Press Releases

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine announced 14 public libraries and school districts across the 9th Senate District are set to receive more than $322,000 for library services, enhanced programming and construction and security upgrades.

“Libraries are essential community spaces that open doors to knowledge, opportunity and lifelong learning,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “By supporting our libraries, we are strengthening educational opportunities, expanding access to critical resources, and ensuring every family has the tools they need to succeed.”

More than $27 million was awarded to over 640 public libraries and 2,500 school libraries statewide through the Illinois Secretary of State’s Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants, Security and Construction Grants and School Library Grants. The funding will support libraries’ investments in reading materials, technology, literacy programs, infrastructure improvements and security upgrades. School library grants, awarded once every fiscal year, will support student learning and literacy from kindergarten through 12th grade.

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation championed by State Senator Laura Fine to require clear ingredient labeling on diaper packaging has been signed into law, ensuring parents and caregivers have straightforward, reliable information about the products their children use every day.

“Families should have easy access to information about the products their children rely on,” said Fine (D‑Glenview). “By requiring ingredient disclosure on diaper packaging, this law gives parents greater confidence and helps them make choices that are right for their children.”

Concerns from parents, caregivers, and individuals with sensitivities to fragrances and other chemicals highlighted a gap in consumer information surrounding diaper products. While adults using medical-device-classified diapers are afforded certain ingredient disclosure protections under federal regulations, infant and children’s diapers have not been subject to the same transparency standards.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine is highlighting key investments in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget that will strengthen public education, expand access to health care, support local governments, and create greater opportunities for students and families across Illinois.

“Strong schools, accessible health care, and vibrant local communities are the foundation of a thriving Illinois,” said Fine (D‑Glenview). “This budget makes meaningful, targeted investments in each of these areas while maintaining our commitment to fiscal responsibility and long‑term stability.”

The FY27 budget continues Illinois’ commitment to the evidence‑based funding model for K–12 schools - a critical tool to ensure every student has access to a high‑quality education regardless of ZIP code. This helps districts meet student needs, reduce inequities, and ease the burden on local taxpayers.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine is urging Illinois public safety agencies and community partners to take stronger, more coordinated action to address impaired driving, extreme reckless driving, dangerous social‑media‑driven stunts, and the deadly practice known as “ghosting.”

“The loss of life caused by reckless and impaired driving is not just tragic — it is shattering,” said Fine (D‑Glenview). “Behind every statistic is a family whose world has been changed forever. This resolution is a call to confront the most dangerous driving behaviors with the seriousness they demand, and to do everything in our power to prevent another family from experiencing this kind of heartbreak.”

Senate Resolution 816 urges the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Secretary of State, Illinois State Police, local law enforcement, prosecutors, traffic safety organizations and other public safety stakeholders to examine ways to strengthen Illinois’ response to the most extreme and life‑threatening driving conduct. The resolution encourages continued consideration of legislative and policy reforms related to excessive speeding, driving on shoulders or other prohibited areas, operating a vehicle without headlights at night, recording or promoting dangerous driving on social media, and impaired driving that results in catastrophic injury or loss of life.