PODCAST

Sound of the State

Illinois Senate Democrats

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

news politics

All Episodes

8:41

Every Baby Needs a Village: Championing Black...

Sound of the State ·

2026/04/10

State Senator Doris Turner, Dr. Gina Lathan and Dr. Erica Austin have teamed up to host an event – Every Baby Needs a Village – in an effort to bring resources, products, information and more to new or expecting mothers in recognition of Black Maternal Health Week.

6:10

News Brief - March 27, 2026

Sound of the State ·

2026/03/27

In this edition of the News Brief, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus call for expanding access to plug-in solar for renters and homeowners, restricting nicotine sales near schools to protect kids, and increasing financial support for first-time farmers facing rising costs and barriers to entry.

5:39

News Brief - March 26, 2026

Sound of the State ·

2026/03/26

In this edition of the News Brief, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus take on key issues including advocating for neurodiverse populations, expanding protections for injured correctional officers, and pushing to strengthen HIV/AIDS funding amid federal cuts — all aimed at improving care, safety and equity statewide.

15:21

Senate Democrats Respond to Governor Pritzker's...

Sound of the State ·

2026/02/20

Governor JB Pritzker’s budget proposal marks the beginning of negotiations in Springfield. In this episode, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus share their perspectives on affordability, early childhood investment, public safety, education and health care — and what they believe must remain central as lawmakers craft a responsible, balanced budget.

23:33

Closing the Gap: Policy, Progress, and Black Health...

Sound of the State ·

2026/02/19

In recognition of Black History Month, this episode centers the urgent conversation around health equity in Black communities. Leader Mattie Hunter, Senator Doris Turner and Senator Lakesia Collins discuss the legacy of disparities in care, the progress being made through policy and advocacy and the work still ahead to ensure every family has access to quality, affordable health care. Because health justice is racial justice.

9:31

Senator Michael Hastings Details Efforts to Increase...

Sound of the State ·

2026/01/20

Senator Michael E. Hastings joins the podcast for a conversation about House Bill 3799 – homeowners insurance legislation designed to strengthen oversight, improve transparency and rebuild trust between consumers and insurers.

5:49

News Brief - January 14, 2026

Sound of the State ·

2026/01/14

This edition of the News Brief highlights a new energy law projected to save households billions by expanding renewables and battery storage. As the 2026 legislative session begins, new legislation is being introduced, including an effort to stop predatory property tax sales and protect home equity, along with a proposal to expand opioid treatment and screening in state prisons to reduce overdoses and recidivism.

7:56

Senator Cristina Castro: Advocating for Fair Wages...

Sound of the State ·

2026/01/07

On this episode of Sound of the State, State Senator Cristina Castro discusses the Dignity in Pay Act, sharing her personal connection to the long struggle to ensure equity in pay for workers with disabilities, and how this legislation will enshrine and bolster opportunities for economic independence for workers.

7:48

Interesting New Laws in Illinois in 2026

Sound of the State ·

2026/01/01

2026 is here, and with a new year comes new laws that will affect families in all corners of Illinois.More than 250 new laws take effect this year – from one that bans discriminatory AI in the workplace to another that enhances missing persons investigations. In this episode, learn about ten of the new laws taking effect in 2026.

19:23

Inside Illinois’ Fight for Reproductive Rights with...

Sound of the State ·

2025/12/05

From deceptive crisis pregnancy centers to efforts from other states to weaponize digital data, Senator Celina Villanueva details the challenges surrounding reproductive care — and how Illinois is pushing back through landmark legislation designed to safeguard personal freedom and privacy.

8:01

Why Journalists Matter: Senator Steve Stadelman on...

Sound of the State ·

2025/12/04

From newsroom intimidation to national security transparency, Senator Steve Stadelman shares candid insights on the real-world pressure journalists face — and how Illinois’ new protections aim to defend the public’s right to know.

9:57

Senator Cristina Castro Discusses Efforts to Support...

Sound of the State ·

2025/11/19

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

8:15

Majority Report - November 17, 2025

Sound of the State ·

2025/11/17

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

4:40

News Brief - November 14, 2025

Sound of the State ·

2025/11/14

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

7:14

News Brief - November 13, 2025

Sound of the State ·

2025/11/13

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

11:23

Senator Meg Loughran Cappel Discusses the Impact of...

Sound of the State ·

2025/11/12

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

6:40

Majority Report - November 10, 2025

Sound of the State ·

2025/11/10

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

4:02

Majority Report - October 27, 2025

Sound of the State ·

2025/10/27

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.

9:27

Recognizing International Day of Climate Action with...

Sound of the State ·

2025/10/24

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.

7:23

A Conversation on Head Start Awareness Month with...

Sound of the State ·

2025/10/15

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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