Advertise on podcast: Sound of the State

Early detection can make a lifesaving difference in the fight against breast cancer. State Senator Adriane Johnson joins Sound of the State to discuss legislation expanding access to mammograms and other diagnostic screenings, the disparities some women face in receiving care, and why she encourages everyone to take an active role in monitoring their health.

State Senator Lakesia Collins joins the Sound of the State to discuss Illinois' efforts to improve maternal health outcomes. From expanded postpartum coverage and access to doulas to addressing racial disparities and maternal mortality, Collins examines the progress made, the challenges that remain, and what lawmakers can do next to ensure healthier outcomes for mothers and babies.

State Senator Cristina Castro joins the podcast to discuss new protections for immigrant children and a law that will keep social media and other digital distractions out of the classroom. The conversation dives into what inspired both laws, the issues both laws address and why these key measures were priorities. This episode also explores what Senator Castro is looking forward to in the final months of 2026 as the fall legislative session approaches.

Today’s parents face an ever-changing world of social media algorithms designed to keep children scrolling. State Senator Willie Preston discusses the Children’s Online Social Media Safety Act, recently signed into law to provide age verification, notification limits, privacy protections and put parents back in control.

State Senator Javier Cervantes discusses efforts to make higher education more accessible for Illinois students, including his partnership with Hope Chicago and legislation giving students dedicated time and assistance to complete the FAFSA, as well as the importance of continued investment in education.

Could a solar panel on a balcony, patio or yard help Illinois residents lower their electricity bills? State Senator Rachel Ventura joins the Sound of the State to explain plug-in solar, who could benefit from it, and how her legislation would establish safety standards while expanding access to renewable energy.

In this edition of the Majority Report, Illinois takes a national lead on AI safety with landmark transparency and accountability standards, and new laws make it easier for patients to access hospital financial assistance and protect homeowners from medical debt.

Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus react as the budget, revenue package, and other items are signed into law for the upcoming fiscal year beginning on July 1st.

Why has housing become one of the biggest affordability issues facing Illinois families? In this episode, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus discuss a new legislative package focused on expanding housing supply, reducing barriers to development, protecting renters, and addressing the growing role of private equity in the housing market.

Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus are advancing a sweeping package of artificial intelligence regulations aimed at consumer protection, classroom oversight, housing fairness, and public safety. This episode examines proposed guardrails for major AI developers, legislation restricting AI use in grading student work, efforts to prevent algorithm-driven rent price fixing, and new protections for reproductive health data privacy in Illinois.

Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus advanced several consumer protection and civil rights measures on Wednesday, including legislation targeting hidden “junk” fees, protecting customers’ rights to cash refunds, and ensuring businesses continue accepting cash payments. Lawmakers also moved forward with a proposal aimed at strengthening Illinois’ ability to challenge policies with discriminatory impacts under the state’s Human Rights Act.

In this edition of the News Brief, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus are pushing forward on several major issues as the legislative session begins to wind down - from advocating for HIV prevention and treatment funding, to strengthening protections for survivors of sexual assault, improving language access for deaf and hard of hearing children, and streamlining dental insurance reimbursements for providers.

Illinois lawmakers are advancing a wide-ranging slate of legislation focused on child welfare protections, student health, consumer accessibility and student loan transparency. In this edition of the News Brief, learn more about proposals from State Senators Celina Villanueva, Adriane Johnson, Laura Ellman and Mike Halpin, and what each measure could mean for Illinois families, students and consumers.

State lawmakers are advancing a series of measures aimed at protecting Illinois consumers from rising insurance costs and quality-of-life impacts tied to major infrastructure growth. Senators Michael Hastings, Ram Villivalam, and Laura Murphy passed measures through the Senate addressing homeowners and auto insurance rate hikes, transparency and oversight, defensive driving incentives for seniors, and expanded sound insulation eligibility for residents near O’Hare and Midway airports.

What happens when technology evolves faster than the rules to govern it?   In this episode, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus introduce a wide-ranging package of legislation targeting AI and issues affecting daily life. From chat bot transparency and ticket buying bots to housing algorithms, student and consumer privacy, and mental health safeguards, Illinois is looking to balance innovation with consumer protection in the AI age.