BROOKFIELD – The Chicago Zoological Society is set to receive more than $650,000 to replace the roof on the Brookfield Zoo’s Seven Seas exhibit thanks to support from State Senator Steven Landek (D-Bridgeview).

“Brookfield Zoo provides excellent opportunities for education and gives folks near and far the opportunity to learn more about animals and nature,” Landek said.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Landek (D-Bridgeview) provided the following statement after hearing the governor’s budget address Wednesday:

“This is a fiscally responsible budget plan that provides relief to working families and local governments alike. The COVID-19 pandemic brought forth two years of unfathomable financial hardships for people of all walks of life, and this budget recognizes that.”

BRIDGEVIEW – Three local libraries are set to receive grant money to provide the community with vital education resources thanks to support from State Senator Steve Landek (D-Bridgeview).

“This funding benefits our children and working families who rely on our libraries for resources and assistance,” Landek said. “Libraries provide access to knowledge for all.”

The funding is allocated to libraries across the state to make upgrades, assist with the development of the local workforce and ensure the library stays open safely for families. The grant is comprised of both state and federal dollars and awarded through Secretary of State Jesse White’s office. The libraries in the district Landek represents that will receive grants are:

BRIDGEVIEW – The Illinois Department of Employment Security will begin to restore its in-person workforce and limited unemployment services at the American Job Center in Burbank, State Senator Steve Landek (D-Bridgeview) announced Monday.

“The COVID-19 pandemic unfortunately robbed many people of in-person unemployment insurance service when they needed it most,” Landek said. “I am thrilled to be able to announce the return of these services to residents of the 12^th District.”

Scheduled appointments are required at least 24 hours in advance for in-person assistance 5608 W 75th Place in Burbank. To schedule an appointment, people should call the IDES Scheduling Hotline at 217-558-0401 and request a callback. 

An appointment may be scheduled for one of the following reasons:

• Identity verification for an unemployment insurance claim
• Assistance registering with com
• Assistance documenting work search activities
• Employment services, including resume and job search guidance
• Request to use the Resource Room to use computers with internet and other resources

Appointments will be available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. To ensure efficiency, each appointment will be 20 minutes and visitors will be afforded a 10-minute grace period.

In the coming weeks, IDES will continue to reopen additional offices on a phased basis and will announce the availability of phone appointments to further assist claimants.

Claimants are strongly encouraged to use the IDES website to apply and certify for benefits, enroll in direct deposit, change passwords, engage in work search and connect with an employment services professional, among other services. Claimants can also continue to speak with an IDES expert over the phone by requesting a callback at 800-244-5631. As a reminder, if a callback is received at an inconvenient time, claimants may reschedule the callback for a specific time with a call center agent.

SPRINGFIELD – After the Illinois Senate approved the fiscal year 2022 state budget early Tuesday morning, State Senator Steve Landek (D-Bridgeview) issued the following statement:

“As the mayor of Bridgeview, I have experience with the needs and struggles of local governments, and in my role as chair of the Senate State Government Committee, I strive to ensure that all legislation that clears the General Assembly is fiscally sound and doesn’t put an undue burden on cities and villages.

“I’m pleased that the budget the Senate is sending to the governor ensures that the Local Government Distributive Fund stays fully funded, so that municipalities across our great state – especially low-income areas, communities of color, and other places that have been disproportionally impacted by the COVID-10 pandemic – can continue to pay for the programs and services their citizens depend on.”