PLAINFIELD — State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (D-Shorewood) said Friday she supports Gov. JB Pritzker’s decision to close in-person classes for the rest of the school year as a way to keep children and families safe from COVID-19.

“The decision made by our governor Friday afternoon to close schools for the rest of the academic year is best for the safety and health of our community and all of Illinois,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “Thanks to the hard work and support from our teachers, students will continue education through e-learning and other at-home programs.”

Pritzker announced Friday afternoon that schools across Illinois will remain closed for in-person classes for the rest of the academic year due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

SPRINGFIELD – In the wake of an increase in COVID-19 tragedies, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) reminds low-income families that the Department of Human Services offers support for funeral and burial costs.

“My heart goes out to those who have lost a family member or loved one during this tragic time,” Lightford said. “I continue to stress that those who are healthy need to stay home to protect our healthcare workers, essential workers and most vulnerable people.”

JOLIET — To help the many people who will need it during the pandemic, State Senator Pat McGuire, D-Crest Hill, urged residents to donate blood, bone marrow and organs during April, which is National Donate Life Month.

“The pandemic is a cruel double whammy,” McGuire said. “Patients need blood now, and those who survive might need organs later in life due to the virus' damage to the body. People need donated blood and organs for lots of other medical conditions, too.”

ROCKFORD – A law passed by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) could be used to ease the pain for businesses and employees during the tough economic times caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It will also allow Illinois to take advantage of millions of dollars in federal funding designed to reimburse states for their work share programs. However, former Gov. Bruce Rauner’s administration never wrote the rules needed to implement the law.

The law changed how unemployment benefits are paid in Illinois, potentially reducing layoffs and improving state finances. It created "work-share" benefits, which are meant to assist struggling employers, allowing them to temporarily reduce employee hours rather than lay off workers. At the same time, workers can collect partial unemployment compensation while staying on the job part-time. This program would also help the state save money by not having to pay full benefits for employees drawing from unemployment.