Fine releases statement on the passing of Samuel Harris

GLENVIEW – State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) issued the following statement on the passing of Illinois Holocaust Museum President Emeritus Samuel Harris:

“I am heartbroken by the passing of Samuel Harris, a truly extraordinary man whose life and legacy have left an incredible mark on our community.

“Sam was not only a Holocaust survivor, but a teacher, a mentor and a friend to so many of us across the North Shore. I feel incredibly fortunate to have known him and to have witnessed firsthand his unwavering commitment to educating others and standing up to hate. Every time Sam shared his story, he reminded us of both the fragility of humanity and the strength of the human spirit.

Read more: Fine releases statement on the passing of Samuel Harris

Fine condemns antisemitic attack against Michigan synagogue

GLENVIEW –Standing with Jewish communities and condemning the rise of antisemitism in the U.S., State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) released the following statement:

“An attack on the Jewish community is an attack on all of us and the values we share as Americans. Condemning antisemitism must go beyond words. It means educating future generations, supporting community and national security efforts and ensuring that law enforcement has the resources needed to prevent and respond to hate crimes.  

 “We must stand together against antisemitism and all forms of hate. In Illinois, we have invested more than $50 million in nonprofit security grants to help protect our religious institutions and community centers, providing critical support for security upgrades, training, and preparedness. I will continue working to ensure that every house of worship and every community has the resources needed to keep their families safe.”

Fine releases statement following FY27 budget proposal

SPRINGFIELD – After the governor’s budget proposal, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) released the following statement:

“The Trump Administration has targeted Illinois time and again, threatening to withhold essential funding for services our communities need. Whether this is funding for public health grants, energy projects or health care – every corner of our lives is under attack.

“Today it became even more clear that Illinois won’t back down. We are prioritizing opportunities for our youth, ensuring working-class families aren’t struggling to make ends meet, and investing into the future of our communities so businesses and neighbors can thrive.

Read more: Fine releases statement following FY27 budget proposal

Fine highlights plan to restrict hiring of ICE agents

SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Senator Laura Fine called a press conference on Wednesday to outline crucial legislation that would protect families and curb ICE intimidation by preventing newly hired ICE agents from serving as law enforcement officers in Illinois.

“Police officers occupy positions of public trust. Given widespread concern over ICE’s violent tactics, allowing current ICE agents to police local communities undermines that trust and should be prohibited,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “My district is one of many communities across the state that has repeatedly voiced concerns about increased ICE activity in our neighborhoods, schools, shopping centers and public spaces, and it’s time we take action against threats to public safety.”

The Prohibited Hiring of Federal Immigration Officers Act would prohibit police departments in Illinois from hiring anyone who was employed by ICE as a federal immigration officer between Jan. 20, 2025 and Jan. 20, 2029 as a law enforcement officer.

Read more: Fine highlights plan to restrict hiring of ICE agents