Sims praises work done to affirm AAA rating to Illinois Funds

CHICAGO – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. is praising the work done by the Illinois General Assembly to affirm the Illinois Funds – a mutual investment used by local governments – top AAA rating.

“When I look at the budgets we have passed in recent years, I see the work and years of fiscal responsibility paying off. We were able to pay down our bills, put money back in the pockets of the state’s hardworking families, and prioritize our local governments,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Illinois is a stand-out state when it comes to putting the needs of our residents first – and we do so in a responsible, equitable way.”

The Illinois Funds lets government agencies use the Illinois State Treasurer’s resources to safely invest their funds while enjoying the economies of scale available from a $19+ billion pooled fund investment portfolio. The AAA rating by Fitch is the firm’s highest rating which is based on the pool’s credit quality, maturity, diversification, and management.

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Belt secures second round of Illinois Grocery Initiative Funding

SWANSEA – State Senator Christopher Belt helped secure $2.4 million in grant money for the second round of the Equipment Upgrades Grant Program through the Illinois Grocery Initiative.

“All Illinois families deserve reliable access to fresh and affordable food,” said Senator Christopher Belt (D – Swansea). “This program has had an immense impact on our state's local communities and grocers. The next round of funding will ensure we can continue to support Illinois families.”

The Illinois Grocery Initiative Equipment Upgrades Grant Program provides grants for energy-efficient equipment upgrades for existing independently owned for-profit grocery stores, cooperative grocery stores, or not-for-profit grocery stores. Belt was instrumental in passing the Grocery Initiative Act in 2023 and has since supported legislation to spur economic growth and enhance benefits under the initiative.

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Peters joins South Side public officials reacting to closure of three Walgreens locations in district

CHICAGO — In October of 2024, Walgreens announced it would close roughly 1,200 locations over the next three years – including 500 closures in fiscal year 2025 alone – causing concern for those who frequent the stores for groceries and prescriptions. In response to learning that three of these closures will happen in their districts, State Senator Robert Peters, State Representative Kam Buckner, State Representative Curtis J. Tarver and Aldermen Lamont Robinson, Desmon Yancy and Peter Chico released the following statement:

“The closures at our South Commercial Avenue, South King Drive and South Jeffrey Boulevard Walgreens locations will be a devastating blow to our communities. Walgreens started in or near our districts in South Side Chicago at Cottage Grove and Bowen Avenue 124 years ago. For years, these stores have supported residents, providing access to medications, groceries and other essential services.

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Guzmán sworn in as State Senator of District 20

SPRINGFIELD—State Senator Graciela Guzmán was inaugurated into the 104th General Assembly to serve the 20th Senate District Wednesday.

“I am humbled to be sworn in as the State Senator for the 20th District of Illinois,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “I am just one member of the strong, diverse community that is the Northwest side of Chicago. I am committed to elevating our collective vision of economic justice for everyday people and self-determination for the working class with my position in the statehouse.” 

Guzmán is the first Salvadoran elected in Illinois to the General Assembly. Raised by parents who fled the violence of the Salvadoran Civil War and worked to build a life where their five children could thrive, Guzmán was aware from an early age of the inequities in society, which shaped her commitment to creating institutional change.

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