Sound of the State

Sound of the State

Follow our channel for the latest news from the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus.

Episodes

Majority Report - October 27, 2025

October 27, 2025 • 4 mins
A popular option at Illinois restaurants could become permanent as part of a bill sponsored by State Senator Cristina Castro to support small businesses. Plus, State Senator Elgie Sims, Jr. reacts to another bond rating upgrade received by the state. Those stories, and more, are in this edition of The Majority Report.
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Recognizing International Day of Climate Action with Senator Adriane Johnson

October 24, 2025 • 9 mins
State Senator Adriane Johnson joins the Sound of the State to recognize the International Day of Climate Action and to discuss ways Illinois is taking action to promote a cleaner future through legislation addressing clean air and water standards, and more.
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A Conversation on Head Start Awareness Month with Senator Kimberly A. Lightford

October 15, 2025 • 7 mins
In this episode of Sound of the State, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford discusses the impact of head start programs, how early childhood education has changed over the years, and more. 

Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford strongly believes education starts at birth. Listen to this episode of the Sound of the State podcast to learn why early childhood education is the foundation of our entire educational system.
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Senator Graciela Guzmán and Representative Lilian Jiménez: Ensuring Safe Schools for All

September 29, 2025 • 12 mins
State Senator Graciela Guzmán and State Representative Lilian Jiménez discuss the Safe Schools for All Act, a new law that will protect Illinois students from having immigration authorities called on them or family members while they are in the classroom.
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News Brief - September 3, 2025

September 3, 2025 • 4 mins
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Protecting Workers and Building Equity: A Labor Day Conversation with Senator Robert Peters

August 29, 2025 • 11 mins
As Chair of the Senate Labor Committee, Senator Robert Peters knows how vital workers are to our state’s success. From the Haymarket Riots to today’s workforce development, Illinois has always been at the heart of America’s labor movement. In this Labor Day episode of Sound of the State, he shares why Illinois is leading the way in labor rights and equity.
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News Brief - August 21, 2025

August 21, 2025 • 6 mins
Newly signed laws sponsored by members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus take actions to protect families in missing persons cases, ban unfair ticketing in schools, give NICU families a stronger start and address mental health workforce shortages. Learn more, in this edition of the News Brief.
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Advocating for Sexual Assault Survivors: Removing Barriers to Care, Improving Training for Providers with Senator Julie Morrison

August 20, 2025 • 8 mins
No one should face barriers to care after experiencing sexual assault. Senator Julie Morrison joins the Sound of the State to explain how her new law requires hospitals to put survivors first—strengthening trauma-informed care, expanding nurse examiner training, and giving the Illinois Department of Public Health more authority to ensure hospitals meet their responsibilities.
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News Brief - August 20, 2025

August 20, 2025 • 6 mins
From protecting our most vulnerable seniors to giving sexual assault survivors real support, addressing mental health for first responders, and ensuring workers’ rights are respected, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus are taking action. This episode of the News Brief features newly signed laws from Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, as well as Senators Suzy Glowiak Hilton, Mike Porfirio, and Graciela Guzmán.
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News Brief - August 19, 2025

August 19, 2025 • 6 mins
From protecting organ donors at work to easing student debt, expanding e-waste recycling, and cracking down on crypto fraud, these newly signed laws from State Senators Christopher Belt, Omar Aquino, Linda Holmes, and Mark Walker put people and consumers first.
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News Brief - August 14, 2025

August 14, 2025 • 6 mins
In this edition of the News Brief, four new laws focus on safety, health, and consumer protection. Senator Julie Morrison improves trafficking victim identification, survivor support, and justice access. Senator Paul Faraci safeguards the Mahomet Aquifer from contamination threats. Senator Javier Cervantes ensures dental insurers pay providers directly when requested, and Senator Steve Stadelman bans license plate flippers used to ...
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News Brief - August 13, 2025

August 13, 2025 • 5 mins
Illinois lawmakers are stepping up to protect communities and ensure every voice is heard. Senator Turner’s new law improves police vetting to ensure only the most qualified officers serve. Senator Halpin gives local governments the power to enforce human trafficking training and issue fines to noncompliant businesses. Senator Loughran Cappel bolsters early childhood disability representation in state education policy.
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News Brief - August 12, 2025

August 12, 2025 • 5 mins
In this edition of the News Brief, we explore three new laws making a real difference in Illinois. Senator Julie Morrison expands Illinois State Police authority to investigate online child exploitation. Senator Robert Peters gives workers more retirement savings flexibility. Senator Laura Murphy ensures insurance covers medically necessary equine therapy. These changes put safety, financial security, and health first for Illinois ...
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News Brief - August 8, 2025

August 8, 2025 • 4 mins
From protecting vulnerable mental health patients from unregulated AI, to supporting working nursing mothers, to helping unhoused residents get back on their feet — Illinois is taking bold steps toward equity and access. In this episode, Senators Villivalam, Fine, and Simmons explain how their new laws will make life better for people across the state.
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Celebrating the Illinois State Fair with Senator Doris Turner and Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello

August 7, 2025 • 11 mins
The Illinois State Fair is more than fun and funnel cakes — it’s a celebration of agriculture, youth leadership, and investment in our state’s #1 industry. Senator Doris Turner and Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello talk about upgrades to the fairgrounds, diversity in ag, and what the future holds for FFA, 4-H, and more.
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News Brief - August 6, 2025

August 6, 2025 • 6 mins
From saving mothers’ lives to protecting consumers from car scams, this episode of The Sound of the State covers four new Illinois laws making a difference. Senators Preston, Feigenholtz, Castro, and Murphy explain how they’re addressing maternal health inequities, easing teacher shortages, improving firefighter safety, and holding unlicensed car dealers accountable.
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News Brief - August 5, 2025

August 5, 2025 • 6 mins
This edition of the News Brief highlights legislation recently signed into law addressing survivor-centered care, family services, violence prevention, and affordable access to anesthesia during medical procedures.
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From Personal Experience to Policy: Senator Lakesia Collins Fights for Maternal Equity

August 1, 2025 • 10 mins
State Senator Lakesia Collins is leading the charge for birth justice in Illinois. In this episode of The Sound of the State, she explains how legislation she carried this year removes barriers for certified nurse midwives and expands access to care, particularly in underserved communities.
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News Brief - July 29, 2025

July 29, 2025 • 6 mins
Legislation led by State Senators Laura Ellman and Bill Cunningham to address gun violence in Illinois have been signed into law. Learn more about those new laws, plus the dedication of the Secretary of State's flagship building in honor of former Secretary of State Jesse White, in this edition of the News Brief.
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News Brief - July 24, 2025

July 24, 2025 • 4 mins
Law enforcement will soon have additional clarity in the steps it can take to remove squatters from property in Illinois, thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Lakesia Collins. Learn more about that, as well as steps taken to honor a longtime representative of Illinois in Congress, plus continued reaction to the recent State Farm rate hike, in this edition of the News Brief.

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