Over $57 million invested in road improvements thanks to Toro support

CHICAGO — A lifelong resident of the 20^th District, State Senator Natalie Toro is excited to announce the Illinois Department of Transportation is investing over $57 million in road and bridge improvements in the local community.  

“Our neighborhood’s infrastructure has needed improvements over years of aging and usage,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “These investments will help modernize and repair damaged parts of our roads and bridges, making these modes of travel safer for years to come.”

The district Toro represents will see seven infrastructure projects totaling more than $57 million next year as part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois.

IDOT’s Multi-Year Plan is a $40 billion investment in construction projects over the next six fiscal years. These funds go to improvements across many modes of transportation, including roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

“The Kennedy Expressway and Milwaukee Avenue are important connectors for our community on the Northwest Side. Like many of my constituents, I rely on these roadways daily for transit, and am excited for their modernization,” said Toro.

For a full list of projects coming to the 20^th Senate District, click here.

• Infrastructure
• 20th District
• In District
• Chicago
• District Improvements

Teen Summer DMV Saturdays available through Secretary of State's office

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is launching the office’s FIRST EVER Teen Summer DMV Program, dedicating DMV services exclusively to teen drivers on Saturdays during the summer! The Teen Summer DMVs are located throughout Chicago West will be open on Saturdays from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm until August 31.

Parents and teens can call (800) 252-8980 to schedule an appointment.

Toro votes to pass budget that invests in early childhood, disability services

SPRINGFIELD —After lengthy budget negotiations, State Senator Natalie Toro was pleased to vote for the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget – which will deliver on investments to early childhood education, the child tax credit, and disability services.

“Financial barriers to early childhood education can set kids back years in their educational development—something I witnessed firsthand as a former kindergarten teacher with students who struggled to catch up to their peers,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “All children in Illinois deserve access to high-quality early childhood education, and these initiatives will make these fundamental building blocks more accessible.”

The proposed budget includes $14 million to the Department of Early Childhood, and $4.3 million to support the Dolly Parton Imagination Library early childhood literacy program. It also includes $50 million for a child tax credit to help working families with children under the age of three.

Additionally, the proposed budget provides pay raises for direct service providers and funds the Home Services Program, allocating additional funds to support growing caseloads. As a proud advocate for people with disabilities, Senator Toro is hopeful these investments will have a positive impact on Illinoisans with disabilities and their caregivers.

“People with disabilities deserve to be treated with dignity, and that includes having support from a robust staff at developmental centers that can help meet their needs,” said Toro. “I am proud to support a budget that priorities the care and safety of people with disabilities with these investments, and its support for direct service providers.”

The Fiscal Year 2025 budget passed the Senate Sunday.

• Early Childhood Development
• Budget
• Disability Justice

Toro legislation prohibiting discrimination in the workplace clears Senate

SPRINGFIELD — Legislation prohibiting employer discrimination based on family obligations has passed the Senate and is one step closer to becoming law, thanks to efforts from State Senator Natalie Toro.

“Why should employees be punished for their family responsibilities if they have demonstrated that they do not impact their work performance?” said Toro (D-Chicago). “Working parents and family caregivers deserve to be treated the same as their colleagues without family responsibilities, especially when employers are making hiring decisions. I am glad this measure will protect employees from unfair treatment and empower people with family responsibilities to achieve success in their careers.”

Under current law, workplace discrimination based on gender, race, sexuality and other characteristics is prohibited, but does not explicitly protect people with family obligations. Family obligations include providing care for a family member, such as young children, older adults and people with disabilities. This means that prospective employees with children can currently be passed up for job opportunities in favor of applicants without children or family caregiving obligations because caregivers are an unprotected class.

• Human Rights
• Working families

Read more: Toro legislation prohibiting discrimination in the workplace clears Senate