Hastings: Don’t forget to support our local business this holiday season

FRANKFORT – State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) is reminding the residents of the fighting 19^th District to support local businesses this holiday season.

As families kick off their shopping this year, Hastings urges people to frequent local businesses on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 27.

“When you support local businesses you are investing directly in our communities,” Hastings said. “These local dollars are going toward creating jobs for our friends and neighbors, and improving our roads, streets and bridges.

Read more: Hastings: Don’t forget to support our local business this holiday season

Loughran Cappel urges residents to buy, think and shop local this holiday season

PLAINFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is urging Will and Kendall County residents to shop, think and buy local this holiday season.

As families kick off their shopping this year, Loughran Cappel is reminding residents to frequent local businesses on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 27.

“Successful local businesses generate endless opportunities to grow and develop our local economy,” Loughran Cappel said. “Our entrepreneurs make investments in our communities every day, now it is our time to invest in them.”

Read more: Loughran Cappel urges residents to buy, think and shop local this holiday season

Illinois Senate Democrats encourage renters, landlords to apply for financial assistance

Renters and landlords experiencing pandemic-related financial hardships will be able to apply for help through the Illinois Housing Development Authority early next month.

In the first round of the Illinois Rental Payment program that was launched in May, the Illinois Housing Development Authority reviewed all completed applications, approved more than 57,000 applications and paid out nearly $540 million on behalf of renters experiencing pandemic-related hardships. Since 2020, the state has provided over $776 million in emergency rental assistance to help keep more than 103,100 Illinois seniors, families and others safely housed.

Read more: Illinois Senate Democrats encourage renters, landlords to apply for financial assistance

Castro welcomes new program to help Illinois minority businesses to Elgin

ELGIN –State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) recently attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand opening of the new Illinois Minority Business Development Agency Businesses Center, a flagship location to help connect small businesses to resources that can help them thrive.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has only broadened the existing challenges minority-owned businesses face when it comes to things like procurement and growing their markets,” Castro said. “It’s exciting to see Elgin become a hub for development with the opening of this new MBDA office.”

Read more: Castro welcomes new program to help Illinois minority businesses to Elgin