FRANKFORT– In response to Exelon’s decision that it is closing two nuclear power plants, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort), who chairs the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee, released the following statement:

“It’s truly unfortunate that Exelon has announced two plant closures during the middle of a pandemic. The negative economic impact of these closures cannot be understated.

DEERFIELD — In response to a recent U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study that found half of Illinois high school students reported using an electronic tobacco product last year, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) released the following statement:

“Vaping and e-cigarette-related deaths and illnesses have become a nationwide outbreak that no user is immune to — no matter how young they are.

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced Monday the opening of two new Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, which play a critical role in providing businesses with support needed to enter the world of government contracting. State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is celebrating the opportunities the centers will bring to the Southside.

“The world of government contracting can be difficult to break into, especially for minority business owners,” Hunter said. “The implementation of these new procurement centers will play a crucial part in equipping businesses with the support necessary to tap into this market."

CHICAGO – State Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins (D-Chicago) released the following statement Monday commending Attorney General Kwame Y. Raoul for challenging the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s rule that exempts buyers of high-interest loans from state interest-rate caps.

“Illinois has worked diligently for years to ensure our residents aren’t victims of predatory lenders that target low-income and minority residents. Lenders should not be able to take advantage of our state’s most vulnerable consumers.

“The FDIC’s rule is just another attempt to allow predatory lenders to profit at the expense of the people who can least afford it. I thank Attorney General Raoul for his effort to overturn it.”