Van Pelt excited for new vaccination site

CHICAGO – State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) is excited thousands of people will be able to receive their COVID-19 dose at the United Center starting next month.

“I am excited that the United Center, which falls in the district I represent, will be home to a new mass vaccination site,” Van Pelt said. “Thousands of people will have access to this site, which will help increase the efficiency of the vaccine distribution in underprivileged areas like the ones I represent.”

The implementation of this site – which was announced by the governor Friday – is a joint collaboration with state, local and federal officials, and will open for 1B+ vaccinations starting March 10.

Read more: Van Pelt excited for new vaccination site

Cunningham encourages local business owners to take advantage of PPP changes

CHICAGO – State Senator Bill Cunningham wants to make sure local entrepreneurs are aware of recent changes to the federal Paycheck Protection Program, meant to make the program more accessible to smaller businesses.

“The PPP program has been a great opportunity that has helped many of our local small businesses stay afloat, but it was hard to access for some of our smallest business owners,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the southwest suburbs. “If you looked into the program before but decided you didn’t qualify or wouldn’t be able to fill out the paperwork, it’s worth looking again after the recent changes.”

Read more: Cunningham encourages local business owners to take advantage of PPP changes

Belt announces a $1.5 million project for East St. Louis

Centreville – With the State’s Rebuild Illinois program in full swing, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) announced a $1.5 million shovel-ready construction project in downtown East St. Louis on Thursday.

“I’m pleased that the State is prioritizing the revitalization of historic landmarks in our community, like the Broadview Hotel,” Belt said. “This project will create hundreds of jobs downtown and will provide new and affordable housing and development to a city in need of investment in local infrastructure.”

Part of the statewide construction program that will support new development across Illinois, the project is set to renovate the historic former Broadview Hotel in downtown East St. Louis, to create transit-oriented affordable housing and commercial development.

Read more: Belt announces a $1.5 million project for East St. Louis

Bennett and cancer advocates attend prescription drug town hall

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) joined cancer survivors, caregivers and advocates at a virtual town hall Wednesday to discuss the need to limit co-pays and other cost-sharing requirements for prescription drugs.

Out-of-pocket health care costs are on the rise, with some Illinoisans unable to access the life-saving treatments and medications recommended by their providers. In 2021 alone, the American Cancer Society predicts that 74,980 Illinoisans will be diagnosed with cancer. Every Illinoisan with cancer—even those with good insurance plans—will face high out-of-pocket costs that make it harder for patients to afford their prescribed medication.

Read more: Bennett and cancer advocates attend prescription drug town hall