Labor Committee Chair Holmes to hold Senate hearing on status of IDES issues

AURORA – Senator Linda Holmes will lead a subject matter hearing in the Senate Labor Committee this week to learn about the status of several Unemployment Insurance issues plaguing the Illinois Department of Employment Security in the last year. Their handling of an unprecedented flood of claims in the last year, when more than 1 million Illinoisans lost their jobs, overwhelmed the department.

“Our working group on this major issue has been investigating this since shortly after the pandemic began,” Committee Chair Holmes said. “We’ve had input from colleagues and the hundreds of constituents who’ve contacted us about their difficulties getting payments, navigating the website or getting a call back from IDES.”

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Morrison schedules Senate hearing on vaccine rollout, featuring Dr. Ezike

SPRINGFIELD – As COVID-19 vaccine distribution continues, Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) and her colleagues have fielded hundreds of questions and concerns from people across the state about the rollout, leading her to schedule a hearing to help get to the bottom of the confusing process and call for a more comprehensive and timely plan.

“The COVID-19 vaccine is the greatest line of defense we have against the pandemic,” Morrison said. “Unfortunately, many people across the state who are eligible for the vaccine haven’t been able to get their dose – and that’s disheartening. I hope this hearing will lead us toward a path of greater efficiency.” 

Read more: Morrison schedules Senate hearing on vaccine rollout, featuring Dr. Ezike

President Harmon statement on death of Karen Lewis

SPRINGFIELD — Senate President Don Harmon issued the following statement on the passing of Karen Lewis.

"I cherished Karen’s friendship and mentorship and will always be better for it. She was an amazing person, devoted teacher, champion of the professional educator and skilled leader. She was one of a kind, dedicated to her core to challenging and changing lives and communities. We are indebted to her service and leadership, for which she will be remembered and forever missed."

Senators collect valentines for older adults

Many older adults have been isolated from their loved ones for nearly a year due to the ongoing public health crisis. To show people living in long-term care facilities that people are thinking about them, a number of democratic senators are collecting Valentine’s Day card from their respective communities.

“Whether the cards are bought in a store or made from paper and markers, many older residents could use an extra reminder that they are cared for,” said State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport).

From now until Feb. 10, Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign), Senator John Connor (D-Lockport), Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon), Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs), Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) and Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) will be collecting store-bought and hand-made cards. The cards will then be donated to a number of long-term care facilities across the districts they represent.

Read more: Senators collect valentines for older adults