Recent news from the federal administration indicates draconian cuts for essential services are coming our way and will impact our state’s budget. Attorney General Kwame Raoul has joined other states in challenging these many executive actions in court – including winning a preliminary injunction to restore over $77 million for Illinois schools.
May is when the legislature works in earnest to craft and pass a balanced budget. The threat of cuts and total elimination of programs that depend on federal funding puts Illinois in an unprecedented position.
Potential cuts in federal funds, combined with lower-than-usual state revenues, puts the state in a less-than-ideal spot for the budget. Fortunately, as our governor put it, thanks to years of planning and responsibility in Illinois, tight budget years are a challenge, and not a catastrophe.
When we are not in Springfield fighting these cuts, our office is working closely with Alderpersons, public schools, health care providers, local non-profits, and transit advocates to assist with resources to soften the blow and avert the disaster the federal administration is threatening.
I have advanced several bills in recent weeks that address constituent and local business concerns. As we move into the final weeks of the 2025 legislative session, there is much ground to cover, so let’s dive right in.
First off, transportation: In response to the 1,000+ constituents who have reached out to our office concerned about funding for public transit, we are partnering with our surrounding legislators and CMAP to host a transit town hall/webinar. Join us to discuss the state of public transit in Chicago. 40% of people in Senate District 6 rely on public transit, and a reliable, clean, safe transit system is a top priority.
Recently, I met with Safe Streets Chicago and they provided our office with some eye-popping crash data from the City of Chicago website. From 2019 through 2024, there were 16,000 crashes on DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Our office has received calls for years from constituents who have witnessed reckless driving and harrowing crashes and requested that we work to find solutions to these tragic occurances.
In response to these concerns, I filed SB1507, which commissions the UIC Urban Transportation Center to conduct a study on how new random camera technology could reduce risky driving behaviors. The UK and Germany have seen success in changing long-term driver behavior with this new technology. Instead of punitively issuing tickets, the goal of this bill is to develop a strategy for more consistent driver safety. I am eager for this bill to pass the House and to see the results of UIC’s study.
The restaurant industry is Illinois’ second-largest private sector employer, and a massive revenue generator for the state (every $1 spent in an Illinois restaurant brings $1.83 to the state).
HB2456, sponsored by Rep. Margaret Croke in the House, aims to get more diners in seats and protect our restaurants by prohibiting third-party sites from selling restaurant reservations without a restaurant’s written consent. Some third-party sites have scooped up large numbers of reservations to sell to the highest bidders – essentially pirating reservations. HB2456 prohibits pirating and protects restaurants from losing out on diners.
In response to the death of Lincoln Park firefighter Drew Price, SB1742 was filed to increase roof safety for first responders. I am proud to be a chief co-sponsor of this bill to continue to honor Drew’s memory, and we are grateful for Drew’s wife Lara who joined us in Springfield to testify in support of this bill.
SB1560 provides Illinois teachers and families with better tools to identify behavioral and mental health needs for youth, and connect them with community-based supports. In working with Dr. Dana Weiner (pictured above) of the Illinois Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative, our goal is to provide a uniquely accessible, easy way for families to find excellent care for their children with behavioral health needs. Learn more about the BEACON program here: https://beacon.illinois.gov/
As summer approaches, the district is buzzing with the local events and festivals we love. Check out our new community calendar to stay up to date on all of the latest events! https://www.senatorsara.com/calendar/
I will be in Springfield for the final weeks of session, moving key legislation forward and working on the budget. Please continue to share your ideas, concerns, and questions about the issues in our neighborhood that matter to you. You can reach our office at sara@senatorsara.com or 773-495-7799.
The depth of economic impact of the tourism and hospitality industries in Illinois cannot be overstated. It was a pleasure to welcome tourism leaders from across the state to the Bilandic Building last week to hear their achievements and concerns regarding the state of tourism in Illinois. Investment in tourism has shown to pay for itself many times over, and I will always be a steadfast champion of our hospitality industry.
We love our teachers, and we had to drop by with some Ann Sather cinnamon rolls to celebrate them and all their hard work during Teacher Appreciation Week. It is a pleasure to work alongside all of you and support you.
Last week was packed with school visits to the capitol. It was great to welcome our students from Catherine Cook, Lake View High School, and St. Benedict’s to learn more about state government and advocacy.
Let It Be Us, DCFS’s partner in adoptions from foster care, invited me to be the keynote speaker at their annual women’s luncheon. My adoption story is part of what shaped me into who I am today, and it led to the laws I passed to create a better child welfare system in Illinois. The stories our former youth in care (like the amazing Jocelyn Fetting, pictured above) shared at the luncheon were inspiring – I am proud to work alongside organizations like Let It Be Us who are working every day to advocate for our foster kids.
We enjoyed chatting with Skyline Village members and sharing the latest about what is going on in Springfield.
Together, we had an engaging discussion about ranked-choice voting, transit reform, public safety, affordable housing, higher education, Chicago Public Schools, and how state lawmakers will manage the looming social service and Medicaid cuts coming our way from Washington.
Much gratitude for the invitation—see you again soon!
We can’t forget about our little constituents! Big thanks to Dr. Marburger and Mr. Lopez’s first-grade class at Nettelhorst for inviting us to talk about public service and leadership.
In the midst of a busy month in Springfield, Governor Pritzker hosted a wonderful Passover Seder for fellow legislators, friends and family.
Representatives of the Illinois Arts Council stopped by the Springfield office to advocate for our diverse, inspiring, essential Illinois creative industry.
State Senator Sara Feigenholtz | 3223 N. Sheffield Ave Suite A | Chicago, IL 60657 US
