Van Pelt encourages Illinoisans over 16 to get vaccine to prevent resurgence in COVID-19 infections

CHICAGO – The state is expecting to receive 1 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine from the federal government this week, and State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago), chair of the Senate Healthcare Access and Availability Committee, is encouraging Illinoisans over the age of 16 to get their shot as eligibility expands across the state.

“Now is the ideal time to get vaccinated if you haven’t already,” Van Pelt said. “As supplies of the vaccine increase and appointments become available, all who are eligible should make an appointment to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”

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Villanueva encourages suburban residents to apply for rent assistance program

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) encouraged suburban residents of Cook County to catch up on past rent with the Emergency Rental Assistance Program after the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) extended a nationwide moratorium on evictions.

“Even though evictions are halted, rent is still due for working families,” Villanueva said. “Assistance is available to families struggling to make ends meet during the pandemic.”

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program can cover up to 12 months of missed rent and utilities and up to three months of future rent payments. Applicants must live in Suburban Cook County and meet income requirements. Applications close April 2, 2021.

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Hastings: Legislation provides path for Illinois workers to transition to clean energy economy

Frankfort, Ill. — State Sen. Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort), chair of the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee, today announced legislation that would put hundreds of thousands of union laborers to work building a 100 percent clean energy economy in Illinois. The newly filed Climate Union Jobs Act (CUJA), which was crafted in partnership with labor coalition Climate Jobs Illinois (CJI), would create and save an estimated 280,000 jobs and provide over $150 million annually in rate relief to low-income families. 

“We have outlined how Illinois can move forward with working people building our state’s clean energy future. We should turn this plan into action to solve some of our state’s biggest challenges today,” said State Sen. Hastings.

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Durbin, State Senators advocate for gun violence prevention package

CHICAGO – State Senators Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago), Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) and Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) were joined by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and gun violence survivors this morning to advocate for the passage of critical gun safety legislation.

“We are here not only because of recent shootings, but because of what has been allowed to continue in our communities for decades,” Villivalam said. “We must take bold action now to keep our communities safe. Our legislation provides solutions that would have prevented recent mass tragedies in the state of Illinois.”

Two pieces of legislation have been filed to curb gun violence, House Bill 3245 and Senate Bill 568. Both would require background checks for all gun sales, collect fingerprints from FOID card applicants, would enable the Illinois State Police to reduce illegal gun purchases and the state to dedicate mental health funding for communities most affected by gun violence.

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