CHICAGO – To discuss updates on the state’s DNA backlog, Senate Public Health Chair Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) will lead a joint Senate committee hearing Thursday morning.

“A lot has been going on this year, but we have not forgotten about those who are waiting for answers for heinous crimes done to their loved ones,” Van Pelt said. “Illinois State Police have made some advances since our last hearing, and it’s time to check in on the task force recommendations.”

The Governor’s Forensic Science Task Force released a report with recommendations for the State Police in June. In August, ISP announced that the Biology backlog for Fiscal Year 2020 Biology backlog was down by 30% from 2019.

CHICAGO – State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) is pleased to announce the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance will receive $595,600 in Public Museum Capital Grants to help renovate the visitor lobby.

“The Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance has influenced the city’s West Side for decades,” Van Pelt said. “I am excited for the eventual renovations that will bring more traction to the city.”

Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance is one of 43 Illinois museums who will receive a collective $22.8 million in capital investments to improve their facilities and develop new exhibits. The investments come from the Illinois Public Museum Capital Grants Program, which were funded through Gov. JB Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois multi-year state capital program.

The Illinois Public Museum Capital Grants Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, is open to any museum operated by local government or located on municipally-owned land. The maximum grant award for the projects announced was $750,000 and matching funds are required in many cases based on museum attendance levels.

More information on the Illinois Public Museum Capital Grants Program is available on the IDNR website.

CHICAGO – This week marks the sixth annual National Apprenticeship Week, and State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) is encouraging Chicagoans to participate in local apprenticeships.

“For years, this week has always been a time for workers to promote growth in business and employment,” Van Pelt said. “This year, as millions struggle with unemployment, I encourage people to use this time to explore training options and learn a new skill.”

CHICAGO – Senate Public Health Chair Patricia Van Pelt and Health and Human Services Chair Julie Morrison will lead a joint Senate committee hearing Monday morning to discuss policy recommendations to combat disparities in Illinois health care systems, including access to health care, behavioral health and diversity in health care/culturally competent health care.

“Over the past few weeks, we’ve heard about the many ways our state needs health care reform,” Van Pelt said. “I’m looking forward to this last panel, and to begin implementing some of the policies that top industry professionals have suggested. I am hopeful these suggested policies will help  bring equity and justice to our state’s health care system.”

“Stakeholders from around our state have weighed in with their concerns and challenges,” Morrison said. “This final subject matter hearing will highlight some of our best and brightest academics to provide policy recommendations to make our state’s health care resources accessible across demographic, racial, and geographic lines.”

Additional witnesses can submit written testimony online at www.ilga.gov.

To watch the virtual committee, visit https://ilga.gov/senateaudvid.asp and click "Watch Live Virtual Committee Video." The link will be available at 9:30 a.m.

WHO: Senate Public Health Committee Chair Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) and Health and Human Services Committee Chair Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest), and members of the committees

WHAT: A joint committee hearing on policy recommendations for disparities in health care

WHERE: The virtual hearing can be viewed here: https://ilga.gov/senateaudvid.asp#. Blue Room Stream, a subscription-based service, will also stream the hearing.

WHEN: Monday, Nov. 9 at 9:30 a.m.

CHICAGO – To discuss the importance of cultural competency and diversity within the health care workforce, Senate Public Health Chair Patricia Van Pelt and Health and Human Services Chair Julie Morrison will lead a joint Senate committee hearing Friday morning.

“Black people die because of implicit bias. There are doctors who don’t listen to their Black patients, and don’t believe them when they say they’re in pain,” Van Pelt said. “Views that stem from the era of slavery about Black people being subhuman are still prevalent today and that needs to be addressed. We need more diversity in the industry, and a better understanding of disparities Black and Brown patients face.”

“Children, families and individuals who enter the human services network are already on edge and uncomfortable – and the lack of diverse employees that can relate to them doesn’t help,” Morrison said. “We must do more to hire and retain a workforce that resembles the individuals we are trying to help. Through further understanding the needs of the communities and having more multilingual staff, we will be able to make a difference in the lives of thousands of people in need.”

To watch the virtual committee, visit https://ilga.gov/senateaudvid.asp and click "Watch Live Virtual Committee Video." The link will be available at 9 a.m.

Additional witnesses can submit written testimony online at www.ilga.gov.

WHO: Senate Public Health Committee Chair Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) and Health and Human Services Chair Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest), and members of the committees

WHAT: A joint committee hearing on diversity and cultural competency in health care

WHERE: The virtual hearing can be viewed here: https://ilga.gov/senateaudvid.asp#. Blue Room Stream, a subscription-based service, will also stream the hearing.

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 6 at 9 a.m.

CHICAGO – To help businesses across the state overcome financial burdens brought on by the pandemic, State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) is pleased to see dozens of businesses in the 5^th District will receive over a million dollars in Business Interruption Grants (BIG).

“Businesses are still struggling as we continue to endure this pandemic,” Van Pelt said. “I hope these grants help give businesses on the West Side a boost, and for those who haven’t applied yet, it’s not too late.”

Last week, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) awarded grants through the second round of the BIG program, which included specific funding for heavily impacted industries and businesses in disproportionately impacted areas. Each business received between $5,000 and $150,000 in financial assistance.

The BIG program is the largest state-run economic support program formed in response to the financial losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications will remain open until all of the funding is spent and are available on DCEO’s website.

CHICAGO – The Senate held a joint hearing Monday to discuss the vast disparities Illinoisans face in access to treatment for addiction and mental health disorders. State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) advocates for prioritizing mental health through a holistic approach.

“It’s crucial that we examine the intersections of mental health, bias and incarceration rates,” said Van Pelt, chair of the Senate Public Health Committee. “One in five people shot and killed by the police suffered from mental illness. People who should be getting treated for their illnesses are instead being abused, killed and locked up. We must begin to look at these issues differently.”

CHICAGO – To analyze the issues in mental health and substance abuse, Senate Public Health Chair Patricia Van Pelt, Executive Chair Mattie Hunter and Health and Human Services Chair Julie Morrison will lead a joint Senate committee hearing Monday morning.

“Mental health is a sector of public health that is often overlooked in Black communities,” Van Pelt said. “It is important that we shine a light on the trauma-enforced issues and start the conversation around trauma-informed care.”

“Advancing solutions in behavioral health is one of my biggest priorities,” Hunter said. “Nothing matters if we don’t prioritize our mental wellbeing. It’s crucial that we promote mental health awareness, especially in the midst of the pandemic.”