CHICAGO – Vehicle emission testing sites are on track to return to Chicago thanks to a measure fought for by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) that was signed into law Friday.
“The former administration made a shortsighted, unilateral decision to close all four vehicle emissions testing sites that were located within the city limits of Chicago,” Feigenholtz said. “With a population of 2.8 million people, the City of Chicago should have more accessible testing stations within the city.”
The new law requires the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to submit a plan by Oct. 1, 2022 to open vehicle emission testing sites in Chicago. Four vehicle emissions testing sites in Chicago were closed in 2016, leaving drivers in the lurch and forcing them to travel to the suburbs. The plan will consist of either a pilot program or permanent replacement program and a timeline of actions to implement the plan.
Read more: New Feigenholtz law brings Chicago one step closer to restoring emission testing sites
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – Fifty businesses in the Northwest Suburbs were awarded a total of $1.9 million in funding from the Back to Business program thanks to advocacy and support from State Senator Ann Gillespie.
“Our small business community demonstrated remarkable resilience during the past few years, many finding creative ways to keep their doors open during the pandemic,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “Local businesses are deserving of this funding to continue getting back on their feet after these unprecedented times.”
A total of $1.9 million was awarded to 50 businesses in the 27th District. The B2B grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget.
Read more: Northwest Suburban businesses receive $1.9 million with strong support from Gillespie
EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt announced the opening of a kiosk in the Illinois State Police District 11 headquarters located in Collinsville to help Metro East residents apply and update their Firearm Owners Identification card and Concealed Carry License.
“The General Assembly, along with the Illinois State Police, has worked to better the FOID and CCL process for people,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “The application backlogs have been eliminated, lessening the time applicants have to wait for their cards.”
The Illinois State Police opened its fourth FOID Kiosk to help people apply for and update their FOID card and CCL. The Metro East now has a kiosk located in District 11 headquarters to assist individuals without access to online devices or who are experiencing difficulties online. Illinois residents can visit one of four kiosks across the state to receive one-on-one assistance.
Read more: Belt urges Metro East residents to take advantage of new FOID, CCL kiosk
CHICAGO – Over 100 businesses on the Southwest Side and Southwest Suburbs were awarded more than $3.2 million in funding from the Back to Business program thanks to advocacy and support from State Senator Bill Cunningham, and State Representatives Fran Hurley and Kelly Burke.
“After passing a fiscally responsible budget, I am thrilled to see new investment in our small business community,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the southwest suburbs.
A total of $3.21 million was awarded to 106 businesses in the 18th Senate District. The B2B grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget.
Read more: Southwest Side and Southwest Suburban small businesses receive $3.2 million
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