GRAYSLAKE – As a steadfast advocate for addressing the state’s growing opioid crisis and creator of the Prescription Drug Task Force, State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) is pleased to learn the state has been given $36 million to continue to fight the epidemic.

“The opioid epidemic is a serious and complicated issue that only continues to get worse,” Bush said. “These funds are a great step toward fighting the crisis, but there’s so much more work that needs to be done."

Illinois received $36.7 million in federal funding to fight the opioid crisis – specifically because of issues arising in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The money will expand prevention, treatment, recovery and overdose response initiatives across the state.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has further exposed vulnerable populations – especially those with opioid use disorders,” Bush said.

The programs receiving funding will bring critical services to help people with opioid use disorder, assist those on a path to recovery, provide emergency lifesaving medication for people experiencing an opioid overdose, and deliver a prevention and support message across the state.

Bush has worked to address Illinois’ growing opioid crisis since first entering the General Assembly. Most notably, she passed a package of proposals in 2018 that, among other things, created a pilot program to treat youth and young adults with substance use disorders and allowed law enforcement agencies to develop and implement deflection programs that offer alternatives to jail for individuals suffering with substance abuse.

Ahead of the upcoming legislative session, Bush is meeting with advocacy organizations and other legislators to look at potential measures to combat the opioid crisis.

People who are experiencing problems with substance use disorder, should call the state’s Helpline for Opioids and other Substances at 1-833-2FINDHELP – 1-833-234-6343, text “HELP” to 833234, or visit HelplineIL.org.

GRAYSLAKE – The Census Bureau recently announced it will end its counting efforts a month early, meaning there’s only a few weeks left to get counted. State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) is encouraging everyone to complete the census immediately to avoid an undercount.

“The opportunity to make a difference in how much funding your community gets doesn’t come around often,” Bush said. “After months of financial distress stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, your response is more important than ever. Remote learning, free meals for students and other assistance are relying on you.”  

The census is safe, secure and confidential. It takes less than 10 minutes and can easily be done from the comfort of one’s home online, by phone or by mail. It determines congressional representation, helps determine how federal funds flow into states and provides information that will impact communities for the next decade.

Some areas of Lake County are reporting low response rates. Without a 100% response rate, schools, roads, hospitals and other critical community services could be affected.

Currently, only 75.7% of all Lake County residents have completed the Census. Additionally, just 55.1% of Old Mill Creek residents, 62.9% of Waukegan residents and 83.6% of Grayslake residents have filled out the form this year.

“Thank you to those who have already taken the time to fill out the census,” Bush said. “Your response helps shape the future of our community and does not go unnoticed.”

Residents can complete the census for their household at https://my2020census.gov.

ZION — The unsafe alley between the 2100 and 2500 blocks of Joppa Avenue in Zion will be repaired after the city received nearly a million dollars in state grants, State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) announced Wednesday. 

“Ambulances, police and other first responders have struggled to access this alleyway for years, and this reconstruction project will now allow first responders to best serve Zion residents who live in the area,” Bush said. “Working together with Mayor Billy McKinney and the city council, we were able to identify and fund much-needed project.”

The Joppa Avenue alley has deteriorated to the extent it’s no longer accessible to emergency vehicles, such as police and fire, resulting in families in the area not receiving the help they need in a timely matter. The city will resurface the alley and replace storm drains, so stormwater stops collecting. The $914,000 worth of repairs is coming from the Build Illinois Bond Fund.

“Zion’s partnership with State Senator Bush and Representative Mason has put the city at the top of the list for state investments, and we appreciate their hard work,” McKinney said. “I have traveled to Springfield frequently since I have been elected and continue to be in regular communication with our outstanding legislators.”

Other Zion-based projects for Fiscal Year 2021 include: 

• $750,000 for costs associated with a grant to Zion School District 126 for costs associated with improvements for Zion Benton Township High School.

• $550,000 for a grant to Northpoint Resources for costs associated with renovations to the North Pointe Group Homes in Zion.

• $100,000 for a grant to the Safe Place in Zion for costs associated with infrastructure improvements, including security system and upgrades.

• $195 million for critical infrastructure projects in Lake County, including $122 million for regional stormwater management projects to reduce flood damages and restore and enhance the natural drainage system in Zion and other communities. 

GRAYSLAKE — In partnership with the Illinois Department of Employment Security and the Job Center of Lake County, Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) and State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) will host the state’s first legislative-led virtual job expo the week of Aug. 24.                                                                                         

“Now more than ever, we need to be highlighting employers that can and want to bring on new employees. This job fair has over the years connected hundreds with jobs, and with Senator Bush, we intend to continue to help those in Lake County seeking work,” Schneider said. 

“We have helped hundreds of Lake County residents find work over the eight years of hosting a job fair — and we will not let the pandemic stop that,” Bush said. “At a time of hiring freezes and layoffs, I am dedicated to helping the hardworking people of Lake County find not just jobs — but careers.”

Each day throughout the week of Aug. 24 at 1 p.m., a panel of employers from different job sectors will explain their open positions and company benefits as a virtual webinar via Zoom. 

The program will be moderated by Bush and Schneider, and job seekers can ask their questions. All job openings discussed during the webinars will be posted on IllinoisJobLink.com and linked to the virtual job expo.

The themed days are as follows:

• Monday: Manufacturing
• Tuesday: Transportation, Distribution, Logistics (TDL)
• Wednesday: Health care
• Thursday: Professional Services
• Friday: Other

To prepare people for the hiring process, the Job Center of Lake County will also host workshops ahead of the job expo to give people tips for seeking work during a time of social distancing and teach people how to build a customized resume that will stand out to employers.

The “Job Search Resources in a Rough Market” workshop will be held Aug. 11 at 1 p.m. Registration can be found here.

The “Your Personal Brand and Resumes” workshop will be held Aug. 13 at 10 a.m. Registration can be found here.

Registration for the virtual job expo can be found here.

Anyone with questions should contact Senator Bush’s office at 847-548-5631 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Congressman Schneider’s office at 847-383-4870.

GRAYSLAKE — State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) is warning Illinoisans about possible unemployment debit card fraud after multiple reports of people receiving cards they didn’t apply for. 

“There are so many people struggling to get legitimate unemployment benefits right now,” Bush said. “It’s sickening that there are people taking advantage of other people’s problems to perpetrate scams at a time like this.”

According to a recent report from ABC7 in Chicago, multiple people have received unemployment benefits even though they never applied for them. The Arlington Heights Police Department said it received nearly 20 reports in four days, and it’s working with the Illinois Department of Employment Security to get to the bottom of it. 

People who receive a debit card in the mail they didn’t apply for should do the following:

• Don’t activate the card
• Contact the bank and report fraud
• Report it as fraud to IDES
• Freeze their credit report
• Check their bank balances online
• File a police report

“Fraud and identify theft are real problems that need to be taken seriously,” Bush said. “If you suspect that you’re a victim of these crimes, report it immediately.”

People who believe they are a victim of this fraud should contact their local police department or IDES at 312-793-3200. 

GRAYSLAKE – State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) thanked Delta Dental Monday for supplying Lake County with a $50,000 emergency grant to improve oral health and overall health for area residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Together, with the help of groups like Delta Dental, we will get through this health crisis,” Bush said. “Protecting the health of all Illinoisans is a top priority.”

The grant received by the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center was part of $1 million awarded by the Delta Dental Illinois Foundation through its emergency grant program. The Lake County Health Department was one of 20 Illinois groups to receive part of the funding.

With its share of the money, the Waukegan-based group will develop a system to control airborne particles generated during dental services and purchase additional personal protective equipment for the dental team.

“Oral care is an important part of an individual’s overall health and well-being,” Bush said. “People need to feel safe when they go to the dentist.”

GRAYSLAKE – After months of working remotely, State Senator Melinda Bush’s district office will reopen to the public on an appointment-only basis beginning Monday.

“To keep community members safe and healthy from COVID-19, we decided to work from home during the height of the pandemic,” the Grayslake Democrat said. “However, while we were still answering emails and phone calls, we recognize and believe people are best served in-person.”

Bush’s office will be open by appointment-only in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 between both staff and community members.

While it is encouraged to conduct business over the phone, via email or through Zoom, people may still visit the office by making an appointment.

To do so, they may call 847-548-5631 or visit senatormelindabush.com/contact/request-a-meeting . There is also an option on the website to make a Zoom appointment – which is highly encouraged. Walk-ins will not be accepted. Those who are medically able should wear a face covering in an effort to keep everyone in the office – and everyone who visits after them – as safe as possible.

“Opening the office will allow us to better serve the people we represent,” Bush said. “I encourage anyone with questions or concerns related to legislation, COVID-19 or other items to contact my office. We are always happy to help.”

Bush’s office will continue to be available by both phone and email.

GRAYSLAKE –The country’s top court ruled Wednesday that employers can opt out of the Affordable Care Act’s birth control mandate over religious and moral objections. However, State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) is reminding women it will not impact Illinoisans, thanks to last year’s passage of the Reproductive Health Act.

“I am disappointed with the Supreme Court’s decision to allow employers to dictate a woman’s access to contraception,” Bush said. “Employers can’t deny access to antibiotics for someone who has a sexually transmitted disease for moral reasons. How can they deny access to birth control?”

The Supreme Court made it more difficult for women to get access to birth control through their employer’s insurance, should their employer have a moral or religious objection to contraceptives.

The opinion upheld an administrative rule from President Donald Trump that significantly cut back on the Affordable Care Act’s requirement for insurers to provide coverage of preventative care and screenings without any cost sharing requirements as part of most health care plans.

However, thanks to the Reproductive Health Act, spearheaded by Bush, the court’s ruling does not supersede Illinois law. The Reproductive Health Act ensures reproductive health care is treated like all other health care in Illinois, guaranteeing women continued access to contraceptives.

“Today’s ruling further shows the importance of the Reproductive Health Act passed by the Illinois General Assembly last year,” Bush said. “The monumental measure affirms women, not politicians nor employers, can and should make their own decisions.”