Over 170 people participated, expressing enthusiasm for the Clean Energy Jobs Act

CHICAGO – Today, Illinois State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) and State Reps. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) and Yoni Pizer (D-Chicago) hosted a virtual town hall about clean energy issues in the time of a pandemic. They were joined by over 170 people and issue experts from partner organizations Citizens Utility Board (CUB) and the Illinois Environmental Council.

Constituents expressed concern over the state’s continued use of fossil fuels, increased air pollution and an exacerbated climate crisis as the novel coronavirus continues to spread in communities across the United States. Participants also expressed overwhelming enthusiasm for the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA, House Bill 3624/Senate Bill 2132), the only comprehensive climate initiative focused on equitable job creation before the Illinois General Assembly.

"Environmental experts have demonstrated the direct link between pandemics and climate change - no longer can we allow the profit over people model,” said CEJA co-sponsor Sen. Feigenholtz. “The time to pass the Clean Energy Jobs Act is now. It is one of the most important pieces of legislation we have before us."

As Illinois grapples with the unprecedented job losses from the COVID-19 pandemic, CEJA would put people back to work without raising taxes or electricity bills. Jobs created by CEJA would be focused especially in communities where workers and small businesses have been hit hardest — predominantly communities of color that have seen disproportionate numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths, as well as downstate communities left in a lurch by coal plant closures.

“The urgency to pass the Clean Energy Jobs Act could not be clearer as families in our communities are struggling to find work and economic stability, a reality that has only worsened as COVID-19 wreaks havoc on our economy,” said CEJA chief sponsor Rep. Williams. “With equitable job creation at its core, CEJA takes meaningful action on the climate crisis while creating an economic boost and good-paying jobs for those who need it most.”

CEJA would make Illinois a leader in clean energy by moving the state to 100% renewable energy, electrifying the mass transit and transportation sector and cutting carbon from the power sector, all while building four to five times the amount of new clean energy in the state and bring in more than $30 billion in new private investment to Illinois by 2030.

“Even in the midst of a global pandemic, I believe it's important that we continue to build on the progress we've made with clean energy investment in Illinois. The issues of climate change, an over-reliance on fossil fuels, and public health are intricately intertwined. It is clear we need to focus our efforts on building an economy based on renewable energy, ultimately leading to a healthier future. Passing the Clean Energy Jobs Act will be a huge step in this direction,” said CEJA co-sponsor Rep. Pizer.

Participants during the town hall were briefed on the policy mechanisms that make CEJA a nation-leading approach to clean energy and equity, and armed with strategies for helping to get CEJA passed in the coming legislative session.

“Legislators from across the state consistently tell us that they hear from constituents about CEJA as much, and in some cases, more, than any other legislative proposals, which is no surprise to us,” said Gavin Taves, clean energy policy director of the Illinois Environmental Council. “A statewide poll in June found that 82% of Illinoisans support the CEJA.”

“Clean energy is good for our pocketbooks, our economy and our health, and that’s why CUB supports the Clean Energy Jobs Act,” said Sarah Moskowitz, CUB deputy director. “As Illinois seeks to recover from the pandemic and financial crisis, we need strong energy legislation that will protect our electricity bills and spark thousands of clean energy jobs for the communities that need it the most. We look forward to a lively discussion.”

The Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition successfully championed the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA), bipartisan legislation that was signed into law in 2016 and has been the biggest clean energy breakthrough in state history. FEJA has brought more renewable energy development and jobs to Illinois, and it has saved Illinoisans more than $300 million through efficiency improvements. The Clean Energy Jobs Act would build off that success.

Both versions of the legislation are pending assignment to a committee in their respective chambers of the General Assembly.

CHICAGO – State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) railed against the most recent Trump administration decision to identify international students who are attending universities with online-only learning and require them to leave the United States or not allow them to enter the country at all.

“This is yet another example of the xenophobic policies advanced by Donald Trump’s administration, and this time his targets are colleges, universities and international exchange students.,” said Feigenholtz, whose district includes DePaul University.

If enacted, this decision could affect more than a million international students who come to the United States to attend universities or participate in other training programs.

On Monday, Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced that international students pursuing degrees in the United States will be required to leave the country or risk deportation if their schools conduct only online courses in the fall.

ICE further stated that the U.S. Department of State would not issue visas to students enrolled in fully-online programs for the fall semester.

"Harvard University and MIT sued the Trump administration Wednesday over the guidance, and I am hoping Illinois colleges and universities will join them. Enough is enough,” Feigenholtz added. “International students are an important part of campus communities, and it’s discriminatory to require them to leave the United States.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) is highlighting a new grant program to assist small bars and restaurants that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our local bars and restaurants are among the businesses that have been hit hardest by the COVID-19 crisis, and if we don’t find ways to support them, many will have to close their doors permanently,” Feigenholtz said. “These grants are another means to help them stay on their feet.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is providing 1,000 grants for small bars and restaurants worth a total of $20 million as part of the state’s Business Interruption Grants program.

The funds are intended to help these small businesses survive the COVID-19 pandemic, help offset the costs they’ve incurred during months of shut down or restricted operations, and ensure they have the resources they need to reopen safely in the coming months.

To be eligible for a grant, bars and restaurants must have made under $3 million in revenue in 2019, or a pro-rated amount if they have been in business less than a year, and have been operating for at least three months prior to March 2020. Only businesses who have been unable to provide outdoor food and beverage service during Phase 3 will be eligible.

The amount awarded will be $20,000 for businesses earning $2-3 million in revenue for 2019 and $15,000 for those earning less than $2 million.

Half of the grants distributed will be for businesses in disproportionately impacted areas, with priority given to areas with recent property damage.

“This program may not solve all the issues bars and restaurants are facing right now, but it’s another good step we can take to help protect them from the financial challenges posed by the pandemic,” Feigenholtz said. “I encourage all eligible bar and restaurant owners to apply.”

Similar grant programs are available for barbershops, salons, and fitness centers, as well as for businesses in disproportionately impacted areas with recent significant property damage.

Grant applications will be made available by DCEO Monday, June 22.

CHICAGO – The new Fiscal Year 2021 state budget signed into law today provides needed funding for the social services and ensures education remains fully funded in Illinois according to State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago).

“We have a responsibility to protect Illinoisans during this pandemic, and that means preserving the services on which they rely,” Feigenholtz said. “This budget will help guide our state through these challenging times.”

The new state budget includes major investments in social services that provide assistance to Illinoisans who need it most. This includes nearly $180 million in additional funding for the Department of Children and Family Services, which is in severe need of more resources to better care for the state’s children. 

The budget also includes $90 million to provide care for people with developmental disabilities, who have often found themselves isolated from friends and family during the pandemic. Funding was also increased by more than $110 million for the Home Services Program, which helps people with disabilities live independently in their own homes. 

“Now isn’t the time to be cutting resources that support some of the most vulnerable people in our state,” Feigenholtz said. “I’m proud to have voted for a budget that preserves important care for Illinois residents and ensures no one is left behind during this crisis.”

The state’s new budget also preserves funding for P-12 education for a total investment of $12.6 billion, including $7.2 billion for Illinois’ evidence-based funding model. This ensures that schools will not be receiving less in state funding than they did last year.

“Although it’s still unclear what our schools will look like in the fall, it’s critical that we ensure they have the funds they need to help students succeed, whether in the classroom or learning from home,” Feigenholtz said. “This budget keeps our education funding system on track and puts us in a position to continue increasing funding according to the evidence-based formula next year.”

CHICAGO– State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) is joining Alderman James Cappleman and Alderman Michele Smith for a virtual community forum focused on census participation and community building during the pandemic.

“This event is a great opportunity for us to check in with the community and share tools to help residents get counted in the census,” Feigenholtz said. “COVID-19 has been devastating for our constituents. An undercount in the census can result in losses in critical funding that our communities need. We will not let that happen.”

Illinois is at risk of losing two congressional seats, depending data obtained through the census. An undercount of just 1% could to lead to a $195,574,350 loss in funding for the state over a 10-year period.

“We are living in a real-time crisis experience, which is exactly why we need to all be counted in the census.” Cappleman said. “If we are undercounted in Illinois, we will lose precious federal resources that we need to provide services, programs, and resources to our communities.  The Stay at Home Order makes it even more difficult to ensure we get an accurate count.”

The event will also highlight ordinary and often overlooked ways to support local communities during this crisis. The agenda will cover a wide range of subjects from community service to mask making.

“Neighbors are calling our office asking how they can support our community during the pandemic,” Smith said. “COVID-19 has taught us to re-define service and how we can get involved while we stay at home.”  

The event will take place via Zoom on May 12 at 12:30 p.m. Those interested can RSVP here. Guests can expect a special performance from performance artist and Drag Queen CircuitMOM (aka Matthew Harvat). All three officials have been longtime champions for the needs of LGBTQ+ communities. In the spirit of community engagement, they decided that the event would not be complete without celebrating their districts’ cultural diversity.

CHICAGO – April is Child Abuse Prevention Month in Illinois, and State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) is reminding Illinoisans what they can do they can do to help prevent child abuse and neglect during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our Stay at Home Order poses unique risks for children who are living in abusive environments,” Feigenholtz said. “It’s critical that friends and neighbors continue to stay alert and report any suspicions they have to DCFS.”

If you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, you can call the Department of Children and Family Services’ Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-25-ABUSE (22873).

Hotline staff is working at full capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic and remains available to take calls 24 hours a day. Child abuse specialists continue to respond to hotline calls and assess child safety with face-to-face contact within 24 hours.

“We all have a responsibility to help prevent abuse and neglect,” Feigenholtz said. “If you suspect a child may be being abused, I strongly urge you to call the hotline and notify the authorities.”

Feigenholtz’s office is closed for the duration of the Stay at Home Order, but can still be reached at 773-296-4141 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

CHICAGO – During this time of stress and exhaustion, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) is joining the Illinois Department of Children and Family services to remind parents of the steps they can take to ensure their children are safe when they sleep.

“Practicing sleep safety is so important but can be overlooked by busy parents,” Feigenholtz said. “I know everyone has a lot on their minds right now, but it’s critical that parents continue to focus on safe practices when they put their children to bed.”

DCFS has outline the ABC’s of safe sleeping practices. A child should never be alone and never sleeping with someone else, should be placed on their back and not on their sides or stomach, and should be in a crib rather than on a bed or a couch. 

Unsafe sleep is one of the leading causes of death for children one year old and younger. Between January 1 and June 30 of 2019, 53 infants died as a result of being put to sleep unsafely. 

Babies are the safest when they are alone in a crib with a firm mattress and tightly-fitted sheets. The crib should not have any pillows, blankets or stuffed animals. Additionally, a baby should never be put to sleep on an adult bed or couch.

“It only takes a moment to make sure children are safe when they’re put to bed, but that moment could be the difference between life and death,” Feigenholtz said.