane Johnson joins the Sound of the State to recognize the International Day of Climate Action and to discuss ways Illinois is taking action to promote a cleaner future through legislation addressing clean air and water standards, and more.

In this episode of Sound of the State, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford discusses the impact of head start programs, how early childhood education has changed over the years, and more. 

Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford strongly believes education starts at birth. Listen to this episode of the Sound of the State podcast to learn why early childhood education is the foundation of our entire educational system.

State Senator Graciela Guzmán and State Representative Lilian Jiménez discuss the Safe Schools for All Act, a new law that will protect Illinois students from having immigration authorities called on them or family members while they are in the classroom.