WOOD RIVER – In response to the lack of inventory available for Metro East residents at food banks, organizers have planned a multi-city community food drive, and State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) is urging residents who can to donate to help those in need.

According to event organizer Tom Anderson, the collection site will be on the corner of Illinois Rt. 140 and Texas Blvd. in Bethalto from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 30. With a drive-thru style drop-off plan, volunteers will be accepting donations at that location for Community Hope Center in Bethalto, Crisis Food Center in Alton and Day Spring Four Square Church in South Roxana.

WOOD RIVER – In an effort to connect job seekers with training and open positions throughout the state, the Illinois Department of Employment Security and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity have partnered to create Get Hired Illinois. State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) is encouraging unemployed residents to check out the available resources.

“No one could have predicted the economic downfall we’re experiencing now, but everyone unemployed at this time, especially residents out of work because of the COVID-19 pandemic, should log on to Get Hired Illinois to see what their options are,” Crowe said.

The portal is designed for job seekers of all levels and backgrounds and allows employers to upload jobs, virtual career fairs, and training opportunities.

Nearly 60,000 job opportunities across a range of industries are currently available on the Get Hired portal, and more will be made available in the coming weeks. Additionally, more than 70 employers have committed to hosting virtual job fairs through the site.

The state is also launching a new partnership with Coursera to provide professional development opportunities for individuals looking to navigate new career pathways. After completing these online programs, participants will have the opportunity to continue their studies at a local community college or university, or to connect with employers through their local workforce boards.

More information is available at https://www2.illinois.gov/gethired.

WOOD RIVER – State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) announced the top three winners from her art contest celebrating the 100th anniversary of women receiving the right to vote Friday.

“I want to commend all of the students who participated in the contest. I was thoroughly impressed by every entry centered around a theme I am so proud to highlight,” Crowe said. “I hope students found this experience as fun and inspiring as I did as the host.”

In April, Crowe launched an educational art contest in response to statewide school closures to give students a project to keep them occupied at home. Students ranging from first to tenth grade created original pieces of artwork centered around the theme of constitutional equality in recognition of 2020 being the centennial of ratifying the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote.

The finalists’ artwork were divided into three groups, elementary, middle and high school, and put on Crowe’s Facebook page, where students and residents had the opportunity to choose the winners. The winning pieces will be put on display in the senator’s office and they will receive certificates and a gift card to a local, small business of their choosing. The winners are Eden Beasley, Mia Muniz and Corrina Pohlman (artwork left to right).

SBA to resume taking applications Monday

WOOD RIVER – State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) is encouraging self-employed and small business owners to call their banks immediately to start the process for the Paycheck Protection Program.

“Small businesses fuel the Metro East economy, providing numerous unique opportunities and countless jobs to qualified residents,” Crowe said. “People who are self-employed, own a small business or employed by one are taking the biggest financial hit from the pandemic, and hopefully this program can provide some much needed relief.”

SBA will accept applications from approved lenders on behalf of eligible businesses starting at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 27. Crowe is urging qualified businesses to not wait to apply.

Qualified businesses in one or more of these categories include:

• •      Self-employed,
• •      Less than 500 employees,
• •      Sole proprietor,
• •      Independent contractor,
• •      Private non-profit 501(C)(19), and/or
• •      Veterans organization.

The loan is meant to keep workers of small businesses on the payroll and it will be forgiven if employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest or utilities.

For more information, visit SBA’s website.

WOOD RIVER – To create more areas for people of all ages to be active outdoors, the city of Alton received a $600,000 state grant to expand Gordon Moore Park in Alton, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) and State Rep. Monica Bristow (D-Alton) announced Wednesday.

“It is always important to get outside and be active in order to live a healthy and substantial lifestyle,” Crowe said. “By funding local projects to build safe, public spaces for activities, we’re not only helping residents live that lifestyle, we’re also attracting economic growth and other tourism to the Riverbend region.”

"The release of this grant money will give the Riverbend Region a boost after months of economic uncertainty and strain," Bristow said. "After this project is completed, sports teams from around the region and state will be able to come and see the best Alton has to offer."

Grant funds will be used toward the excavation and site prep of two fields as well as a drainage system. Construction work will include grading the field surface and removing vegetation.

The grant is funded by the state’s Build Illinois Bonds.

WOOD RIVER – Applauding her commitment to empowering women and prioritizing justice for all Illinois residents, members of the YWCA of Alton have selected State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) as a 2020 recipient of the Women of Distinction award.

“As a voice for the Metro East in Springfield, I base every vote and decision on integrity, equality and fairness,” Crowe said. “It is gratifying to be receiving this significant honor alongside so many other inspiring women acting in the best interest of our communities.”

Crowe is one of twelve women selected to be inducted into the YWCA Women of Distinction Academy. Women are awarded for embodying the YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism and empower women. Since 1991, the YWCA of Alton have honored and celebrated dynamic leaders who are making a difference in the Riverbend community.

SPRINGFIELD – Hearing reports from agencies to update lawmakers on the implementation of the 2018 State Opioid Action Plan (SOAP), members of the Senate’s Special Committee on Opioid Crisis Abatement met Tuesday under the leadership of State Senator Rachelle Crowe.

“Exploring opioid-related issues from every angle, from expanding mental health services to reporting and treating overdoses, is the only way we will see effective change in our communities,” Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) said. “By holding these hearings, we’re getting legislators and stakeholders in the same room for the opportunity to create solutions and increase access to opioid prevention, treatment and recovery programs.”

SPRINGFIELD – Recognizing the necessity of the thousands of highly-skilled, highly-paid jobs jet repair companies provide to people in the state, the Illinois Senate overrode the governor’s veto of House Bill 3902 in a bipartisan manner Wednesday.

State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) led the efforts to protect jobs in the Metro East.

“I refused to sit idly by and allow thousands of people to lose their jobs because of a mistake by a former administration,” Crowe said. “Labor workers in the aviation repair industry contribute vital economic growth in the Metro East region and across the state, and this measure is an affirmation of support to them and their families.”