Feigenholtz partners with dentists of Illinois Masonic for a new mobile van

CHICAGO – To expand access to dental care, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) joined the dental team at Illinois Masonic hospital at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new mobile dentistry van. Feigenholtz successfully fought for funding in the state budget to make the new van a reality.

“Oral hygiene and dental health is an important part of a person’s health care, but often is overlooked,” Feigenholtz said. “Dental visits are often expensive and not always covered by insurance. This new mobile unit will provide comprehensive and affordable dental care to adults and children that have traditionally experienced barriers to care.”

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Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission checks in on state COVID-19 relief programs

SPRINGFIELD – The bipartisan, bicameral Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission livestreamed Tuesday’s meeting to discuss relief programs administered by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

“The RICC was initiated as a mechanism for the governor and his administration to inform the General Assembly of their actions in relation to COVID-19,” said State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines), the Senate co-chair of the commission. “The commission has been engaging with state agencies since July to provide feedback on the state’s COVID-19 recovery plan, and we decided it’s time for the public to get the opportunity to view these discussions as well.”

At Tuesday’s meeting, Assistant DCEO Director Michael Negron gave an overview of the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) and Local Coronavirus Urgent Remediation Emergency (Local CURE) programs, which provide pandemic relief aid to small businesses and local governments, respectively.

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Senate Democrats renew support for Harmon as Senate President

ZOOM — Oak Park Democrat Don Harmon has the support of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus to be Illinois Senate President in the 102nd General Assembly.

“I am honored and humbled to have the support of my colleagues to serve as president of the Illinois Senate. We have a fantastically talented collection of Senate Democrats who are ready to make their mark, solve problems and lead Illinois through an upcoming year that will be filled with both challenges and accomplishments,” Harmon said after the vote.

Senate Democrats caucused virtually Thursday regarding the upcoming session.

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Peters outlines goals as new Senate Black Caucus Chair

CHICAGO – At a meeting of the Illinois Senate Black Caucus earlier this week, State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) was unanimously elected by his colleagues as the new caucus chair.

“I am honored and humbled to have been elected by my colleagues as the new chair of the Senate Black Caucus, and I want to thank them for trusting me with this important position,” Peters said. “The list of issues facing Black communities in our state is long and relentless, and I am excited to lead our caucus as we fight to win real safety and justice.”

Peters takes over as chair following a tumultuous summer, during which the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others by police sparked a nationwide movement of protests against police brutality and systemic racism.

Read more: Peters outlines goals as new Senate Black Caucus Chair