Senate in Review 2016

SENATE IN REVIEW

A LOOK AT THE 2016 ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE ILLINOIS SENATE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS

JOHN J. CULLERTON, SENATE PRESIDENT Communications Department • www.IllinoisSenateDemocrats.com

Spring 2016 session overview | Illinois Senate Democrats | 99th General Assembly

Senators,

It’s been the department’s honor to serve and support you in this new era of divided government. In an ever more challenging political and media climate, together we helped put a face on the governor’s budget cuts, set new records in our social media engagement and continued to advance the leadership role of the members of the Senate Democratic Caucus. In order to produce this packet, we had to go to press before the session ended, so a few of your accomplishments and issues may have been missed. In the days ahead, we will produce a final, updated digital edition. And while May 31 signifies the end of the legislative session, it marks the start of our efforts to work with you in your districts through job fairs, town halls and a litany of other events, which we look forward to working with you to produce in the weeks and months ahead.

Brandy Renfro Communications Director Table of contents Legislative accomplishments...... 5 College tuition grants ...... 5 Advocates for at-risk populations...... 5-6 School funding reform ...... 6-7 Arbitration bill ...... 7

Spreading the news...... 11 Illinois Senate Democrats: 2015-16 Results...... 11-13 Continuing Latino media outreach ...... 14 Senate Black Caucus: Standing up for communities of color ...... 16-17 Senate Latino Caucus: Fighting for Latino communities ...... 18-19

Featured stories...... 23 Munoz helps service members get college credit for military courses ...... 23 Steans’ plan to decriminalize marijuana possession goes to governor ...... 24 Students, Sandoval want ugly “alien” label out of state law books ...... 25 Mulroe won’t quit stopping smoking ...... 26 Winners, losers predictable in governor’s ed funding plan...... 27 Senator Bertino-Tarrant: Strip Hastert of public pensions ...... 28 Bush pushes to repeal taxes on feminine hygiene products...... 29 Top 16 new Illinois laws for 2016 ...... 30-31 Illinois Senate welcomes President Obama back to Springfield ...... 32

Your accomplishments...... 35 Senate President John J. Cullerton ...... 35 Majority Leader James Clayborne ...... 36 President Pro Tempore Don Harmon ...... 37 Assistant Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford ...... 38 Assistant Majority Leader Terry Link ...... 39 Assistant Majority Leader Antonio Munoz ...... 40 Assistant Majority Leader John Sullivan ...... 41 Assistant Majority Leader Donne Trotter...... 42 Majority Caucus Chair Ira I. Silverstein...... 43 Majority Caucus Whip William Haine ...... 44 Majority Caucus Whip Mattie Hunter...... 45 Majority Caucus Whip Iris Y. Martinez ...... 46 Senator Scott Bennett ...... 47 Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant...... 48 Senator Daniel Biss ...... 49 Senator Melinda Bush ...... 50 Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins ...... 51 Senator Tom Cullerton ...... 52 Senator Bill Cunningham ...... 53 Senator William Delgado ...... 54 Senator Gary Forby ...... 55 Senator Napoleon Harris III ...... 56 Senator Michael E. Hastings...... 57 Senator Linda Holmes ...... 58 Senator Toi Hutchinson ...... 59 Senator Emil Jones III ...... 60 Senator David Koehler ...... 61 Senator Steven Landek ...... 62 Senator Andy Manar ...... 63 Senator Pat McGuire ...... 64 Senator Julie Morrison ...... 65 Senator John G. Mulroe ...... 66 Senator Laura M. Murphy...... 67 Senator Michael Noland ...... 68 Senator Kwame Raoul ...... 69 Senator Martin Sandoval ...... 70 Senator Steve Stadelman ...... 71 Senator Heather Steans ...... 72 Senator Patricia Van Pelt ...... 73

ISDC Communications Staff ...... 74

2 | Communications Department | www.IllinoisSenateDemocrats.com | May 2016 SENATE IN REVIEW

LEGISLATIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Spring 2016 session overview | Illinois Senate Democrats | 99th General Assembly Legislative accomplishments As Illinois’ governor held the state budget College tuition grants hostage in pursuit of measures designed to Senate Democrats spent the better part of the weaken the economy and the state’s middle and year trying to give Gov. Rauner the ability to keep lower classes, Illinois Senate Democrats united to the state’s promises to college students who were champion causes that are important to working assured they would receive state tuition assistance. families and individuals throughout the state. Gov. Rauner, however, repeatedly vetoed those Efforts to address school funding reform, efforts outright. collective bargaining rights, fair wages, higher In February, a group of lawmakers and college education funding, services for the poor and students, led by Senator Donne Trotter of Chicago, disadvantaged and expanded access to the ballot personally delivered to the governor’s office Senate box all marked Senate Democrats’ continued legislation to fund the Monetary Award Program – push for a progressive state government that is the state’s leading financial aid program for college accountable and responsive to the wishes of the students. Some 130,000 students would have citizens of Illinois. benefited from the legislation had the governor With state government on autopilot and inching signed it. closer to a shutdown under Gov. Bruce Rauner, It also would have relieved pressure on the Senate Democrats stood firm on their priorities, state’s public and private colleges and universities including protection of the middle class and vital that tried to help students stay in school by fronting state services, while also working to bring attention the MAP money in the absence of promised grant to the budget crisis and the reasons behind it. payments. “MAP grants are absolutely vital to thousands of students across Illinois. Eliminating these funds is short-sighted and will have a long-term impact both on students and our state economy,” said Des Plaines Senator Laura Murphy, who helped to deliver the legislation to the governor’s office. Senate Democrats also voted repeatedly to send funding directly for operations at Illinois colleges and universities, which are being starved and forced to look at program cuts and layoffs statewide because of the budget stalemate.

Advocates for at-risk populations Among those most severely affected by the governor’s hostage-taking approach to the budget were human service agencies that provide state Senators and students deliver Senate legislation services to Illinois’ poorest and most disadvantaged to the governor’s office that would fund the residents. Monetary Award Program.

Recognizing the need to prioritize services for School funding reform people who need a hand up, Senate Democrats Growing disparities in state funding for Illinois’ repeatedly voted to send funding to these agencies public school districts prompted Senate Democrats so they might continue their programs. Gov. Rauner to aggressively advocate for a fair method of repeatedly rejected these efforts. distributing state money to school districts. Thousands of agencies with state contracts were Illinois’ current formula, which has not been dealt a blow when the governor stopped paying updated since 1997, fails to account for such them in July 2015. Many either shuttered when important factors in the cost of educating students they ran out of money or dramatically reduced as concentrations of poverty and significant programs and laid off employees in an attempt to numbers of non-English-speaking students. continue operating on shoestring budgets in the The result is that schools in many communities absence of state payments. where the local economy is sputtering do not get Affected were services for impoverished women, as much state support as schools in communities children, senior citizens, rape victims, the homeless, with greater property wealth and robust local at-risk youth and the mentally ill. Also affected economies. were the employees who work for the agencies to Measures introduced by Senate Democrats provide services in every region of the state. sought to change that by sending more state money For example, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois in to struggling schools. January announced plans to close 30 programs and Senate President John Cullerton, during a speech eliminate 43 percent of its workforce because of the before the City Club of Chicago in January, called stalemate. The result was that 4,700 Illinoisans no unfair school funding the defining crisis of our time. longer would receive services from the 149-year-old “There’s an injustice we’ve tolerated too long, organization. one that crushes dreams, stifles growth and keeps Many lawmakers worried about the continued us, as a state, from moving forward,” Cullerton said. unraveling of the state’s human services network “It is Illinois’ system of funding public schools — a and whether it could be saved once providers close system that shackles poor communities to poor their doors, vital services are eliminated and skilled expectations while rewarding the affluent with even professionals find employment elsewhere – all because of Gov. Rauner’s single-minded pursuit of an anti-middle-class agenda for Illinois. “None of the other issues Gov. Rauner continues to bring forth – attacks on unions, workers compensation and lawsuit reform, term limits, etc. – are priorities today,” said Evanston Senator Daniel Biss, chairman of the Senate’s Human Services Committee. “Illinois needs a budget now. Without one, the state will continue to inflict harm on vulnerable residents in need of help and those who try to offer it.”

Senate President John Cullerton addresses the City Club of Chicago regarding fixes to the current unfair school funding formula. 6 | Communications Department | www.IllinoisSenateDemocrats.com | May 2016 Spring 2016 session overview | Illinois Senate Democrats | 99th General Assembly

Arbitration bill Senate Democrats undertook efforts to protect state services and government employees from the potentially detrimental effects of a strike or lockout in the event an impasse occurs in contract negotiations between Gov. Rauner and Illinois’ largest state employee union. Legislation sponsored by Senator Don Harmon of Oak Park would have allowed the use of binding interest arbitration when the state and employees can’t come to terms on union contract negotiations. “I am concerned about the inability of the state and AFSCME to come to terms on a contract greater resources. It can be tolerated no longer.” and what that could mean for state operations, Senator Andy Manar of Bunker Hill traveled the particularly in light of Gov. Rauner’s past comments state speaking to school superintendents, parents, that he is willing to shut down the government to students, taxpayers, educators and others about make a point with unions,” Harmon said. the need for a fair funding formula. His efforts and “A strike or lockout of thousands of workers those of other advocates resulted in a groundswell throughout Illinois is not good for businesses – of support for an overhaul of the state’s outdated from daycare centers and grocery stores to banks school funding formula. and utility companies – nor is it responsible to the Senator Kimberly Lightford of Chicago also taxpayers who expect the state services they pay for.” supported school funding reform and introduced a The state and employees represented by the plan that would establish funding model that relies American Federation of State, County and Municipal on evidence and accountability in determining Employees, or AFSCME, have been without a the actual cost of educating children in districts contract since it expired June 30, 2015. In addition throughout Illinois. to AFSCME, the governor’s office has not reached a deal with dozens of other state employee unions whose contracts have been under negotiation. Under the Senate Democrats’ proposal, interest arbitration would have been an optional tool to bring moderation to labor talks and offer both sides an incentive to stay at the table, rather than go to a strike or a lockout. It would not have forced any particular outcomes to negotiations, nor would it have cost the state any additional money. Gov. Rauner lobbied lawmakers to oppose the legislation, which he twice vetoed.

Senators Don Harmon, John Mulroe, Heather Steans, Bill Cunningham and Gary Forby at AFSCME Day rally, May 18th

8 | Communications Department | www.IllinoisSenateDemocrats.com | May 2016 SENATE IN REVIEW

SPREADING THE NEWS

Spring 2016 session overview | Illinois Senate Democrats | 99th General Assembly

VOICE, a constituent relationship management Top 10 issues for this session: database, provides our caucus with a uniform • Budget: 6,254 system to track important issues and communicate with the people back in district. The system offers • Energy: 5,199 a variety of tools to assess constituent requests, • Taxes: 4,370 opinions and manage casework for legislative • Education: 3,931 assistants and district office staff. • Healthcare: 1,797 As a result, staff in district and the Capitol can instantaneously identify important issues and • Pensions: 1,024 proactively communicate with constituents based • Labor: 925 on their concerns and interests, all the while • Gaming: 911 steadily growing targeted and general e-newsletter • Child Care Assistance Program-Support: 822 lists. Since last year, VOICE has logged more than • Consumer Issues: 708 365,864 emails, web forms, phone calls and letters. Currently, there are 38 legislative assistants and 28 Tele-Town Hall meetings district offices using VOICE. This year, senators participated in telephone town halls reaching a total of 385,000 people. The By the numbers… senators were given the ability to reach thousands of people with a single phone call, engaging them This year VOICE has... in a lively talk show format. The average number • Sent out e-newsletters and targeted e-blasts to of participants was 4,389. Senator Manar had the 3,448,631 constituents. most successful call this year with a total of 10,308 people. The budget impasse dominated most of the • Sent out 50,286 emails and 1,724 letters to calls. We look forward to continuing to offer this constituents. service next year.

Here is a snapshot of incoming constituent correspondence: Tele-Town Halls Number of Method Incoming Correspondence Total called 385,000 Email 337,480 Active participants 48,272 Web forms 23,565 Live questions 128 Letters 2,753 Phone calls 1,771 Faxes 295 Total 365,864

Followers: ILSenateDems 13,554 ILHouseGOP 11,600 ILSenateGOP 9,027 ILHouseDems 0

13,554

11,600 TOP 3 TWEETS OF 2016 Retweets Favorites Reach 02/16 A second chance for students: Senate 103 168 1,687,907 9,027 delivers #MAP plan to Gov. Rauner today

0 02/17 Students chant during governor’s 56 42 78,995 Budget Address #MAPMatters SEN HOUSE SEN HOUSE 04/16 @SenatorHolmes welcomes 45 71 50,050 DEM GOP GOP DEM @beaglefreedom for SB 2356 for homes for former research animals #puppies

TOP IL POLITICAL MEDIA ON TWITTER IllinoisPolicy 34,594 Capitolfax 16,650 YouTube ILSenDems 13,554 GregHinz 12,100 ChiTribCloutSt 9,625 AmandaVinicky 9,461 Trib_ed_board 9,422 Capitolbureau 8,774 SJRthedome 7,416 DHStatehouse 6,421

THIS YEAR: We increased use of photos, the most engaging content.

Facebook

33 members, caucus and ILikeIllinois are verified accounts 7,867 Followers: ILSenateDems 7,867 ILHouseGOP 4,950 4,950

ILSenateGOP 2,773 2,773 0 ILHouseDems 0 SEN HOUSE SEN HOUSE DEM GOP GOP DEM

IllinoisSenateDemocrats.com LinkedIn

77,908 ISDC total pageviews #1: New Laws 2016 409 followers 637,024 All sites total pageviews | _

Facebook 90%+ for all sites 13,216 Instagram 5,800 Twitter 532 SlideShare (New Laws) referrals to website from referrals to website

LinkedIn _ | 334

Soundcloud New in 2016

2,252 plays Most played tracks: Manar speaks about SB 321 -- 645 plays THIS YEAR: Bush speaks against “Tampon Tax” -- 278 plays We increased account Cullerton on Leaders’ Meeting -- 113 plays verifications on Twitter and Facebook

Organizing major press events, creating stories for television news networks, running opinion columns in newspapers and posting stories on the web and social media were major parts of the Latino/Spanish language multiplatform outreach. Senators Iris Y. Martinez, Michael Noland and William Delgado helped the Latino Treatment Center, a substance abuse non-profit, access state funding which allowed them to keep their doors open. The news was delivered at a press conference in Elgin, which all major Spanish language news outlets, the Chicago Tribune and the Daily Herald attended. The news stories produced by this coverage reached hundreds of thousands of people across the Chicagoland area. This was also the first off-campus press conference to be streamed live over the internet. Effectively relating our legislative agenda to our constituents is crucial to our outreach strategy. Based on this premise, we worked side by side with television news networks to produce feature stories on relevant legislation. Senator Andy Manar’s education financing reform plan, Senator Daniel Biss’s gay therapy conversion ban and President John J. Cullerton’s bill to allow Dreamers to practice law in Illinois showcased how we work to improve the lives of the people of Illinois. In the fast-paced world we live in, the ability to communicate our accomplishments in real time is vital. That is why the Latino-Spanish language outreach deployed a mobile unit to shoot professional videos and pictures to send to television newscasts. This content also boosted our office’s social media and web outreach. Latinos are the fastest growing demographic group in the United States. The Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus works with diligence to meet the communication needs of this constituency.

YOUR MEDIA COVERAGE WOULD HAVE COST $29.7M IF YOU WERE BUYING ADS.

ILBC includes Senators Kimberly A. Lightford (ILBC chairman/Assistant Majority Leader), Emil Jones III (Senate chairman), James F. Clayborne (Majority Leader), Donne Trotter (Assistant Majority Leader), Mattie Hunter (Majority Caucus Whip), Jacqueline Y. Collins, Napoleon Harris, Toi Hutchinson, Kwame Raoul and Patricia Van Pelt. Senate Black Caucus: Standing up for communities of color The senators of the Illinois care, were targeted for cuts in the to the governor’s desk. After the Legislative Black Caucus upheld governor’s proposal. governor vetoed the measure, their commitment to create equal Members rallied with concerned ILBC members applied pressure on opportunities for all minorities residents after the governor’s members of the General Assembly and vulnerable communities. They budget address and State of the to continue to pass budget plans worked together as a singular voice State address to protest cuts to that protected students until both to promote their mission of fighting the Child Care Assistance Program chambers passed a proposal to for social justice, and Low prevent nine public universities criminal justice Since the first presence of Income Heating from shutting down. reform, health an African-American in the and Energy Black Caucus members also and welfare, House of Representatives Assistance protected the well-being of education, in 1876, 157 African- Program and underserved communities. Senators employment and American legislators have reductions Trotter and Jacqueline Y. Collins entrepreneurship. been elected to serve in of state aid proactively led the charge against Amid an the House and Senate. to public lead contamination in Illinois after unprecedented universities. the crisis in Flint, Michigan, raised budget impasse, Black Caucus ILBC Senate Chairman Emil Jones national attention to the issue. The Chairman Kimberly A. Lightford III, along with Leader Donne Trotter, proposals would prevent the leasing commissioned a study to find held numerous statewide rallies to of apartments with known high the impact on communities of prevent Chicago State University levels of the hazardous metal and color. The study found that the and public colleges from closing ensure a higher water quality for services that helped minorities, their doors and laying off workers. communities. Minorities and low- such as after-school care, violence Trotter marched with students income residents disproportionately prevention programs, youth jobs, to deliver a proposal to fund live in buildings built before 1978, early childhood education, state- community colleges and Monetary putting them at higher risk of being funded scholarships and senior Award Program grant recipients exposed to the dangerous material.

Improving the state’s public The ILBC also led measures in when accused of murder and sex health and workplace policies is response to national discussions offenses. It also would require another top priority of the caucus. around the mistreatment of police to recite a simplified Miranda Nearly 45 percent of private- minorities. In Missouri, officials warning for youth. sector workers in Illinois do not attempted to restrict the First Job creation and minority receive paid sick days. Senator Toi Amendment rights of student enterprise remained at the Hutchinson addressed this need by athletes who spoke out against forefront of the ILBC’s legislative creating a plan to require employers racism on campus. Former NFL agenda. Former wards of the state to provide up to seven paid sick player Senator Napoleon Harris will soon have access to internships days per year to employees. and potential employment Hutchinson also worked to opportunities thanks to Senator improve quality of life for women Mattie Hunter’s Foster Youth with legislation to require Summer Internship Program. insurance companies to cover Senator Harris also fought to and provide up to 12 months of make sure small business owners contraceptives at one time for and subcontractors receive their women. pay on time. In partnership with The ILBC continued to stand other legislators, he traveled the up for the rights of women, state to create opportunities for communities of color and the small businesses, youth and to spur most vulnerable this year. Caucus economic development in minority members backed Hutchinson’s communities. plan to require employers to Leader James Clayborne created allow the family member of public policy that would promote or victim of domestic or sexual proactively created the Campus businesses owned by minorities, violence to take up to 12 weeks Demonstration Act to protect women and people with disabilities. of unpaid leave during a year to freedom of speech on campuses The ILBC supported major recover from that violence. in Illinois. The legislation would statewide reforms, including Leader Lightford also passed prohibit colleges from revoking drawing political district maps a plan to improve the state’s athletic and academic scholarships in a fairer manner, bringing public health policies. Under her as a result of protesting. automatic voter registration to legislation, the Department of Senator Kwame Raoul and Illinois, supporting K-12 education Public Health must add social and Patricia Van Pelt sponsored plans funding reform and increasing emotional screenings to its health to address juvenile justice reforms. youth participation in the legislative examinations to identify potential Senator Raoul worked on legislation process. For the second year, the mental health problems in school- that prevents youth with minor, caucus hosted its annual Civic age children. non-violent offenses from being Engagement Day by bringing nearly Senators Patricia Van Pelt and committed to a juvenile justice 600 high school students from Jacqueline Y. Collins supported a facility. across the state to the Capitol. plan to mitigate prison sentences Thanks to Senator Van Pelt, for sufferers of mental illness. More children in police custody for than 6,000 Illinoisans with serious certain crimes would have greater mental illness are incarcerated. The protection when being interrogated measure would assist in reducing by police. She passed Senate Bill that number by allowing courts 2370, with bipartisan support, to to consider the mental health require any child 15 or younger to of defendants in lessening an have an attorney present during imprisonment sentence. custodial interrogations by police

Senators Martin Sandoval, Iris Y. Martinez (Majority Caucus Whip), Antonio Munoz (Assistant Majority Leader) and William Delgado. Senate Latino Caucus: Fighting for Latino communities The members of the Illinois regardless of their legal status, specializes in outpatient Legislative Latino Caucus from losing health insurance. treatment for substance abuse, maintained their unrelenting The program receives an annual treatment for families, individual commitment to improving the $40 million federal match that and group counseling and quality of life for Latino residents reduces its already modest cost adolescent treatment. They and the people of Illinois as a to the state. center provides assistance to whole. Members were vocal Faced with financial struggles people in Cook, DuPage and Kane on issues dealing with higher due to an unprecedented budget counties. education, social justice, health, impasse, the Latino Treatment Latino legislators were focused education and criminal justice. Center’s Elgin facility reached on the wellbeing of Latino When thousands of children out to Senators William Delgado communities and they were also were at risk of losing health and Martinez to help obtain the attentive to concerns brought insurance, Senate Latino Caucus funds they needed to stay open. about by the young people. Chair Iris Y. Martinez stepped They worked with LTC executive Empowered by his Mexican in to make sure their coverage Director Adriana Trino and other heritage and an idea brought was extended. Covering All Kids legislators to urge Governor forward by students at Solorio provides health insurance to Rauner and his administration Academy High School, Senator children who can’t access other to release the dollars the facility Martin Sandoval commanded health care plans and whose desperately needed. legislation that replaces the word family income is between 209 LTC has bilingual staff and “alien” with “undocumented and 318 percent of the Federal evaluates and serves those in immigrant” in Illinois law. Poverty Level. the Hispanic community by Acknowledging that the term Extending the Covering All Kids conducting evaluations for “illegal alien” is a bigoted label Health Insurance Act prevented alcohol and drugs in either from a bygone era, Sandoval’s more than 40,000 children, Spanish or English. Its staff proposal would officially make

18 | Communications Department | www.IllinoisSenateDemocrats.com | May 2016 Spring 2016 session overview | Illinois Senate Democrats | 99th General Assembly the change in state laws. Sandoval would prevent the deportation the “Student Access Bill,” it would and the students’ efforts come of veterans who have not make undocumented students as Latino issues and communities committed a felony or significant meeting the conditions necessary are at a crossroads. Increasingly misdemeanor. Additionally, it to be deemed Illinois residents hateful speech in political urges the U.S. Department of for tuition purposes eligible to circles has targeted immigrant Homeland Security to allow access state-based financial communities and sought to veterans to be readmitted to the aid at Illinois’ four-year public blame them for economic woes United States if they have not universities. even as studies show they are a committed a serious crime. It is estimated that 1,500 vital contributor to our nation’s Senator Martinez also joined students from Illinois’ four-year economy. efforts in drawing attention to the public universities would receive Illinois lawmakers have, in mistreatment of these veterans new scholarship opportunities recent years, taken action to by sponsoring a resolution creating support for a group update the state’s laws to better encouraging the President of of students constantly striving reflect terminology and remove the United States and members for a higher education, but offensive labels. For instance, in of Congress to return veterans, offered few means to achieve 2011, lawmakers voted to remove who have been deported, to their one. Financial aid includes any the term “mental retardation” families and communities in the state aid or benefit funded or in law books and replace it with United States. administered by the state, state “intellectual disability.” That same Latino members believe in the agencies or public institutions and year, the term “crippled” was importance of keeping families universities, such as scholarships, eliminated in favor of “physically together and have historically grants, awards and room and disabled.” fought for measures that provide board. After fighting for our nation, services for undocumented The Latino community many veterans struggle to people like healthcare for continues to grow, and with the integrate back into society and children, drivers’ licenses, support of Latino legislators can develop substance abuse allowing undocumented lawyers Illinois is poised to provide a issues and legal problems. Some to practice and the list carries on. flourishing environment for those of these veterans, despite having This year, Senator Martinez communities. legal permanent residence prior worked on a measure that would to serving in the Armed Forces, give undocumented students a are deported to Mexico. fair shot to afford college. Dubbed Recognizing that anyone who puts his or her life on the line for our country deserves the benefits that come with serving in our military, Assistant Majority Leader Antonio “Tony” Munoz sponsored a resolution that calls for limiting the deportation of veterans who are immigrants and urges Congress to pass the “Restoring Respect for Immigrant Service in Uniform Act.” The congressional measure

20 | Communications Department | www.IllinoisSenateDemocrats.com | May 2016 SENATE IN REVIEW

FEATURED STORIES

Spring 2016 session overview | Illinois Senate Democrats | 99th General Assembly

Munoz helps service members get college credit for military courses SPRINGFIELD - Service college credit for military courses Joint Services Transcript, members looking to obtain taken through the Armed Forces. a synchronized transcript college credit for military courses “Providing our service presenting data for the United may soon have an easier process members accessibility to higher States Army, Marine Corp, Navy when transferring credits to a education is a priority to our and Coast Guard, to determine public university or community state and country,” said State areas where college credit is college in Illinois, under a Senate Senator Antonio “Tony” Munoz applicable and interpret the plan that was approved in (D-Chicago), an Army veteran. number of hours the institution committee today. “We want to continue this would credit. The proposal, which passed trend by offering students a Senate Bill 2960 will now be the Higher Education Committee clear understanding of how considered in the House. unanimously, requires the their military courses transfer state’s public universities and into our state’s universities and community colleges to develop community colleges.” a written policy for awarding Schools would use the

of impairment rather than their past usage. The new standard would mirror the current law regarding blood alcohol levels. Currently, possession of up to 2.5 grams of cannabis is a Class C misdemeanor, while possession of between 2.5 and 10 grams of the substance is considered a Class B misdemeanor. Almost 50,000 Illinoisans are arrested for cannabis possession each year. Under Steans’ proposal, possession of up to 10 grams would be a civil violation punishable by a fine of between State Senator Heather Steans cannabis possession at seven $100 and $200. The state’s local (D-Chicago 7th) secured Senate times the rate of white residents.” governments, more than 100 passage in April of legislation that “Making possession of small of which have already passed decriminalizes the possession amounts of marijuana a civil ordinances removing at least of 10 grams or less of cannabis, rather than a criminal offense will some criminal penalties for instead making it a civil violation free up law enforcement resources cannabis possession, would be statewide while still giving local and allow us to focus on offering able to assess additional fines and governments discretion to impose drug treatment alternatives rather conditions, such as a requirement additional fines or drug treatment than disproportionately arresting that the violator enter a drug requirements. That measure, and incarcerating people who treatment program, but could not which now reflects the governor’s already face disadvantages.” impose criminal penalties. Records stated concerns when he vetoed The legislation also realigns of cannabis-related civil violations a previous effort, passed in the standards used to determine would be automatically expunged House yesterday. whether a driver is under the each year. “The criminal prosecution of influence of cannabis. Because Senate Bill 2228 passed the marijuana possession has become THC, the compound in marijuana Senate by a vote of 40-14 in April a festering site of inequity in that produces its characteristic and the House by 64-50 and now Illinois, and we believe there’s a “high,” can remain in a person’s goes to the governor. better way,” Steans said. “Although bloodstream long after he or she substantially the same percentage is no longer impaired, there is a of African-American and white need to redefine the threshold in individuals use marijuana, order to ensure that drivers are black Illinoisans are arrested for being tested for their current level

CHICAGO – Calling the term “illegal alien” a bigoted label from a bygone era, local high school students and state Senator Martin Sandoval are pushing legislation to replace “alien” with “undocumented immigrant” in Illinois law books. “The word ‘alien’ is really offensive. It’s not just rude but it dehumanizes undocumented people, and that’s not right,” said Uriel Hernandez a ninth grader at Solorio Academy High School. “All workers, documented or undocumented, pay taxes and do their fair share, so there is no Sandoval. Outside Illinois law books, the such thing as an “Illegal” person,” Sandoval and the students’ term has been on its way out for added fellow ninth grader Delila efforts come as Latino issues quite some time. A 2013 Pew Lopez. and communities are at a Research Center survey showed Students at Solorio Academy crossroads. Increasingly hateful that media organizations have took up the issue and brought it to speech in political circles has largely stopped using the phrase. Sandoval’s attention. The academy targeted immigrant communities Illinois isn’t the only state is in Gage Park, which is home to and sought to blame them for taking up this issue. California one of the highest undocumented economic woes even as studies recently voted to remove “alien” immigrant populations in Illinois. show they are a vital contributor from its law books. And Illinois In turn, Sandoval sponsored to our nation’s economy. lawmakers have, in recent years, Senate Bill 3021, which would Meanwhile, the perception taken action to update the state’s officially make the change in all that undocumented immigrants laws to better reflect terminology state laws. The Senate could take “strengthen the country” has and remove offensive labels. up his proposal as early as this steadily been on the rise among For instance, in 2011, week. all adults since 2010, according lawmakers voted to remove the “These are words bigots use to a 2015 Pew Research Center term “mental retardation” in to label people. We need to survey. More than 70 percent of law books and replace it with move past these bygone eras of those surveyed said they think “intellectual disability.” That same racism and bigotry and recognize undocumented immigrants should year, the term “crippled” was the reality around us. Let’s stop be allowed to remain in the U.S., eliminated in favor of “physically labeling and start welcoming our as long as they meet certain disabled.” neighbors and co-workers,” said requirements.

Mulroe won’t quit stopping smoking SPRINGFIELD – The Senate the city of Chicago, have already making Illinois more of a “nanny took another vote on May 18 passed similar measures. There’s state.” on a measure that would raise no reason we shouldn’t take this “Smoking kills, and if we can the legal smoking age to 21. The stand for Illinois youth.” come together to stop kids from measure’s sponsor, John Mulroe The proposal was an initiative starting smoking, why would (D-Chicago), believes that the of the American Lung Association. we not take that opportunity?” timing is right to take up the Despite well-cited facts that Mulroe asked. “This is a serious issue. After not receiving enough cigarettes cause cancer and a issue that needs further debate, votes a week ago, the Tobacco 21 painful, eventual death, myriad but I won’t stop fighting to bill passed today. concerns were raised: among protect the health and safety of “It’s never the wrong time to them, the fact that someone can young people in this state.” do the right thing,” Mulroe said enlist in the military at 18, the on the floor, following derisive fact that there were not strong opposition.” California, Hawaii enough criminal penalties and and Massachusetts, along with that the legislation bordered on

Winners, losers predictable in governor’s ed funding plan

How would individual school each school district needs based on needed.” districts fare under Gov. Bruce the makeup of its student body. State Senators Donne Trotter Rauner’s funding plan for In addition, no school would lose and Mattie Hunter, both of Chicago, education? The Illinois State Board state funding in the first year, and said a Democratic-backed overhaul of Education released its projected budgeting provisions would help of Illinois’ outdated school funding numbers today. schools plan for four years. formula is a better approach. With ISBE’s detailed breakdown “This information gives us the “The numbers speak for published, every school district in opportunity to thoroughly debate themselves. Some of the most Illinois now has a sense of how they the merits of the governor’s plan. disenfranchised students across would do under the governor’s Each school district deserves to our state will lose because of our proposed education budget. know how it would fare under it,” state’s broken funding formula,” Rauner’s plan puts more money said Manar. “Unfortunately, what said Trotter, the Illinois Senate into the state’s current education I’m seeing is that the additional Appropriations II chairman. “This is funding formula, which was money flowing into the formula a thinly-veiled attempt to propose enacted in 1997, without a plan would continue to be funneled new cuts to poor families.” to update that formula. Despite away from schools with the The current funding structure, the increase in funding, many greatest need.” unchanged since 1997, makes schools that have been making “Putting more money into Illinois the second-most cuts in recent years due to limited education is a great idea, but our unbalanced school funding system state funding would be facing yet flawed funding formula means in the nation. another cut. that districts that lack resources “In some school districts, Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker and have been hit hard by cuts students have access to cutting- Hill) is the sponsor of Senate Bill -- districts like Taylorville, East St. edge technology and iPads. In other 231, a plan that would update the Louis, Harvey and Streator -- will districts, 30 students crowd around state’s antiquated school funding be hit once again. In these four a shared, outdated text book,” formula and replace it with a districts alone, there’s over $1.3 Hunter said. “The governor’s plan modern formula that sends state million in combined cuts. It’s not fails to address the need for an money to schools based on student fair to the students, teachers, overhaul of our current system.” need. Under the new formula, the parents or taxpayers. These state would calculate how much numbers show why change is

Senator Bertino-Tarrant: Strip Hastert of public pensions

PLAINFIELD— Illinois State for bank fraud stemming from roughly $28,000 annually. Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant efforts to cover up sex abuse Bertino-Tarrant said taxpayers (D-Shorewood) said Thursday dating back to his time as a have no duty to provide that former U.S. House Speaker teacher in Yorkville. Hastert later retirement benefits to someone Dennis J. Hastert is a disgrace went on to serve in the Illinois who betrayed them and to teachers and lawmakers and General Assembly before being victimized children. should be stripped of all taxpayer- elected to Congress and rising to “Knowing what we know now, funded pensions from past jobs. become the powerful U.S. House he would have been fired and “I don’t want taxpayers’ dollars Speaker. He had qualified for jailed decades ago and would providing a retirement to this pension benefits for his tenure have lost his teacher’s pension predator,” Bertino-Tarrant said. as a teacher, state lawmaker and and never had the chance to be a She sent a letter Thursday to the congressman. lawmaker, let alone get a pension. General Assembly Retirement Illinois’ Teachers’ Retirement We have a chance to set the System asking that it immediately System canceled Hastert’s record straight. We should do so take steps to suspend and revoke pension on Wednesday. However, immediately as part of the effort Hastert’s public pension benefits. the General Assembly system to restore the public’s trust,” On Wednesday, Hastert was has not. Media reports have put Bertino-Tarrant said. sentenced to 15 months in prison his state lawmaker pension at

Over their lifetimes, women earn less but pay more than men do for the same products – and they need to buy sanitary products men just don’t need to think about it. That’s why State Sen. Melinda Bush pushed to repeal the unfair luxury tax on tampons, menstrual cups and sanitary napkins that charges young women 6.25 percent on purchases, just as if these items were like shampoo or soap. “For 20 years, these items were classified as unavoidable necessities for women until the full tax was reinstated in 2009,” said Bush, D-Grayslake. “In a year that could very well end with the election of our first woman to the office of president of the United up state revenue – a move Bush on a female biological process is States, it’s time for Illinois to join called unfair and arbitrary. unfair and how similar proposals the nationwide conversation Bush was vocal in promoting are meeting with enthusiastic about the unfair ‘pink taxes’ the legislation and joining the support in other states like women face.” worldwide conversation on California, Ohio, New York, Utah The legislation would exempt addressing systemic economic and Virginia. tampons, pads and menstrual discrimination against women. In The legislation passed the cups from the statewide 6.25 April, she joined other speakers Illinois Senate with just one percent sales tax. A 1989 Illinois at the University of Chicago’s dissenting vote from State Sen. Supreme Court ruling already Institute of Policy’s “News & Kyle McCarter… whose wife called determined that the practice Views” speaking event to talk him soon afterward to convince of levying the standard sales about her efforts to repeal the him to change his vote. tax was unfair and determined sales tax on feminine hygiene that the tax should be reduced products like tampons. to one percent. In 2009, the At that event, Bush spoke administration decided to issue about the legislative process a rule change to return the tax involved in crafting the measure, to 6.25 percent in order to shore why an unavoidable “luxury” tax

Communications Department | www.IllinoisSenateDemocrats.com | May 2016 | 29 Spring 2016 session overview | Illinois Senate Democrats | 99th General Assembly Top 16 new Illinois laws for 2016 Every year, the General Assembly passes hundreds of new laws that affect the lives of Illinois citizens and present new opportunities for safety, security and government transparency. Many of the laws that went into effect in 2016 meant changes in how state government operates and interacts with citizens. Among them are laws to protect pets that were left out in extreme heat or cold, create a Silver Alert system to help locate missing senior citizens, and require all Illinois schools to have carbon monoxide detectors. Others ensure a smooth transfer process for community college students moving on to their next institution of higher education, require high school students to take civics courses and declare pumpkin the state pie. This snapshot reflects a larger list of new laws that changed Illinois in 2016 that you can find on our website.

Thank you for helping us share this important news.

Misdemeanor charges for leaving pets out in extreme heat or cold. Requires Illinois to establish (SB 125) a Silver Alert system to help Impoundment of animals if owner is arrested for cruelty. (SB 1735) communities locate missing adults with Alzheimer’s, Enhanced penalties for pet abuse in the presence of children. dementia or other (HB 3231) cognitive impairments. Require shelters to scan lost pets for (SB 1846) microchips within 24 hours. (HB 4029)

Illinois grows more pumpkins than any Illinois set standards for the use other state, so it’s only natural that of cameras, storage of data and pumpkin became the state’s official pie the release of video to media on Jan. 1. (HB 208) and the public. The law also largely prohibits police use of chokeholds and requires more training and accountability for law enforcement. (SB 1304)

A new law makes it a felony to sell powdered caffeine in People convicted of a second DUI will Illinois (SB 9) while another prohibits the purchase or sale be required to use a breath alcohol of powdered alcohol. ignition interlock device and have a (SB 67) restricted driving permit for at least five years. (HB 3533)

A new Illinois law will fine non-electric car owners $75 for parking at an electric car charging station. (HB 198)

Requires high school students to complete two years of social studies with at least one semester of civics. (HB 4025)

Children will be safer in A carbon monoxide leak at Illinois homes because a rural Illinois school in the of a new law that fall of 2014 sent more than allows pharmacists to 180 students and staff to put a locking device on the hospital. A new law dangerous and highly requires schools to have addictive prescription CO detectors. (HB 152) medications. (HB 3219)

Undocumented residents and children of immigrants will now be eligible to obtain law licenses in Illinois. Illinois is the third state to offer these The transition from community college to university should residents the chance to practice be a breeze for students thanks to a new law that enables and uphold the law without those who earn associates degrees to be classified as juniors worrying they are in when they transfer. (SB 806) violation of it. (SB 23)

Illinois banned the harmful and ineffective gay conversion therapy on minors by mental health professionals. The new law also prohibits referring to homosexuality as an illness when advertising so-called conversion therapy service. (HB 217)

Terminally ill patients will have the right to try experimental treatments once they’ve considered all other FDA-approved treatments. (HB 1335)

Children and intellectually disabled Traveling new mothers will have adults who are victims of sexual access to special rooms where they abuse will be able to have a service can nurse and pump in private in dog at their side for comfort and Illinois’ major airports. The new companionship while testifying in law requires Chicago’s O’Hare and court. (SB 1389) Midway airports, as well as all new and renovated airports, to have lactation rooms by 2017. (SB 344)

It was a day for old friends and a timely reminder on the value of civility and compromise when President Barack Obama came to the Capitol to speak to the General Assembly on February 10. He called for raising the tone of political culture at the state and national levels for much-needed give and take on policy and shared memories of his time here and his years as president. Here are some of our caucus members’ reactions to the historic day: Senate President John J. Cullerton: “Twice this man has message I first heard from a young Senate Assistant Majority Leader rallied the country to dare us to community organizer seeking a seat Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood): see a better future and invigorated in the Illinois Senate: that if we are “More than the words spoken, the American spirit. I have had to have a better country, we must sometimes a tone that strikes the honor of a front-row seat never stop believing in a better the right chord can deliver the to witness my friend’s personal country.” strongest message. Beyond the and professional growth from a Sen. Don Harmon (D-Oak Park): president’s message of principled colleague here in the Illinois Senate “President Obama delivered a compromise, which I believe we all to leader on the world stage. magnificent speech to the Illinois gravely needed to hear, his hopeful, I’ve watched a consistency of General Assembly and offered a yet defiant tone is what I take away character guide him in his challenge timely call for a better politics. It most from the speech today. to improve the lives of the people was simultaneously a reminder of “To move past the gridlock, he represented first in Chicago, the nobility of public service and a we have to defy the pervasive then this state and ultimately warning about the fragility of our narrative that we cannot work across our country. Along the way, democracy if we don’t work every together or that political interests he has challenged each and every day to protect it. are outweighing the interests of one of us to be the solution, to “I was thrilled that the president the people. Our leaders need to rise above rhetoric, refuse to be made voter participation a key come together with a fresh outlook so easily divided and recognize ingredient in his recipe for a better and a grounded understanding avenues for agreement even America. I think he put forth a plan of the consequences of their among those who disagree. for what could be a real turning motivations and actions. Then and As this chapter in his uniquely point for the American body politic. only then, will we move forward in American story begins to draw I look forward to being part of this a democracy for the people, by the to a close, I am left inspired by a important conversation.” people.”

32 | Communications Department | www.IllinoisSenateDemocrats.com | May 2016 SENATE IN REVIEW

YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Spring 2016 session overview | Illinois Senate Democrats | 99th General Assembly

John J. Cullerton Illinois Senate President | 6th Senate District

Calling in the nation and a funding formula might save taxpayers billions of Illinois’ worst- that is widely recognized as flawed. dollars over the coming years in-the-nation Public school funding is just and withstand a constitutional school funding the latest example of how the challenge. Recent Illinois Supreme formula the Senate President has used his Court rulings continue to reinforce “defining crisis tenure atop the Senate to try to his interpretation of the retirement of our time,” the force overdue policy changes. security provisions in the Illinois Illinois Senate In recent years, Illinois Senate Constitution as competing President Democrats led efforts to abolish proposals have all been ruled challenged lawmakers and leaders the state’s embarrassingly flawed unconstitutional. to join efforts this session in death penalty system, enact In addition, the Senate President overhauling the state’s system for marriage equality, require diversity continues to be an outspoken funding public education. in legislative redistricting and champion of the state, pointing “Our students, parents, teachers recognize the economic role and out the natural and economic and taxpayers are tired of the rights of immigrants. riches we have in the face of bickering, tired of the impasse,” Faced with slash-and-burn naysayers too often motivated Cullerton said during a call-to- budgeting tactics from Republicans, by politics and profit. Appearing action City Club speech in January the Senate President led efforts before civic groups, editorial boards that laid out his top priority for to remind everyone of the human and student classrooms, Senate the spring session’s agenda at the lives behind our finances and the President Cullerton calls for an end Capitol. “They’re looking for leaders human toll that unfair cuts have on to the cynicism and calls on the with the courage to step beyond the less fortunate. state’s leaders to work together to the status quo and do what’s right. The Senate President remains solve problems rather than waste Today I’m asking my colleagues to at the forefront of efforts to craft time and energy tearing their own take that step.” pension reform legislation that state down. And step they did. In a bipartisan vote praised by education advocates and editorial boards, the Illinois Senate approved dramatic changes to the classroom funding formula. The reform plan recognizes the challenges students and communities face and steers additional resources to help them overcome those hurdles. It’s a dramatic departure from the current system that tends to punish poor communities and students and those with additional educational needs. The result is the widest gap in educational resources

James Clayborne Majority Leader | Assignments chair | 57th Senate District

Economic procedure that allows the To give all students a true revitalization dissolution of one type of appreciation of the depth of is needed in government unit – a local water their cultural history, Clayborne the Metro authority – Clayborne focused on continued sponsoring trips East, and State legislation allowing 500 electors this spring for local high school Senator James residing within the area of a students, helping them visit a Clayborne water authority to petition the wide variety of colleges and remains circuit court to dissolve the water historic sites from the Civil dedicated to authority by referendum. Rights Movement. These trips improving the region’s economic Away from the Capitol, give students a broader college standing. One of the most Clayborne continued his search experience. Likewise, by important features of economic commitment to making sure visiting the iconic locations where and urban development is local students gain firsthand the Civil Rights Movement took encouraging locally owned small perspective of the locations and hold, students gain a greater businesses. events that led to the Civil Rights perspective and appreciation for Clayborne passed legislation Act. In an average public school the gravity of past generations’ helping ensure fair minority education, minority students sacrifices. employment by requiring many times will read of the Along with his college companies competing for life and times of the Founding tour, Clayborne continued his state contracts to report their Fathers without reading about mentoring program for young standards for minority hiring. He the Freedom Riders, or study the men. He worked to show also promoted the expansion of battles of the Second World War students in lower-income parts minority investment managers for without reading about its effect of the region the opportunities state retirement benefits. on integration within the U.S. that exist for academic and He was also aware of military. professional success. continuing calls from the Metro East and throughout the state for more opportunities to consolidate and streamline the excessive number of government units in Illinois. Clayborne knows that with nearly 7,000 units of government in Illinois – more even than higher population states like California and Texas – taxpayers are maintaining a lot of small units of government whose duties might be better accomplished after being consolidated. Recognizing there is no

Don Harmon President Pro Tempore | Executive chair | 39th Senate District

It’s not Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. thousands of good-paying jobs in every day that In April he joined former Arizona construction, sales and real estate. the president Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, In addition, Harmon called for of the United who survived a 2011 assassination more protection of Illinois’ recovering States offers attempt, to call for more oversight of bobcat population and sponsored an enthusiastic gun dealers. He put forth a proposal legislation that would prohibit public affirmation that would require background checks trapping of the animals and selling of a state of gun dealer employees and allow their pelts. senator’s work, authorities to audit gun inventories He continues to champion his but it happened to Senator Don – all in an effort to curb violent crime long-held support of fair taxes for Harmon this year. with illegally purchased guns. Illinoisans, fair labor negotiations During a historic speech before Harmon also continues to back and funding for higher education and the Illinois Legislature in February, efforts that would promote renewable human services. President Barack Obama – a former energy, clean jobs and protecting He sponsored a measure to Democratic Illinois state senator – wildlife and the environment. His make binding arbitration an option recognized Harmon for his efforts to clean jobs proposal would require in labor negotiations between the expand voting access in Illinois. Illinois to get 35 percent of its governor and unions representing “Thanks to the good work of my electricity from renewable sources, state employees. And he sponsored dear friend, Senator Don Harmon, and such as wind and solar power, within legislation to enable most Illinois many of you, there’s a new law going 15 years. It also seeks to reduce public schools to offer students into effect this year that will allow overall energy use in Illinois by 20 breakfast after the bell – or second- Illinoisans to register and vote at the percent by incentivizing purchases chance breakfast – in an effort to curb polls on Election Day,” Obama said. “It of energy-efficient appliances and hunger and encourage learning. expands early voting – something that weatherization of buildings. makes it a lot easier for working folks The initiative would create and busy parents to go vote.” Harmon was lead sponsor of legislation that expanded same-day voter registration in Illinois. It was one of his latest efforts to modernize the voting system in Illinois and make it easier for people to participate in elections. He also is a sponsor of legislation to bring automatic voter registration to Illinois. Harmon, president pro tempore of the Illinois Senate, continues to champion solutions to some of the most important issues facing Illinois and his district, which includes Oak Park, Addison, Rosemont and

Kimberly A. Lightford Assistant Majority Leader | 4th Senate District

Mental environment for dropouts given without that money determining health has long their limited skills, time out of the amount of a family’s been an issue school and need for remediation. temporary assistance grant. throughout Leader Lightford is committed As Chairman of the Illinois our state and to helping single parents Legislative Black Caucus (ILBC), country. Recent provide for their children. Right Senator Lightford continues to studies show now, there exists an economic make strides in improving the that 14 to 20 disincentive to pay child support. lives of African Americans and percent of all By requiring a non-custodial all people throughout our state. school-age children in the U.S. parent to pay such a large This year, the ILBC hosted its 2nd and 13 percent of preschoolers amount of child support, while Annual Civic Engagement Day. have an emotional or behavioral the receiving family only receives Students from across the state disorder. Unfortunately, the a marginal benefit, the receiving were brought to Springfield to stigma surrounding mental health family loses out on other learn more about the legislative has deterred a much needed assistance that they desperately process and how to take part in search for solutions. need. government for themselves. That stigma may soon be Families collecting child Senator Lightford is a vigorous buried thanks to legislation support may soon be able to rely fighter for education, families spearheaded by Assistant on more consistent and helpful and criminal justice. Her ability Majority Leader Kimberly A. payments. The measure would to negotiate solutions for those Lightford that adds social and allow families collecting child and many other issues facing our emotional screenings to school support for one child to receive state resonates through impactful health examinations. The the first $100 in a month and legislation. initiative is aimed at identifying families with two children to potential mental health problems receive the first $200 in a month in school-age children, removing the stigma of mental illness and reducing teen suicide. Understanding the needs of different students, Senator Lightford sponsored a proposal that allows 4-year Chicago universities to host a charter school devoted exclusively to re- enrolled high school dropouts. Children learn in different ways, especially when facing adverse situations. Therefore, it’s important to provide access to schools working to structure a more realistic educational

Terry Link Assistant Majority Leader | 30th Senate District

Three years He’s been an outspoken critic proven successful at reuniting ago, students of the governor’s cuts to higher Illinois residents with lost or at suburban education. After the governor forgotten financial resources. Link’s Stevenson High eliminated state support for the proposal gets unclaimed property School led a College of Lake County along with ranging from stocks and CDs to statewide push all other community colleges and safe deposit boxes and valuables to give 17 year public universities, Link supported to Frerichs’ office two years olds the ability plans to restore funding for the sooner. At the Treasurer’s Office, to register and schools along with the state it goes into the I-Cash program, vote in primary elections if they financial support promised to a massive, searchable database, would turn 18 in time for the fall needy students. making it far easier to get the general election. In Springfield, Link has also led resources back in the hands of the Those students turned to the fight for veterans’ families. people they belong to. Senator Terry Link for help making Many veterans are eligible for a their idea a state law. He delivered property tax exemption due to for them and the governor signed their service for our country. Link their proposal into law at their sponsored legislation to ensure school. the spouses of veterans aren’t hit Now, Senator Link and with property tax increases when Stevenson students have teamed their spouse dies. His proposal up again in an effort to continue extends the exemption to surviving encouraging young people to get spouses of eligible veterans. involved in the political process Link is also working with State and help shape their futures. Treasurer Michael Frerichs to This year they are building on enhance a state program that’s the success of the 2013 law and expanding the ability of 17 year olds to register people to vote and be able to sign and help circulate petitions for people trying to get on the ballot. The students have found a sympathetic ear with Senator Link, who recalls how his 18th birthday fell two days after a primary and he was unable to participate. Their voting effort is just one of several ways Senator Link has worked to represent the people and communities of Lake County at the Capitol this year.

Antonio Munoz Assistant Majority Leader | Executive Appointments chair | 1st Senate District

When deserve better treatment and Headquarters, a location that former U.S. those who haven’t committed poses security concerns for the Marine serious crimes should be brought police department due to its Jauwan Hall back to the United States for proximity to a school and public transferred to rehabilitation. library. the University Munoz also supported Leader Munoz’s legislation of Illinois at legislation what would require would give the superintendent Chicago, he health care professionals to of the department the ability to was stunned include a question regarding choose a new fixed location to to learn that military courses military service history on conduct registrations. he completed didn’t count intake forms to tailor treatment Munoz is dedicated to toward his degree. There was no options to provide funds for improving the lives of the mechanism in place to designate the construction of a Chicago people in his communities and which military courses were Veteran’s Home and to expand throughout the state. His unique equivalent to courses at UIC. tax breaks for veterans. experiences give him the tools University officials were unable In addition to his ongoing to tackle issues from a personal to find a way to implement a advocacy for veterans, Munoz perspective and understanding. university-wide policy. Hall was also worked with the Chicago forced to repeat coursework. Police Department to move its Senator Antonio “Tony” criminal offender registration site. Munoz, an army veteran, doesn’t Currently, state law requires believe veterans should be any person ordered to register shortchanged on the education as an arsonist, sex offender or they received while serving their violent offender against youth country. That’s why he sponsored to do so at the Public Safety and advanced legislation to make sure students get credit for military courses at Illinois schools. It was one of several initiatives helping veterans that Munoz worked on this past session at the Capitol. Understanding that veterans’ issues stem further than just our state, Senator Munoz sponsored a resolution supporting federal legislation that would stop the deportation of people who served in the Armed Forces. Munoz believes people who put their lives on the line for our country

John Sullivan Assistant Majority Leader | 47th Senate District

Throughout Sullivan has been a passionate Over the years, Sullivan has the last 14 voice leading the charge for made sure he and his office years, State funding for need-based student staff have been available to the Senator John financial aid and higher education residents of the 47th district, the Sullivan has in Illinois. largest Senate district in Illinois. represented Sullivan pushed a plan Each year, Sullivan has hosted the agriculture to encourage businesses to town hall meetings and open community as hire unemployed veterans. office hours in every community the only farmer Employers now receive a 20 in the district. There is no in the state Senate. His firsthand percent tax credit when they problem too small or too big for knowledge of farming made him hire an unemployed veteran his offices to tackle. a strong voice for Illinois farmers who has served on active duty as the Chairman for the Senate’s since September 11, 2001. Agriculture Committee. This bipartisan measure is During his tenure in the Illinois just one example of Sullivan’s Senate, he has been an advocate work for Illinois veterans. He for Second Amendment rights believes when Illinois businesses for Illinois residents. Taking hire veterans, everybody his common-sense legislation wins because the business approach, Sullivan passed community gains proven leaders, legislation to update FOID and neighborhoods and communities concealed carry acts. The new law prosper as jobs are created and, stemmed from Brent Nicholson, most importantly, our returning a Quincy native from Sullivan’s veterans transition successfully to district. Due to Nicholson’s mild civilian life. intellectual disability, he was unable to apply for a concealed carry license. Since learning of Nicholson’s difficulty, Sullivan has worked hard to champion this legislation and protect the Second Amendment rights of people like him. Sullivan has been a strong supporter of Western Illinois University in Macomb since his work as the lead negotiator of the 2009 capital bill that appropriated $60 million to build the WIU’s Performing Arts Center. Throughout the budget impasse,

Donne Trotter Assistant Majority Leader | Appropriations II chair | 17th Senate District

With “We should keep our economic by addressing national discourse thousands of engine strong by restoring the on race relations. Trotter drafted Illinois college people’s trust in our education Senate Resolution 6590 to students lost system and our state,” Trotter designate June 17 as a day of in limbo and said. peace, remembrance and unity communities Leader Trotter also worked to pay respects to the families fearing for to restore residents’ trust in and victims of the Emanuel the future of their public safety and health by AME Church massacre in South their public passing legislation addressing the Carolina. universities, Senator Donne concerns of lead poisoning. Trotter remains one of Trotter stepped forward this An alarming number of old the leading voices on the past session to offer solutions apartments across the state are state’s budgeting process. As and stability in the midst of the filled with lead-based paint and Appropriations II chairman, he lingering budget impasse. building materials. Buildings built leads the state discourse on The veteran Senate budget before 1978 have an exponentially protecting funding for critical negotiator once again emerged higher chance of containing these services while finding means to as a go-to voice of reason, harmful materials. keep the state running. helping lead approval of several Trotter proposed legislation, proposals that reaffirmed Senate Senate Bill 2300, to prevent the Democrats’ commitment to the leasing of properties with known people of Illinois. high levels of lead. The practice is Trotter hand-delivered to the legal under current law. governor’s office legislation to In addition, the son of civil protect the Monetary Award rights activists worked to restore Program, the state’s most popular peoples’ trust in their community financial aid program for college students. He was flanked by dozens of college students who came to the Capitol to protest the governor’s cuts to the program. Trotter similarly spoke out against higher education budget cuts that threatened to close the doors at his own alma mater, Chicago State University. With the school just days away from shutting down, Trotter led the Illinois Senate in passing a veto- proof rescue plan that temporarily stabilized higher education and scholarship funding.

Ira I. Silverstein Majority Caucus chair | 8th Senate District

Vulnerable include suspension, expulsion and thousands of accidents Illinoisans or removal of the sex offender happen each year as a result. deserve a after complaint resolution The legislation met with strong champion to procedures. The Act puts in opposition from the Illinois protect their place numerous policies and Trucking Association, Midwest rights and procedures to protect survivors, Truckers, National Waste and safety. Senator adjudicate allegations and start Recycling Association and Illinois Ira Silverstein conversations on campus about Coal Association. was that sexual violence. A survivor of such an accident champion this year for homeless “Ice missiles” sound like in 2010 testified before the young people, college students weapons in a James Bond film, Transportation Committee. He and Illinois motorists. but they are real, deadly and lost vision in his left eye after Whether on their own or the target of legislation Sen. three surgeries to rebuild his with their families, homeless Silverstein proposed this year to face. In spite of the statistics teens often lack the resources prevent them and penalize those on the dangers ice missiles needed to regularly attend school who cause them. present to motorists, the Senate and earn their diplomas. They An ice missile is a large chunk Transportation Committee did also face a financial barrier if of ice or snow that flies off a large not approve the proposal. Other they wish to take high school truck on the highway. Senate Bill states’ lawmakers have addressed equivalency exams in lieu of 634 would have required a person this dangerous situation and those diplomas, because of the operating a vehicle weighing required motor carriers to associated fees. more than 8,000 pounds to prevent it whenever possible. Senator Silverstein passed a remove ice and snow that poses bill to remove that barrier and a safety threat to other vehicles eliminate fees for homeless and drivers. Nearly 100 deaths young people to take GED exams. Waiving fees from $120 to $150 gives them a boost to further their education and qualify for better paying jobs. They can escape homelessness and contribute to a better economy for our state now. Higher education institutions gained more options to protect students from sexual violence on campus with Sen. Silverstein’s Senate Bill 2839. It amends the Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act to specify an institution may

William Haine Majority Caucus Whip | Insurance chair | 56th Senate District

When and the nation. Haine supports efforts to Senator Bill He also voted to fund the state’s maintain and expand infrastructure Haine learned Monetary Award Program, which in Illinois. Improving highways and that citizens in offers tuition assistance to students bridges is an important economic his district were who otherwise would not be able driver that puts people to work being charged to afford college. and makes all areas of the state exceedingly Haine is a champion for senior easier to access. He shepherded a high impound citizens and programs that help constitutional amendment through fees for towed them. He voted to fund human the Senate that would prohibit vehicles – sometimes as much as service agencies, including Senior governors from raiding the state’s $500 – he was compelled to step in. Services Plus in Alton, as they road fund for purposes other than Recognizing that unforeseeable struggled to continue providing transportation projects by putting situations sometimes lead to services when resources dwindled the money in a “lock box.” vehicles being towed, Haine filed because of state budget stalemate. Serving a district that borders legislation to curb predatory Senior Services Plus assists more the Mississippi River, Haine has impound practices and establish than 30,000 senior citizens in pushed for increased recovery consumer protections for people southern Illinois and the Metro aid for communities affected who fall victim to excessive towing East. Initiatives like its Meals- by flooding and other natural fees in the Metro East. on-Wheels program faced cuts disasters. He understands the Haine is a strong voice in because of the stalemate. severe effects flooding can have Springfield on behalf of the His senior fair in April enabled on communities – from damage communities he represents in the constituents to learn about scams to homes and businesses to taxing 56th Senate District, which includes targeting senior citizens, discover the limited resources of local first all or part of Madison, Jersey and savings in their utility bills, find responders. St. Clair counties and the cities of resources for veterans and more. Alton, Edwardsville, Collinsville, Granite City and Wood River. He tirelessly has worked to protect programs and services for senior citizens, students, colleges and universities and middle-class families. As Southern Illinois University and its Edwardsville campus grappled with an uncertain future because of the state budget stalemate, Haine voted to provide state money to SIU – a key employer in his district – so that it could continue to thrive and attract students from all over the Midwest

Mattie Hunter Majority Caucus Whip | Energy & Public Utilities chair | 3rd Senate District

Ronnesha Hunter also fought to keep raise awareness. Whitfield the state’s public universities and She stood alongside religious was just a community colleges open and and community leaders, few weeks maintain resources for student concerned residents and youth away from financial aid. She helped pass a in calling for improved relations graduating financial rescue plan that kept between the Chicago Police from public universities standing. Department and the public. At the Ombudsman The Senator continued her Capitol, she spearheaded policies High School advocacy on behalf of children to address the mounting distrust late last year when she decided raised under the state’s care. in law enforcement by urging to attend a college fair hosted She won approval of the Foster police departments to create by Illinois State Senator Mattie Youth Summer Internship crisis intervention training. She Hunter. Program (Senate Bill 1255), which also supported sweeping criminal Whitfield’s academic career will create a pipeline to career justice reforms backed by the had a few detours along the way. opportunities for former wards of Illinois Legislative Black Caucus. Although she was back on track, the state. Leader Hunter also protected she was concerned that her test Leader Hunter continued to be rights and safety for Muslims in scores might limit her options. an outspoken advocate for youth Illinois by bringing awareness to Instead, she learned about programs across the city as an anti-religious hate crimes plaguing possible scholarships to help her alternative to tragic violence. She the state. She joined community continue her journey toward an spoke to youth at After School leaders to mark April 19 as Illinois information technology degree. Matters, an after school program, Muslim Action Day, a day to urge “I didn’t expect for it to be and participated in a balloon peace and equality. this awesome and amazing to get release with other families information from the colleges,” victimized by violence in order to said Whitfield. It was just one of the many ways Senator Hunter is working to help the lives of people in the 3rd Senate District and across Illinois. In addition to the college fair, Hunter hosts career fairs in an effort to combat the soaring unemployment plaguing Chicago’s minority youth. A staggering 90 percent of African-American and 79 percent of Hispanic youth find themselves unemployed. Her events provide students and young adults with easy access to military and job recruiters.

Iris Y. Martinez Majority Caucus Whip | Licensed Activities & Pensions chair | 20th Senate District

When new scholarship opportunities. administration wanted to Majority Knowing that the majority of eliminate health care benefits Caucus Whip Latinos have type O blood, which for home child care workers, Iris Y. Martinez is in high demand because it can Martinez passed legislation learned that be transfused to patients with preventing the administration part of the All other blood types, the senator from stripping the employees of Kids health continued working with the their insurance. The measure also insurance Illinois Coalition of Blood Centers updated child care requirements program for to encourage more Latinos to for child care providers to ensure more than 40,000 low-income become blood donors. Illinois is compliant with new children was about to expire, she Martinez, the first Latina ever federal guidelines. responded by passing legislation elected to the Illinois Senate, Senator Martinez was among to keep it in place. also passed legislation improving the leaders to speak out about To Martinez, providing health the State Seal of Biliteracy, the growing unrest between insurance to children in Illinois is a recognition given to high minority communities and the not only the morally right thing school students demonstrating Chicago Police Department. She to do, but it’s also good public proficiency in English and at least called for a change in the culture policy. The last thing she wanted one other language. She got of the department in response is for children to lose their health legislative approval for a measure to a report from the Taskforce insurance, which could lead that will help students meet on Police Accountability that to them developing long-term foreign language requirements at brought to light new concerns. health problems and ultimately universities if the students obtain Martinez said the department costing the state more. the state biliteracy seal. needs to build trust with minority Protecting health insurance for After concerns were brought communities. the most vulnerable is just one forward that the Rauner example of the senator’s passion for helping others. Martinez also advanced legislation out of the Senate that gives undocumented students a fair shot at affording college. Known as the Student Access Bill, Martinez’s plan would level the playing field for undocumented students by allowing them to compete for state-based financial aid at Illinois’ four-year public universities. If this proposal becomes law, it is estimated that 1,500 students would receive

Scott Bennett 52nd Senate District

Almost suffered significant state cuts over procedures, training and practices. a year into the past decade. The measure also enhances a budget And when he wasn’t fighting procedures for the transmission of stalemate, as to protect higher education, evidence from hospital emergency social service Bennett utilized his background as personnel to law enforcement. providers and a prosecutor to advance needed The attorney general and state schools protections, specifically for women Bennett continue to work to go without and children. eliminate existing deadlines on crucial funding, Using his experience in the prosecuting alleged child sex Senator Scott Bennett is sharing in Champaign County State’s offenders. the sacrifice, refusing to accept a Attorney Office, Bennett worked Bennett is also working to paycheck until the impasse ends. with the Attorney General Lisa resolve lingering bureaucratic For Bennett, going without Madigan and various stakeholders problems for those still putting pay is a reminder of the essential to pass legislation to encourage their lives back together from services, programs and institutions more sexual assault survivors to the 2013 Gifford tornado. Several in the 52nd Senate District that come forward and increase the homeowners whose homes rely on the state. Higher education successful prosecution of sexual were destroyed rebuilt, but if the is a driving economic engine in assault crimes in Illinois. new home was larger than the the region that includes the state’s Bennett’s initiative will improve one destroyed, the homeowner flagship school, the University of the response of law enforcement, was denied a Nature Disaster Illinois, along with Parkland and including 911 operators, first Homestead Exemption. He won Danville Area community colleges. responders and investigators, to Senate approval of legislation to After Gov. Bruce Rauner sexual assault survivors through restore homeowners’ eligibility for eliminated funding for those evidence-based, trauma-informed the tax break after such natural schools last year, Bennett fought and victim-centered policies, disasters. to find funding and worked to reassure students and employees. Recognizing the perilous effects the collapse of colleges and universities would have, he supported four different versions of higher education funding to try to restore stability to the local economy. When a deal was struck to initially provide 30 percent of the higher education budget, and then later, 60 percent, Bennett wasn’t satisfied and introduced legislation to secure the remaining funds for the area institutions, which have

Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant 49th Senate District

State correct a loophole in the federal Bertino-Tarrant also developed Senator Family and Medical Leave Act. a creative way to turn around Jennifer A parent whose child has a drug money seized by police and Bertino-Tarrant serious medical condition can have it help solve the problem. is dedicated receive time off from work under The proposal she guided to Senate to delivering that law. However, that same approval would allow money results for the parent would not be allowed to taken from drug-related crimes to taxpayers. take time off for the death of a be used to fund substance abuse After former child. treatment initiatives. U.S. Speaker Dennis Hastert Recognizing that the federal Knowing the realities of the received a prison sentence for law doesn’t make sense, Bertino- increasingly competitive work bank fraud stemming from efforts Tarrant won Senate approval of environment, Bertino-Tarrant to cover up sex abuse when he landmark legislation that would sponsored legislation designed to was a teacher, Bertino-Tarrant was guarantee time off for employees continue and improve programs the first to demand the disgraced who suffer the loss of a child. Her that encourage businesses to lawmaker be stripped of all of his proposal would expand coverage assist workers in obtaining college taxpayer-funded pensions. by ensuring that a worker whose degrees. The Teachers’ Retirement child dies can be provided with Her proposal extends a higher System was first to respond, two weeks of unpaid bereavement education tax credit for five immediately canceling Hastert’s leave without risk of losing the years and doubles to $1,000 the pension. Bertino-Tarrant is job. maximum tax credit provided focused on getting the Illinois If the senator’s plan becomes to employers that match an General Assembly Retirement law, Illinois would become a employee’s contribution to tuition System to do the same. In addition leader by joining Oregon as the savings accounts. to calling on system officials to only states to offer this to workers. take action, she’s requested the Illinois Attorney General step in to end Hastert’s $28,000 annual pension check. To Bertino-Tarrant, this issue was straightforward. The taxpayers had no duty to provide retirement benefits to a disgraced lawmaker and predator who betrayed them and victimized children. This is just one example of the senator’s willingness to speak out and take action to find commonsense solutions. Bertino-Tarrant succeeded in passing legislation that would

Daniel Biss Human Services chair | 9th Senate District

When a – for surveillance, because of the consequences on human service newspaper threat to people’s privacy and providers, higher education and investigation personal information. the economy. Autopilot, he said, showed Illinois The simulators act as cell phone is no way for Illinois to run state was suing towers and trick phones in a government. inmates and particular area into thinking they A panel discussion on the parolees for the are connecting to a phone tower budget stalemate that Biss hosted cost of their operated by a service provider. in his district in April drew more incarceration, Police can use the stingrays to than 200 residents. The discussion Senator Daniel Biss recognized the determine someone’s location, the featured three speakers who pitfalls of the practice and saw it as serial numbers of phones in the offered perspectives on how the an opportunity for change. area and more. budget stalemate affected various Calling it a question of morality But as police collect data on state services. and a recipe for recidivism, Biss targeted individuals, they also can In addition, Biss was invited to introduced legislation that would collect data on dozens or hundreds appear on a variety of TV and radio prohibit the Illinois Department of of innocent people. Biss’s proposal news programs to discuss possible Corrections from suing inmates to would offer police better guidance solutions to the stalemate. He also recoup the cost of their room and on using the stingrays to solve was featured in a Detroit Public TV board while in prison – a lawful crimes without violating people’s documentary about the retirement practice that rarely had occurred right to privacy. savings crisis in the United States since 1982 but recently had In addition, Biss, chairman – an issue he has long championed become more common in Illinois. of the Senate’s Human Services – and on a Univision Chicago news Biss reasoned that suing Committee, established himself report on gay conversion therapy inmates and parolees for the as a thoughtful, rational voice on for young people – also a matter of modest resources they may have the state budget stalemate and its great concern to him. come into while serving their time all but guarantees them a life of poverty, crime or government assistance in order to survive. It does nothing to further the principle of second chances. The legislation was another example of the Evanston senator’s tireless efforts to advance issues of fairness and equality in Illinois, as well as legislation to protect people’s privacy. For example, Biss advanced a plan this spring to regulate police use of cell tower simulators – commonly known as “stingrays”

Melinda Bush 31st Senate District

Women still Illinois could be consolidated. The monarch butterfly specialty make just $0.79 Township boards could combine plate would raise revenue for on the dollar or dissolve and hand off duties to an innovative new approach compared to surrounding townships. to preserving this species: A men, and many In contrast to other plans program that seeds milkweed of the products that advocate a one-size-fits-all plants along the unused median designed for approach and allow outsiders strips of Illinois highways. The them are to initiate the process, Bush’s plants provide our state insect – pricier. To fight plan would ensure that control whose population has plunged for reforms to policies that affect over how that process plays out 90 percent in the past 20 years the finances of young women, remains with local people and – with food, natural cover and a Senator Melinda Bush pushed would be affirmed by local voters. place to lay eggs. for legislation that would revoke With nearly 7,000 government Having led efforts to increase the tax on tampons and other bodies in Illinois – far more than the availability of lifesaving drug feminine sanitary items this year. even more populous states like overdose antidotes, Senator Bush So-called “pink taxes” fall Texas or California – Bush argues continues her push to reform on women, and in the case of that it’s time to seriously consider drug policy this year. For instance, the 6.25 percent sales tax on real consolidation efforts. she sponsored legislation that tampons, menstrual cups and Bush also continued her efforts would ensure a drug court can’t sanitary napkins, on young to be a strong advocate for the deprive defendants of addiction women in particular. Bush’s environment in 2016. medication prescribed by a legislation makes such items tax- She sponsored legislation that licensed physician. exempt, in keeping with several would create the first new license other states across the country plate designation under the new that have joined in the important universal specialty plate system. conversation regarding the bigger debate of how our tax structure unfairly burdens women. Bush’s approach to common sense governance has been a major part of her career in public service since as early as her efforts to reform the Lake County and Forest Preserve boards during her time on the Lake County Board. Continuing that effort in Springfield this year, she introduced legislation that would create a mechanism by which township government in

Jacqueline Y. Collins Financial Institutions chair | 16th Senate District

While co-sponsored numerous criminal to stop attending class due to remaining justice reform proposals and unfunded MAP grants, to senior one of the introduced legislation making it citizens choosing between eating Senate’s most easier for members of the public and keeping the heat on. And she stalwart critics to file complaints against police. has advocated for legislation that of the Rauner Measures she has sponsored improves quality of life for Illinois administration’s would remove barriers to parolee residents in the meantime. Her hostage- participation in community service measure making human trafficking taking budget and mentoring programs, give and torture victims eligible for strategy and one of its staunchest park districts discretion to hire ex- government assistance passed advocates for the most offenders, cap exorbitant prisoner the Senate in April, and legislation vulnerable, Senator Jacqueline phone call costs and allow a renewing the “Red Ribbon Cash” Y. Collins continued advancing person wrongfully arrested or lottery ticket, which benefits legislation that combats racial and convicted to have his or her record organizations that provide HIV/ socioeconomic inequality. expunged – even if the individual AIDS treatment and education, is Collins, who has chaired the has been convicted of a different giving hope to a medically fragile Senate Financial Institutions crime in the past. population shortchanged by the Committee since 2005, sponsored One of Collins’ refrains is that budget crisis. Collins has also several pieces of legislation this a budget is a moral document, championed workers this session, year that protect consumers as and she has done much to focus sponsoring higher pay for in-home they utilize financial services. attention on the effect of budget aides and the flexibility to use paid Chief among them was the cuts and the budget impasse sick leave to care for a relative. renewal of a state law that on her constituents and other allows Illinois consumers who are vulnerable Illinoisans – from low- underwater on their mortgages income college students forced to take advantage of the Making Home Affordable program and a proposed ban on credit-based auto insurance pricing, a practice that disadvantages minority and low-income drivers. She also remained a leader in the fight for justice for victims of excessive police force. Following the release last fall of a video of the final moments of Laquan McDonald, Collins called for the appointment of a special prosecutor to handle the case against the officer who shot the black teen repeatedly. Collins

Tom Cullerton 23rd Senate District

Senator Tom or consolidated. This was the first branched out to other areas. Cullerton has step DuPage County took a few To honor the special bond a track record years ago in setting up its successful between an officer and his or her of advancing government consolidation efforts. police dog, Cullerton, a dog owner, best practices Through this model, the county is created the Police Dog Retirement in government projected to save taxpayers more Act. Senate Bill 3129 requires a efficiency than $100 million over the next 20 retiring police dog to be offered to across the years. the primary handler of the dog. state. Building In light of the continuous news And to protect senior citizens’ on the success he had in DuPage of scandals and misuse of taxpayer financial stability, Cullerton County, he advanced a measure to dollars on state universities and led efforts against taxing the spread government consolidation community college campuses, retirement income. Older Illinoisans throughout the state by allowing Cullerton advanced a key reform currently struggle to make ends voters to approve the consolidation package. He believes these reforms meet on fixed incomes as Social of non-elected boards. are necessary to end the days of Security remains the primary This bipartisan measure, bloated overpaid administrators source of income for one out supported by the Illinois Chamber, banking on executive perks at the of five retired Illinoisans. As the Illinois Policy Institute and Illinois expense of our college students. budget impasse continues, crucial Municipal League, will save Cullerton is committed community programs such as Meals valuable taxpayer dollars and to reforming abuses at state on Wheels have already cut meal streamline services for Illinois community colleges and services to seniors across DuPage residents. universities to keep institutions County. Cullerton knows the state To increase government credible and costs affordable for can’t afford to balance the budget transparency, Cullerton advanced students. on seniors’ retirement income. his initiative to regulate all travel, Cullerton’s legislative efforts meal and lodging expenses for public-sector officers and employees. His initiative will create the Local Government Travel Expense Control Act which will require local government, school districts and community college districts to regulate travel, meal and lodging expenses. Cullerton created the Government Consolidation Report Act, which will require all Illinois county boards to submit a report to the General Assembly recommending units of government that may be dissolved

Bill Cunningham Agriculture chair | 18th Senate District

When the the use of taxpayer and tuition Senator Cunningham worked College of dollars to fund bonuses for college with Cook County Sheriff Tom DuPage paid presidents. Yet another stops car Dart to come up with a proposed its outgoing and housing allowances from law, Senate Bill 2221, that would president more being counted as salary so college streamline the testing and than three executives can sweeten their notification system throughout quarters of a pensions. the state. Anytime the state crime million dollars Cunningham said his reforms lab finds a potential match, both just to quit last serve the dual purpose of the local police department and year, State Senator Bill Cunningham demanding higher ethical standards the area state’s attorney would be was, like most of Illinois, shocked. while also trying to control higher notified. In response, he put together an education costs. As the new chairman of the investigative subcommittee to look But bringing a degree of Senate Agriculture Committee, into the compensation and perks common sense to higher education Cunningham also fought to protect public colleges and universities offer executive spending wasn’t funding for agriculture education their executives. Cunningham’s only priority at the programs targeted for cuts by Gov. The ensuing report details Capitol this session. Bruce Rauner. Illinois is home to a what’s been described as a higher Cunningham also sought to world-leading agriculture economy education “salary and benefits improve how DNA test kits for featuring several corporate arms race” at taxpayer expense. sexual assault cases are handled. headquarters of key agribusiness That report continues to drive His proposal follows news out of the giants. Cunningham argues the Cunningham’s legislative agenda as Village of Robbins where multiple state should be strengthening its he focuses on reforms to rein in out- genetic test kits were found to have economic power by investing more of-control spending and bring new had potential matches that were in agriculture education. accountability and transparency not investigated. to higher education executive spending. His series of reforms seeks to establish newfound transparency and accountability in college administrations in the wake of the College of DuPage and similar controversies on other campuses. For instance, lame-duck college and university boards would be prohibited from making last-minute changes to executives’ contracts, a provision Cunningham said should end sweetheart deals by outgoing boards. Other proposals seek to ban

William Delgado Education chair | 2nd Senate District

Senator could continue its operations. students, Delgado proposed William This was not his only fight to legislation that would allow Delgado has secure necessary care options parents to opt their children represented for those in Illinois, however. He out of the test. Learning and his community also supported a plan to extend development should be the main in Springfield the All Kids program in Illinois. focus of schooling, and stressful since 1999. As a lifeline for families who state testing can be detrimental Illinois has need comprehensive health care to that. seen multiple for their children, the All Kids His commitment to governors and legislators come program is essential for many guaranteeing a quality education and go since then, but his families in Delgado’s West Side for all students in Illinois also led leadership in Springfield has district. to his support of the education remained constant. With his support, the plan won funding overhaul plan, as well as Continuing his work last approval in the Senate. a plan to ensure that students session, Delgado made the fight In addition to his advocacy are tested using assessments that for the vulnerable immigrant and for vulnerable populations colleges will accept during their minority communities in Illinois in Illinois, Delgado chairs the admissions process. his top priority. Senate Education Committee. Senator Delgado’s advocacy When the Latino Treatment His oversight of the committee helps to improve and promote Agency, an Elgin-based helps him to protect students’ plans that ensure the success of rehabilitation treatment center educational opportunities in citizens of all walks of life and all that specializes in treating Illinois. ages. Latin American and minority Believing that the state’s clients, announced that a lack PARCC assessment can be of state funding threatened its unnecessarily stressful for some operations, Senator Delgado’s call to action was swift. Alongside Senators Martinez and Noland and colleagues from the House, Senator Delgado demanded that funding be released to keep the Latino Treatment Center’s doors open, and to send the message that budget impasse or not, our most vulnerable citizens will not be made into political pawns. Shortly afterward, the state comptroller’s office announced that funding would be released so the Latino Treatment Agency

Gary Forby Labor chair | 59th Senate District

As human International unions for nearly state to honor its financial services 40 years, Forby is a champion commitment to Amtrak, shuttered for working-class families, for which is a primary means of at Illinois’ competitive wages and benefits transportation for many students southernmost and for fair labor negotiations. He who attend SIU in Carbondale. tip and opposes efforts to make Illinois a Finally, he demanded that the public right-to-work state and to erode southern Illinois communities university collective bargaining rights. receive money for local road serving the He worked hard to keep state improvements – funds that region was threatened because dollars flowing to Southern Illinois belong to local governments of the state budget stalemate, University and its flagship campus but are processed by the state Senator Gary Forby fought for in Carbondale. The university is a and weren’t being passed along jobs, services and education key employer and the only four- because of the budget stalemate. for working-class families in year public institution in southern He also pressed for a measure to southeastern Illinois. Illinois. Forby voted for funding prevent governors from raiding A former farmer and small for higher education, which the state’s road fund for purposes business owner, Forby represents continues to be starved because other than transportation residents in all or part of 13 of budget vetoes by Republican projects, which put people to counties, stretching roughly from Gov. Bruce Rauner. work. McLeansboro in Hamilton County Forby voted to fund the state’s A staunch defender of the to Cairo on the Mississippi River. Monetary Award Program, Second Amendment, Forby in His district is in the heart of which provides college tuition January called on President southern Illinois coal country grants to students who might Barack Obama to dial down anti- where the industry – once a not otherwise be able to afford gun rhetoric and be mindful of robust economic driver – has college. He also voted for the people’s right to bear arms. fallen on tough times. Jobs are a vital concern for his constituents. As mines have announced closures and layoffs, Forby continues to urge Congress to rethink energy policies that drive coal jobs out of southern Illinois communities like Harrisburg. He visited miners so he could hear their concerns and those of their families. He regularly advocates for the use of Illinois coal by Illinois power plants, rather than importing it from western states. A proud member of Operating Engineers’ and Laborers’

Napoleon Harris III 15th Senate District

As the Public officials should be this exercise, recommendations world watched held to a higher standard, and will be made on how to improve Mizzou’s allowing them to serve full terms employment among young football team after losing the trust of their people of color. and other constituency only further erodes While tackling big issues in students fight public confidence in government. the legislature, Harris also finds for their civil When the public loses trust in ways to make yearly tasks a little rights last an elected official, Harris argues easier for his constituents. Drivers November, there should be a mechanism may soon be able to register their some Missouri legislators available that holds that official vehicle and set the expiration turned their backs on them by accountable. date to their birthday, making proposing legislation that would With Laquan’s legacy in mind, it easier to remember when to strip them of their scholarships Harris has continued to look renew their registrations. for protesting. State Senator into ways to improve the life of Senator Harris works to Napoleon Harris III couldn’t allow young people in Chicago, the advocate for his community and a legislative idea like the one South Suburbs and the state. One stands at the forefront of issues in Missouri to get a foothold in major issue facing young people facing our state and country. Illinois. is finding employment. Senator His commitment to the people Harris, a former Northwestern Harris sponsored an initiative that of Illinois is reflected in his football player, led legislation creates the Youth Unemployment legislative platform. that protects college students’ Task Force. freedom of speech by prohibiting The task force will examine colleges from revoking athletic youth unemployment throughout and academic scholarships as a the state and especially its effects result of protesting. The Campus on young people of color. From Demonstration Act upholds the role higher institutions play in fostering the growth and confidence of their students. Continuing his focus on protecting the rights and best interest of the people of Illinois, Harris introduced legislation that would allow Illinois citizens to recall elected officials statewide. After the poor handling of the Laquan McDonald case and the public outrage toward Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Harris was disturbed by the way things unfolded.

Michael E. Hastings 19th Senate District

In the adequate standard of support for purposes. This allows the local 21st century, children. governments to put a check on elementary The legislation would make the state. and secondary Illinois the 39th state to introduce Currently, only two people education use the “income shares” model to in a local government are technology determine child support. It would allowed to access the sales more and more consider the income of both tax data, leading to cities and to create a parents to determine the level villages being unable to protect better learning of support for the child using the themselves from mistakes the environment. That means parent’s ability to pay. The archaic state makes. Hastings desires to many schools have to contract law harms children, and this protect the local governments with third parties and share legislation increases protections of the South Suburbs when it confidential student data. for children in non-traditional comes to collecting their sales tax In light of the abuses that family situations. revenues. we hear about concerning data Hastings also pushed for Along with a full workload in leaks today, Senator Michael legislation that would hold Springfield, Hastings and his wife Hastings felt it necessary to the Illinois Department of Katie welcomed their first son take preventive steps to protect Revenue more accountable by Mikey to the Hastings family this children throughout the South allowing local governments to year. Suburbs and the whole state. He properly audit sales tax data. proposed legislation to create Senate Bill 2933 would allow the state’s first Student Online local governments to enter Personal Protection Act. It would into confidentiality agreements prohibit the operator of a website with third parties so they can or online service from using share sales tax data for auditing student data for anything that is not furthering the mission of the school. Besides protecting children at school, Hastings also has been an advocate of bringing outdated child support statutes into this century to ensure that our laws match the society and the families of today. Hastings sponsored legislation to update the 1984 child support statutes because they failed to consider the changing family dynamics facing Illinois. The update would allow for a more

Linda Holmes Commerce and Economic Development chair | 42nd Senate District

State Sen. of the St. Charles Hospital in participation in the task force Linda Holmes Aurora took a historic property in and the importance of ensuring continues to the 42nd Senate District that had consolidation doesn’t take a one- be a strong fallen into disuse and has begun size-fits-all approach. voice for the the process of renovating it to Holmes also stood up for the environment, become a new senior housing rights of patients and consumers local project. The project was possible by sponsoring legislation that redevelopment through the use of the River Edge would require health insurance and Redevelopment Zone program. companies provide for an government consolidation in Holmes plans to continue to adequate number of health care Illinois. To that end, Holmes argue for the extension of the specialists within their insurance joined bipartisan efforts to program beyond its sunset in networks so that policyholders examine unfunded mandates 2016 to allow for more such never have to choose between and consolidation, sponsored revitalizations of local history. paying out-of-network costs or important conservation Holmes also worked with a traveling great distances to get legislation and supported a bipartisan group to try to find proper care. The same legislation program that has redeveloped an practical solutions to consolidate would also require insurers to important historical landmark for government and reduce notify policyholders when one modern use in Aurora. unfunded mandates. As part of their doctors is dropped from Holmes fought for of Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti’s the network – a potentially costly, conservation efforts in 2015 and task force, Holmes argued in confusing and burdensome 2016. She pushed for a new law favor of expanding government development for people that adds more invasive plant consolidation while maintaining managing long term health species to the state’s list, making local control. She appeared on concerns. sure species that crowd out Chicago Tonight to talk about her local flora and upset the balance of ecosystems are monitored and their spread prevented. Holmes also advanced legislation that would ban the use of inhumane trapping techniques in the hunting of bobcats. Advocates took notice: the Illinois Environmental Council recognized her as one of the staunchest supporters of the environment in the Senate in the past year. Holmes also argued for a continuation of an important local redevelopment tool. This past year, a major redevelopment

Toi Hutchinson Revenue chair | 40th Senate District

Higher levels students rely on funding through women have access to birth of student the Monetary Assistance Program control and aren’t stymied by success and (MAP). As a former MAP and insurance company bureaucrats lower rates of Pell Grant recipient, Hutchinson or politicians. crime among knows firsthand just how hard For 20 years, Pay Equity Day youth are just it can be to afford a semester of has highlighted the disparity in a few of the school. Earlier this year, when workplace earnings between many benefits universities were threatening men and women. Held on April quality after- layoffs and closure and MAP 12, the day represents the school programs provide. recipients weren’t receiving extra days a full-time working But for the more than 1,500 funding, Hutchinson worked to woman would have to work just Illinois youth who lost their provide some funding to higher to make the same as a man in after-school program due to educational institutions. the previous year. Hutchinson the budget impasse, finding Hutchinson continued her brought attention to the issue of constructive activities during the longstanding commitment to the pay equity among her colleagues, critical hours between 3 p.m. and unique set of issues that affect passing a resolution highlighting 7 p.m. in some of Illinois’ most women in the workplace and at the $430,000 women stand to impoverished neighborhoods home. She passed a bill making it lose over a 40-year career if the and communities can be next to easier for the nearly 65 percent of gap isn’t closed. impossible. American women who currently Senator Hutchinson worked use birth control to access with advocates across Illinois this contraceptives. Understanding year to ensure the state makes that women use contraceptives after-school programs a priority, for many different reasons, passing a bill requiring the state Hutchinson fought to ensure to award grants through the Teen REACH program to community- based organizations that provide after-school services to at-risk youth. In the face of the governor’s proposals to totally eliminate funds for Teen REACH while many communities are still seeing high levels of violence, Hutchinson understands the importance that after-school programs play in the academic success of students. Hutchinson also worked to ensure that support for students continues through college. Many

Emil Jones III Local Government chair | 14th Senate District

Chicago even further for many students.” transgender persons and send State University To help those college students, a clear message that Illinois is announced Jones supported a $600 million a tolerant state. The resolution that it would higher education deal that urges the North Carolina General be unable kept the doors open at Chicago Assembly to repeal anti-trans to pay for State University, Eastern Illinois bathroom discrimination operational University and other state measures such as the “Public costs after schools. Facilities Privacy and Security March 1 due to As Senate Chairman of the Act.” the unprecedented seven month- Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, Furthermore, it affirms long budget impasse. Without a Jones has tackled social justice support for protecting and budget, university students across issues and advocated on behalf of advancing the constitutional the state who are recipients of underrepresented individuals. rights and equitable treatment MAP grants and tuition assistance Jones proposed Senate of all and expresses opposition are increasingly concerned about Resolution 1782, urging the to discrimination, prejudice, the prospect of not graduating. U.S. Congress to recognize the homophobia and transphobia In March, Senator Emil Jones III Ku Klux Klan as a domestic while urging Governor Bruce introduced legislation that helps terrorist organization and pursue Rauner to prohibit all non- college students who are facing dismantling this hate group with essential state travel to North financial hardships. The measure, the same fervor used to protect Carolina and Mississippi until Senate Bill 2941, prohibits the United States from other those states take the proper universities and community manifestations of terrorism. measures to repeal these laws. colleges from denying a student In addition, Jones proposed the opportunity to register for Senate Resolution 1752 to classes and prohibits them from address bigotry aimed at refusing to issue a transcript to a student because of an outstanding debt. “Currently, our governor’s inaction on the budget has forced over 150,000 students out of Monetary Awards Programs (MAP) grants, which provide qualified students with tuition assistance,” Jones said. “Since this MAP grant funding hasn’t been enacted, many students weren’t able to register for classes or get copies of their transcripts for other scholarships, pushing intended graduation dates back

David Koehler Environment and Conservation chair | 46th Senate District

Each Gov. Bruce Rauner, Koehler helped Senate Bill 2301 answers the year, Pekin approve emergency funding for need for reforms by ensuring Community Spoon River College, Illinois Central facilities have trained professional High School College and a financial aid program staffs to deal with these increases. students learn that assists students there as well Drawing on his experience as construction as at Peoria’s Bradley University. a labor negotiator, State Senator skills by building Koehler similarly backed Dave Koehler served as a voice of homes through an overhaul of how the state reason for Central Illinois this past the school’s funds public schools, as Peoria year, pushing the governor to back building trade program. The school students and those at many other away from extreme demands and then sells the home, and the local districts are increasingly to negotiate in good faith with money pays for the next year of the shortchanged by the state’s public sector workers. program. outdated funding system. Koehler, the former executive That seems simple enough, In addition, Sen. Koehler director of the Peoria Area Labor but the state bureaucracy can proposed legislation to require Management Council, urged complicate the process. Under the staffs of elderly care facilities the governor to not walk away current law, these houses must and community programs to be from labor talks with the state’s be sold the same way as other adequately trained to deal with largest employee union, whose state-owned real estate is sold – a Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. members remain without a sometimes convoluted process that Over 200,000 Illinois residents are contract. Koehler stood up for leaves the school district jumping affected by Alzheimer’s and other unions and encouraged both sides through time-consuming hoops. forms of dementia. That number is to compromise to resolve the Enter State Senator Dave supposed to increase by 25 percent differences between the governor’s Koehler. in the next decade because of aging administration and the union. The Peoria Democrat sponsored Baby Boomers. common-sense legislation, SB 2833, to speed up and simplify the process by allowing the school to use real estate agents and avoid the state auction and bidding process. It’s just one example of how Koehler’s 2016 legislative agenda continued to focus on the people and communities of the 46th Senate District. He continued to support area colleges and their students at the Capitol. With schools and students increasingly victimized by the lingering budget impasse caused by

Steven Landek State Government and Veterans Affairs chair | 12th Senate District

With a state government has the potential Association, and he was the historic budget to save more money for taxpayers highest ranked among Democrats impasse that could be reinvested in our in the Illinois Senate. dominating the schools and infrastructure.” “Easing regulations and conversation in In the same vein, Senator unfunded mandates should be Springfield in Landek introduced legislation a priority for us,” said Landek. 2016, Senator this year to phase out legislator “Doing both encourages growth in Steve Landek pensions for senators. While the private sector and allows local promoted the Illinois Supreme Court has governments to invest more time bipartisan efforts to increase ruled you cannot touch current and money addressing the needs government efficiency and reduce pensions, this law would close of their community.” the burden of regulations on local the pension system off for future Constituents and community governments and small businesses. members of the Illinois Senate and leaders from across the diverse As someone who has already save taxpayers tens of millions of 12th Senate District visited Senator reduced the size of government dollars over the coming decades. Landek at the Capitol throughout as an elected municipal mayor, Utilizing his experience as a session. He hosted Mayor Robert he supported government business owner, Landek continued Lovero and school leaders from consolidation efforts as a to carefully study the great the Village of Berwyn to discuss member of the Local Government quantity of proposals in the Senate the impact of education funding Committee. But instead of and consistently voiced opposition reform on local schools, visited politicians in Springfield deciding to legislation that would increase with students from Morton College what is best for local communities, the costs of doing businesses in in Cicero and met with leaders of he ensured that we instead Illinois. His efforts earned him a Enlace Chicago in Little Village. empower the communities these “pro-manufacturing rating” by the governments serve to decide what Technology and Manufacturing is best for them and give them the tools to consolidate if they choose. While there is some money to be saved through local government consolidation, Senator Landek believes the state should lead by example. This is why he introduced a constitutional amendment to consolidate the lieutenant governor’s office. “We need to walk the walk when it comes to consolidation,” said Landek. “While some savings can be realized through local government consolidation, streamlining and consolidating

Andy Manar 48th Senate District

Senator this reform and oversaw Senate voices of the people. Andy Manar Bill 231 passing the Senate in That measure, Senate Bill 250, has never May. won approval from the Senate in been one In addition to improving May. to shy away Illinois’ educational landscape, While protecting students’ from taking Manar was the leading voice education and voters’ on a tough in the effort to bring automatic constitutional rights, Manar also legislative voter registration to Illinois. put forth legislation to protect the issue. During During the 2016 primary election, once-booming coal industry in his time on the Education many Illinois voters were Southern Illinois. Funding Advisory Committee, subjected to waiting in line for Manar paired with his he saw the reality: that Illinois’ hours to get to the polls, which Southern Illinois colleagues to current system of funding public forced local courts to intervene create Senate Bill 3426, which education is completely broken. and keep them open longer. reinvests in the clean coal Students across Illinois suffer These problems could have industry in Illinois and provides a from a lack of funding. Everyone been addressed had Illinois pathway for Illinois companies to admitted that the formula was already implemented automatic do the same. broken, but nobody knew exactly voter registration. The plan would bring needed what could be done. Manar’s plan would streamline jobs back to Southern Illinois and Putting his experience on the the voter registration process revitalize an industry that helped Education Committee to good and eliminate several of the create Illinois’ modern industrial use, Senator Manar has traveled duplicative steps in the process. economy. to virtually every corner of the This would improve voter turnout state to meet with students, and help the government in teachers and community leaders Illinois be more reflective of the and listen to their concerns about education funding. Those conversations helped him to craft Senate Bill 231, a comprehensive education funding reform plan that would create a new, modern formula that would distribute money based on student need. After filing his plan, Manar continued to take advice from people across the state and legislators from both sides of the aisle. Despite the ongoing fight in Springfield, Senator Manar maintained his commitment to

Pat McGuire Higher Education chair | 43rd Senate District

The lack of a the looming financial disaster faced Appropriations II Committee to proper higher by Chicago State. help develop the state budget. education Other higher education Throughout the spring session, he budget for proposals that McGuire sponsored has heard firsthand the heartbreak the 2015-16 included SB 3023, which revitalized and hardship that Illinois’ budget academic year the Higher Education Cooperation morass has caused for some of the meant that Act by expanding the sources of state’s most vulnerable citizens Illinois’ colleges funding for the public-private as vital social services remained and universities partnerships that help spur unfunded. He’s using the testimony faced an existential threat. innovation in academic and student as motivation to ensure that these Several schools were forced to lay success programs. This expansion citizens don’t again fall through off employees, including some will help Illinois reach its goal of 60 the cracks because of budget educators, and one — Chicago percent of adult workers having a brinksmanship. State University — was very close post-secondary credential by 2025. He’s also sided with public to shutting down completely. McGuire is chief co-sponsor of employees in their fight for a new And not only did the institutions SB 2196, known as the Student and fair contract. AFSCME workers go without operational funding, Access Bill, which enables have been without a contract for thousands of Illinois’ neediest undocumented students to be nearly a year. McGuire supports college students were forced to eligible for most state-funded forms HB 580, which implements interest go without the Monetary Award of higher education financial aid. arbitration and is state workers’ Program grants that they were One study has estimated that an last, best hope to avoid a damaging promised. These students faced an additional 1,500 students at Illinois’ strike or lockout. unappealing decision: take on more four-year universities could be debt to continue their schooling or served by the Student Access Bill. just quit altogether. McGuire also sits on the Senate State Senator Pat McGuire’s main focus this spring has been on higher education. As chairman of the Senate Higher Education Committee, McGuire has played a key role in ensuring that schools and students received at least some of the funding that was promised to them by the governor. Several proposals that funded higher education in a stopgap fashion were shepherded through the Higher Education Committee with McGuire’s help. One of those was Senate Bill 2059, which the governor quickly signed to avert

Julie Morrison 29th Senate District

As a former in Illinois. She passed a proposal to benefiting from a certain drug but township strengthen Illinois’ already strong are required by their insurance official, Senator mental health reporting laws by companies to take a less-costly Julie Morrison ensuring information for every medication. Known as step therapy, knows firsthand county is reported when a person is the insurance practice can be a the important found unfit to possess a FOID card. serious health concern for many services Morrison also worked on a plan patients who are stable on their provided that would expand National Instant medications or who have a history by Illinois’ Criminal Background Check System of trying medications that are nearly 1,500 township bodies. Her denial notifications. When a Chicago ineffective. experience in local government also Sun-Times report found many police Morrison also worked to expand gives her an insight into ways to departments across the state failing court protections for individuals make government more efficient for to investigate when FOID cards are with disabilities who have been the taxpayers. not turned in, Morrison took action. victim of physical or sexual assault Morrison teamed with Senator Her plan would require police crimes. Her plan would expand what Melinda Bush on two local departments to follow up with is known as the hearsay exception government consolidation proposals individuals and ensure FOID cards that allows individuals with this year to empower townships and are not in the possession of those disabilities to designate someone local residents to make township unfit to possess firearms. to testify in court on their behalf. government more effective and Expanding the rights and With victims of horrific crimes often sustainable. Morrison’s plan would protections of medical patients and unable to take the witness stand and remove regulations that prohibit individuals with disabilities was confront an accuser, Morrison’s plan commonsense, locally driven efforts another focus this year. would ensure justice is not denied that provide more efficiencies to She passed a bill giving more simply because of a disability. residents. flexibility to patients who are Next, Morrison turned her attention next to state government, introducing an ethics package that would require state legislators to publicly disclose potential conflicts of interest before casting a vote on any legislation. In addition, her plan would strengthen safeguards against politicians using political clout to interfere with state decisions on sensitive issues relating to university admissions and hiring at state agencies. Morrison also worked on several pieces of legislation to stem the high rate of gun deaths

John G. Mulroe Public Health chair | 10th Senate District

Emerging Americans suffer from some form roadways. as one of of rare disease, which include And Mulroe sponsored the leading cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy legislation to streamline public health and Huntington’s disease. By prosecutions resulting from voices in the definition, a rare disease is one undercover investigations. state, Senator that affects less than one in 2,000 Because of the sheer size and John Mulroe people. weight of cash and currency, it continued to The Rare Disease Commission is often impractical to bring to use his role that Mulroe is helping create court the actual money used in atop the Senate’s Public Health establishes a panel of policy cases. Mulroe’s proposed law Committee to try to improve the experts backed by the Illinois reduces this cumbersome burden lives of the people of Illinois. Department of Public Health. by allowing prosecutors to use This session, Mulroe took up Recognizing that public health photographs or photocopies as the fight against Big Tobacco. He and public safety go hand-in- evidence. sponsored legislation that would hand, Senator Mulroe also Senator Mulroe also sponsored prohibit the sale of cigarettes worked with police to advance legislation to make Veterans and other addictive and known needed legislation at the Capitol Day a true recognition of the cancer-causing tobacco products this past session. sacrifices our veterans have to teens. His proposal seeks to For instance, in an effort to made. His proposal makes the curtail smoking among 18-, 19- protect commuters, Mulroe lead official holiday a paid day off for and 20-year olds by raising the Senate efforts to expand criminal veterans and provides a tax credit legal age for purchasing cigarettes penalties for anyone trying to hit to employers to cover the cost. to 21 from 18. vehicles by throwing or knocking Not only is cigarette smoking materials off of overpasses unhealthy, the resulting cancers and other elevated sections of and lung disease cost state taxpayers millions in health care expenses every year. Mulroe won the Senate’s endorsement and remains focused on pushing the measure through the House. Mulroe is also leading efforts in the Senate for a statewide initiative to ensure the medical community has what it needs to diagnose and treat rare diseases so patients with such diseases get appropriate treatment. Rare diseases are far more common than the term would suggest. Nearly 30 million

Laura M. Murphy 28th Senate District

In her first Murphy has also sponsored both parties. She believes this will year in the two pieces of legislation to help increase transparency and limit legislature, area residents by cutting back on the power an individual is able to State Senator noise generated at the airport. accrue in the legislature. Laura Murphy The first, Senate Resolution 1552, In addition, she sponsored (D-Des Plaines) calls on the Federal Aviation legislation to increase diversity by focused on Administration to assist the City encouraging more women serve advancing of Chicago in recalibrating the on corporate boards, improving issues to Community Noise Equivalent Level the appearance and reliability of benefit the constituents of her standards. This will allow for more power lines by recommending suburban district. accurate, comprehensive data they be buried rather than strung When a resident of the collection about how the noise overhead and expanding special district told her about witnessing pollution affects the area. The education students’ ability to play someone lying about military second proposal introduced by school sports. service to get a veteran Murphy, Senate Resolution 1553, In the district, Sen. Murphy also discount, Senator Murphy urges the Chicago Department focuses on constituent service. went to the Capitol and filed of Aviation to create a more She has held multiple senior fairs, legislation to crack down on such comprehensive Fly Quiet Program fraud seminars and internet safety misrepresentation. Anyone lying to cut back on the noise pollution workshops to provide constituents about being a veteran to get a in the area. with valuable services. Her district reduced price or other discount Murphy also sponsored office also regularly schedules would face a fine of at least $100. legislation to impose leadership mobile office hours around Murphy guided the legislation term limits of 10 years on the the district to maximize their through the Senate, making it her Speaker of the House, President of accessibility to her constituents. first proposal to advance since she the Senate and minority leaders in was appointed late last year. It’s just one example of how Murphy listens to and looks out for the people of the 28th Senate District. While O’Hare International Airport is a major economic driver for the region, living close to the airport does have its drawbacks. Noise pollution from planes flying overhead is a burden to area residents who hear flights throughout the day. Recently, the problem has gotten worse in some areas as the airport has added runways.

Michael Noland Criminal Law chair | 22nd Senate District

After almost the state’s second largest public on the governor to be held a year without school district. accountable for the lives he is a budget and This is also an area Senator affecting with his budget cuts. in a state with Noland focused on in his last Further, in his role as chairman dire financial year with the General Assembly. of the Senate’s Criminal Law trouble, He co-sponsored legislation Committee and member of the Senator that would rework the state’s Judiciary Committee, he carefully Michael Noland classroom funding formula into monitored laws that affected utilized his one that is fair for all students. public safety, looking at each position to bring forth proposals His school funding reform push issue judiciously and questioning that sought to address the was one of several ways Noland whether the legislation will difficult questions of state worked to address the needs truly achieve its goals or have funding, both where it goes and of local schools. For instance, unintended consequences that where it comes from. he passed legislation to provide would infringe on the privacy He worked to begin discussions school districts more options rights of the people in Illinois. to address the question of how when seeking candidates for we can properly and more fairly superintendent. fund the important and critical Throughout session Senator services the state provides. And Noland strove to be a voice of he worked with his colleagues reason, fighting to save funding to imagine viable solutions for for treatment and mental health a more sustainable future in centers along with funding for the state that safeguards these colleges, universities and student programs. Through several bills financial aid. He organized and he introduced, Noland spurred led press conferences calling the necessary conversation about how we balance the fiscal integrity of the state with the needs of the most vulnerable among us. One of the largest and most important components of the state’s budget is education. But the system the state uses faces increasing criticism for not only lacking adequate resources but not equitably dispersing dollars to meet students’ needs. Noland knows this all too well because of how the state continually shortchanges Elgin-based U-46,

Kwame Raoul Judiciary chair | Pension Investments co-chair | Restorative Justice co-chair| 13th Senate District

Senator Raoul secured passage of a with a history of misconduct to Kwame measure requiring that more get hired by another department. Raoul knew youth who have committed low- Criminal justice reform was last year’s level crimes be given treatment not Raoul’s sole focus. He also landmark law and supervision in their advanced legislation boosting enforcement communities instead of inside wages for in-home aides to overhaul expensive juvenile facilities far the elderly, regulating fantasy wouldn’t be a from home. The same legislation sports websites, requiring better quick fix. But also makes it easier for minors reporting of student athlete as a member of the governor’s to have their arrest records concussions and reforming the task force on criminal justice and expunged. redistricting process. Responding sentencing reform, and as chair of While many communities to President Obama’s call for the Senate’s Committee on Police are purchasing and deploying a nationwide approach to Professionalism, he’s continued to officer-worn cameras, Raoul Congressional redistricting put in the time and hard work to is still working with the law reform, he introduced legislation keep improving Illinois’ approach enforcement community, as that would make Illinois the to public safety. well as civil rights groups and first to adopt a new process for Despite recent reforms, community advocates, to tweak drawing fair maps. The initiative problems remain: excessive Illinois’ laws concerning the use received bipartisan support, use of force by police, racial of body cameras and the images bolstering Raoul’s reputation as disparities in the criminal justice they capture. His committee on a legislator capable of reaching system, prison overcrowding, Police Professionalism is also resolutions, even in the most juvenile offenders on the fast looking into the possibility of difficult of political environments. track to adult crime and a lack licensing police officers in order of opportunity for ex-offenders, to make it harder for an officer among others. This year, Raoul has introduced evidence-based solutions to many of these problems. Recognizing that officers under the command of Jon Burge were not the only ones to torture suspects in custody of the Chicago Police Department, Raoul sponsored legislation that broadens the scope and mission of the Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission, which currently hears the cases of individuals who claim Burge’s men forced them to make false confessions.

Martin Sandoval Transportation chair | 11th Senate District

Senator are funded in Illinois. Senator insurance coverage. Sandoval Sandoval, a proven advocate on Senator Sandoval worked with continues to school construction, who has worked Senator Steans to pass a stopgap be an advocate with Senator Manar for three budget that will offer relief to many for social years on this issue,” said “this is an social service providers struggling justice for the important step to make sure that to stay afloat during the funding 11th district of low-income and minority students impasse, which has now entered its Illinois, tackling in my district get the education eleventh month. Senate Bill 2038 issues for new that they deserve.” Chicago Public releases $715 million from the Americans, the way we fund our Schools as well as Lyons, Summit, Commitment to Human Services schools and making sure children Argo Community, Berwyn, Cicero Fund and a number of smaller have health insurance and social and Burbank schools look to benefit funds in order to pay for community services are funded properly. from the new formula. mental health care, homelessness When a group of ninth graders Thousands of children will be assistance, sexual assault victims’ from Solorio Academy High School protected from losing their health services, services for people with in Gage Park, home of the third insurance under legislation passed disabilities, meals for low-income highest number of undocumented by Senator Iris Y. Martinez and co- seniors, addiction treatment, breast immigrants in Illinois, came to sponsored by Senator Sandoval. The and cervical cancer screenings and Senator Sandoval to change Illinois Covering All Kids Health Insurance more. statute to eliminate the word Act is set to expire in July of this Senator Sandoval’s agenda as “alien,” Senator Sandoval stepped year, but this legislation would a lawmaker continues to focus on up to champion their issue. SB extend it to 2019. Extending the act children, working families, seniors 3021 was a measure to replace the would prevent more than 40,000 and veterans on the Southwest side word “alien” with “undocumented children, regardless of their legal of Chicago and West Suburban Cook immigrant” in Illinois statutes. status, from losing their health County. Students from Mrs. Hush’s ninth grade class felt that changing this word would make undocumented immigrants feel more like they were part of this country. As President Obama said, “What makes someone American isn’t just blood or birth, but allegiance to our founding principles and faith in the idea that anyone—from anywhere—can write the next chapter of our story.” SB 3021 passed the Senate and is now in the House. Senator Sandoval also co- sponsored legislation with Senator Manar to change the way schools

Steve Stadelman 34th Senate District

In 2016, card machine was broken and would release the funds to allow State Senator the center had a policy to refuse Rosecrance to stay open through Steve to accept cash. Because of the the remainder of the fiscal year. Stadelman technology malfunction, the son Stadelman has also been (D-Rockford), was forced to sit in jail for the focused on prioritizing funding again focused entire weekend. for higher education to allow his legislative Most notably this year, community colleges and four- agenda around Stadelman questioned officials year universities to stay open. helping the from the governor’s office during Rock Valley College, located in Rockford community. a senate budget hearing about Stadelman’s district, was forced Every year, Illinois receives funding for Rosecrance Triage to lay off employees when it went approximately $970 million in Center located in Rockford. without state funding for nearly federal education funding to hire The Triage Center was initially seven months. Fortunately, after extra teachers for students in promised additional funding months of negotiation, a proposal low-income areas. Unfortunately, a few years ago when Singer backed by Stadelman passed because of Illinois’ complex Mental Health Center was closed to fund Rock Valley College pension laws, a significant by the state. However, this and other higher education amount of these funds, meant to year, the governor eliminated institutions to allow them to help children in many of Illinois’ funding for the center. Due to avoid further layoffs. poorest communities, go directly the lack of funding, the facility into the pension system. This was scheduled to hold a vote year, Sen. Stadelman passed to potentially close the triage Senate Bill 436, which will allow center. Following Stadelman’s school districts to reduce the questioning at the committee, the amount they are required to governor’s office announced they pay for Title 1 teachers to be in line with the same rate paid for state-funded teachers. Under Stadelman’s proposal, Rockford schools could receive up to an additional $2 million. Stadelman also passed legislation to require law enforcement officials to accept cash for bail payments. The proposal was brought to him by a constituent whose minor son was arrested for a traffic offense last year. When the father arrived at the juvenile detention center to bail out his son, the credit

Heather Steans Appropriations I chair | Oversight of Medicaid Managed Care chair| 7th Senate District

As one of the for testing lead levels in water arrested for its possession at a rate Senate’s two systems, so Illinois communities seven times that of whites. Making appropriations can avoid situations like that of low-level marijuana possession a committee Flint, Michigan. civil violation (punishable by a fine) chairs, Senator As she has in past legislative rather than a crime will address Heather Steans sessions, Steans championed the a major inequity in the criminal continued cause of higher wages for the justice system and also free up the difficult workers who care for Illinoisans resources to investigate and but necessary with developmental disabilities. prosecute more serious crimes. work of negotiating an end to the And, continuing her tireless efforts Steans also joined President budget impasse while securing to improve both efficiency and Obama in pushing for changes to stopgap funding for vital programs quality of care in the Medicaid how political boundary lines are whenever possible. program, she introduced legislation drawn in Illinois. Obama repeated In Springfield, she heard to exempt nursing homes from his call for a better system during a many hours of testimony from Medicaid’s four-prescription February speech in Springfield. government agencies, social cap so that senior citizens with Agreeing with the president services providers, universities complex conditions can access the that constituents should pick the and ordinary people whose lives medications they need more easily. politicians who represent them have been turned upside down. Building on the work of previous (not vice-versa), Steans took over Back home in her district, she held years, Steans secured passage of sponsorship of a constitutional town halls on the budget to keep a measure to decriminalize the amendment that would remove constituents informed and to hear possession of small amounts of politics from the process and assign from those directly affected. marijuana. While there is little to the map-drawing responsibility to Meanwhile, she continued no racial gap in the use of the drug, an independent commission. to host events ranging from job African-Americans in Illinois are fairs to a seminar on knowing your rights when stopped by law enforcement, to a presentation on education funding reform in an effort to provide opportunities and inform the public. In addition to achieving budgetary relief, including the release of federal funding and stopgap measures for higher education and human services, Steans introduced pioneering environmental, health and good government reforms. Her Lead in Drinking Water Prevention Act will set more stringent guidelines

Patricia Van Pelt 5th Senate District

The murder by police. Senate Bill 2370 would departments by preventing the of Laquan require any child 15 or younger to destruction of police misconduct McDonald have an attorney present during records shocked the custodial interrogations by police Van Pelt was also active trying city if not when accused of murder or sex to win new economic opportunities the nation, offenses. It also would require for people trying to turn their prompting police to recite a simplified Miranda lives around and needing a outrage and warning for youth. second chance. Her agenda newfound The proposal was in response includes proposals to do away attention to issues Patricia Van to an intellectually challenged teen with outdated prohibitions from Pelt first raised as an outspoken interrogated without a lawyer and people with criminal records ever community activist and now pushes being pressured to confess. The getting certain jobs, even if they’ve as a member of the Illinois Senate. teen was later cleared of any crimes rehabilitated themselves. At the Capitol this spring, and ultimately received $900,000 in Arrests for marijuana possession Van Pelt sponsored key reforms a police abuse legal settlement. can haunt applicants who are intended to promote social justice These were among the key seeking employment with schools and increased accountability social justice initiatives Van Pelt or parks. Van Pelt’s legislation HB among government law sponsored at the Capitol this 4360 gives such applicants a clean enforcement agencies. “Mistrust session. Others include: slate for offenses more than seven of law enforcement is plaguing SB 194: Raises the burden years old. our communities. There’s not a of proof the government must week that goes by that I don’t get a establish to forfeit an individual’s complaint from my neighbors in the property district,” said Van Pelt. SB 2233: Improves transparency Frustrated over the bureaucratic and accountability in police foot-dragging regarding the release of police dash camera videos from the McDonald crime scene, Van Pelt sponsored SB 2210 to send a message and increase the transparency of the process. Her proposal reinforces that these videos are public records and would require that if a police department wants to deny a public records request on a certain video, it would have to get a court order. And Van Pelt won Senate approval for a proposed law giving children in police custody greater protection when being interrogated

ISDC Communications Staff 99th General Assembly - Spring 2016 DIRECTOR ADMINISTRATIVE & Brandy Renfro LOGISTICS SUPPORT John Houlihan Kellee Sporrer PRESS SECRETARY John Patterson SPANISH LANGUAGE Moira Dolehide (Deputy) MEDIA SPECIALIST Antonio Rosas-Landa

STAFF STAFF Shawn Berry Craig Miller Jayette Bolinski Alec Phillipp Nolan Drea Nathan Piper (Intern) Katharine Eastvold Jeff Stearns Patrick Hampton Joe Stosberg Colin Helton Reena Tandon Drew Hill Dominic Watson Ken Lowe Samantha Williams Jessie Martin Paige Windgassen Diana Martinez Tammi Zumwalt Deb McCarver (Not pictured: Moira Dolehide, John Houlihan)

74 | Communications Department | www.IllinoisSenateDemocrats.com | May 2016