Murphy calls hearing to evaluate fairness, efficiency of BIG program

WHO: Senate Commerce Committee and representatives from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
WHAT: Subject matter hearing on the Business Interruption Grant program
WHERE: The virtual hearing can be viewed here. Blue Room Stream, a subscription-based service, will also stream the hearing.
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 11 at 9:30 a.m.

Read more: Murphy calls hearing to evaluate fairness, efficiency of BIG program

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.”

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

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."