SPRINGFIELD – A measure advanced by Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) to address Illinois’ ever-growing teacher shortage by bringing back retired educators cleared an important hurdle.

“There are thousands of classrooms across the state where students are going without any instruction,” Martwick said. “We need this bill to put teachers in classrooms and ensure our children thrive academically.”

Senate Bill 3465 amends the Chicago Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension code by allowing retired CPS teachers to return to work without it affecting their pensions. Schools are able to submit documentation with their regional superintendent to request help from retired educators in a “subject shortage area”. This emergency measure will remain in effect until June 30, 2024.

“Although our students have returned to in-person learning, we will not make up for pandemic learning loss without teachers in classrooms to guide and support them,” Martwick said. “I am pleased that we are one step closer to removing the barriers that prevent retired professional educators from returning to schools during this epic shortage.”

Senate Bill 3465 passed the Senate on Wednesday.

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) is leading a measure to address Illinois’ ever-growing teacher shortage by bringing back retired educators.

“There are thousands of classrooms across the state where students are going without any instruction,” Martwick said. “We need this bill to put teachers in classrooms and ensure our children thrive academically.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) released the following statement today regarding the governor’s proposed budget:

“The impact this pandemic has had on our communities shows how necessary it is for Illinois to provide relief to the working families who have unprecedented struggles. This proposal is a good starting point – as it fully funds our education systems, while paying down debts and contributing more money to our state’s pension fund.”

“Two years ago, I proposed the pension buyout program which has now saved $1.4 billion in pension obligations, reduced our liabilities and helped the state achieve credit upgrades for the first time in decades. I’m pleased to see the governor acknowledge the program’s success and I look forward to working with him to extend it.”

CHICAGO – Many local Chicago businesses were recently awarded over $2.5 million in funding from the Back to Business Program to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to support from State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago).

“Chicago business owners have struggled with the impact the pandemic had over the last two years,” Martwick said. “This grant money will help so many Chicago businesses bounce back after facing the difficulties of reopening and recovering from COVID-19.”

The B2B program grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget. So far – thanks to strong support from Martwick– DCEO has provided $111 million in B2B grants to nearly 3,000 small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on disproportionately impacted areas.

CHICAGO –Thanks to support from State Senator Rob Martwick (D-Chicago) to provide aid to libraries for pandemic recovery, the Schiller Park Public Library will receive nearly $6,000 to enhance its services.

“Libraries serve the public with information and opportunities to learn and prosper,” Martwick said. “This grant provides more resources to the library that will benefit people throughout the Shiller Park community.”  

The library grant program is aimed at responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and providing funds for libraries. Grant recipients can use the funding to modify services, transform spaces and develop resources for their local recovering workforce and to ensure all operations can be provided safely and effectively as the pandemic continues.

CHICAGO – New laws sponsored by State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) will help raise awareness in schools for students who are at higher risk of suicide or dealing with other mental health challenges as soon as next year.

“Mental health challenges have risen dramatically.  We need to ensure that our teachers and administrators have every tool they need to identify students who are suffering and ensure those students get the resources they need,” Martwick said.

Under new law, public school students will be able to take excused absence days to prioritize their mental or behavioral health and make up missed work. 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) congratulated local businesses that were awarded grants from the latest round of the Back to Business program awards.

The B2B program allocated $250 million in American Rescue Plan dollars for small businesses negatively affected by the pandemic. Grants ranged from $5,000 to $150,000 per business and can be used to cover a wide range of operations such as staff and overhead costs.

“I am happy to see the Back to Business grants going toward businesses in our neighborhoods that need help to get back on their feet,” Martwick said. “These funds will help struggling business owners return to operation and pay their employees.”

Twenty-three businesses in the district Martwick represents have already received $1.4 million in grants. They include restaurants, retail stores, and limousine companies, demonstrating the diversity of the local small business community. For a full list of businesses that have received Back to Business grants, visit the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awards page at illinois.gov/B2BAwards.

CHICAGO – State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) encourages local businesses struggling from the pandemic to apply for the latest round of the Back to Business grant program before the Oct. 13 deadline.

Overall, the B2B program will provide $250 million in American Rescue Plan dollars for small businesses negatively affected by the pandemic. Grants will range from $5,000 to $150,000 per business and can be used to cover a wide range of operations, such as staff and overhead costs.

“If your business is struggling financially right now, I encourage you to apply for this program,” Martwick said. “Our communities are bouncing back after such a rough year during the pandemic, and I’m encouraging businesses that need it most to apply to the Back to Business program and let us help you.”

Priority is given to businesses in hard-hit industries, in hard-hit areas, and with revenues less than $5 million, as well as businesses that have not yet received any government assistance. Eligibility guidelines are also available in: Spanish, Polish, Chinese, Hindi, and Arabic.

17 businesses in the district Martwick represents have already received $855,000 in grants. They include Brew Brothers LLC, Park Ridge Dance Inc., White Star Premier Cleaners, and many others, demonstrating the diversity of the local small business community and how many different kinds of businesses are eligible for grants.

Interested business owners can learn more about the B2B grant program and start an application on the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity website .The deadline to submit an application is Oct. 13.