Illinois Senate Progressive Caucus: We will not stand for hate, bigotry or racism

CHICAGO – Members of the executive leadership of the Illinois Senate Progressive Caucus are standing together to denounce hateful action taken by the new federal administration.

"Attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion are direct assaults on the very communities that form the backbone of our state," said Progressive Caucus Co-Chair Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). "History has taught us a painful lesson: when they target one group, they threaten us all. What will begin with migrants will extend to the Black community, to women, and to countless others who have built the foundation of Illinois.”

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Sims and Villanueva announce applications open for small business grant program

CHICAGO – Illinois Senate Democrats recently joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to announce $10 million in funding for the Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program. This initiative aims to help small businesses achieve sustainable growth, improve efficiency, and create and retain jobs through capital improvements.

"Programs like the OE3 grant are critical because they prioritize equity and uplift businesses that have been left behind for far too long,” said State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). “By providing these resources, we’re not just supporting businesses — we’re fostering economic empowerment and generational growth."

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Cervantes bill aims to improve health care access in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure more skilled health care professionals can practice in Illinois, State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes introduced legislation to better support the state’s physician assistant workforce and improve access to care.

“Before my work in the General Assembly, I worked with health care providers to resolve issues of inaccessibility, and I saw firsthand how it can take weeks or months to see doctors and other health care providers, leading to worse health outcomes for the patient seeking treatment,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “By streamlining the process of becoming a licensed physician assistant, patients will be able to receive medical help sooner.” 

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Morrison lauds investment in Fortune Brands Innovations’ expanded Deerfield headquarters

DEERFIELD — Building on Illinois’ commitment to expand job creation and support capital investment throughout the state, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced the expansion of Fortune Brands Innovations headquarters in Deerfield.

“The State of Illinois’ business attraction incentives are stronger than ever under Governor Pritzker’s leadership,” said State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “EDGE incentives are supporting Fortune Brands Innovations’ HQ expansion in Deerfield, and I’m proud to see this innovative company poised for continued growth as it creates and retains hundreds of good-paying jobs.”

Fortune Brands Innovations — an industry leader in creating home products under brands such as Moen, Larson, SentrySafe and Master Lock — will consolidate and streamline its U.S. divisional headquarters operations into a single global headquarters in Deerfield, creating at least 400 new full-time jobs.

Read more: Morrison lauds investment in Fortune Brands Innovations’ expanded Deerfield headquarters