Senate Democrats celebrate significant payment toward unemployment insurance loan

CHICAGO – Illinois Senate Democrats celebrated the Illinois Department of Unemployment Security’s announcement of a $450 million payment towards the remaining $1.8 billion borrowed from the state’s unemployment trust fund.

“Paying down this debt continues to strengthen our fiscal security, adding to the benefits the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund is seeing from historic low unemployment,” said State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora). “The fund now has a $1.2 billion surplus due to fewer claims, making it very practical to pay back the borrowed funds. It’s another great step in our state’s record of continuous financial improvements of the past few years.”

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Senate Democrats support new University of Illinois DPI headquarters and apprenticeship partnership

CHICAGO – Today Senate Democrats spoke out in support of the final design of the new headquarters for the University of Illinois Discovery Partners Institute in Chicago and apprenticeship partnership programs planned for the institute.

Within the next five years, the Chicago/Skills apprenticeship program will provide as many as 2,500 individuals with tuition free technology training along with paid apprenticeship opportunities, focusing on diverse apprentices. CVS has committed to hiring 200 successful participants of the program every year for the next three years.

“The Chicago/Skills apprenticeship program is a much-needed investment for our communities,” said Senator Tony Munoz (D-Chicago). “Oftentimes people don’t have the means to gain the skills needed to find a job in the labor force. This apprenticeship program will give more people the training they need to be successful.”

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Joyce encourages residents to apply for early childhood scholarship opportunity

ESSEX – State Senator Patrick Joyce is encouraging early childhood education workers who want to pursue additional credentials or earn a degree in early childhood education to apply for a scholarship opportunity.

“Illinois is currently experiencing a shortage of early childhood educators in school districts all around the state,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Being an educator is a very impactful career. I strongly encourage residents to consider applying for this grant program.”

While the initial deadline for the 2022-23 scholarship has passed, the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Scholarship Program and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission is encouraging individuals to apply. After other financial aid is received, the ECACE can cover up to the total cost of an awardee’s attendance at select schools – including tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies. Recipients of the scholarship are expected to continue or return to teaching early childhood care and education in Illinois after their study is completed.

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Senator Martwick, Workplace Rights Bureau team up for Worker Protection Education Session

CHICAGO —State Senator Robert Martwick is teaming up with the Illinois Attorney General’s Workplace Rights Bureau to hold an educational session to teach Illinois workers about how they can ensure their rights are protected.

“It’s vital for workers to know that they have rights, and to learn more about organizations that are in their corner,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). ”Through this educational opportunity, people can learn more about how to ensure their workplace is practicing ethical standards.”

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