LOCKPORT – Nearly 50 small businesses across the 43^rd District were recently awarded over $1.2 million in Back to Business grant funding, thanks to legislative measures supported by State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport).

“I’m glad to know that so many of our local businesses are receiving the help they deserve after the difficulties of the last two years,” Connor said. “Their resilience through even the darkest days of this pandemic has not gone unrecognized.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity selects grantees, and the grants are funded through the American Rescue Plan. The DCEO has dispersed $111 million in B2B grants to nearly 3,000 small businesses across Illinois who have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Forty-seven businesses in Connor’s district received grants ranging from $5,000 to $250,000 in this round of funding to help them recoup losses from the past two years, and to continue to keep their doors open to the community.

“I can’t stress enough how integral our small businesses are to the vitality of our community,” Connor said. “I’m proud every day to work alongside other members of the General Assembly to give back to our local businesses who have given so much to us.”

Grants will continue to be awarded statewide on a rolling basis. More information about the B2B program, as well as a full list of grantees, is available on the DCEO’s website.

LOCKPORT – A new law signed Thursday that was championed by State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) will address a looming water crisis in the Joliet region and ensure a clean and reliable water source for years to come.

“Without reliable, clean water, our communities are crippled,” Connor said. “Finding a new water source before 2030 isn’t optional—we have to act now for ourselves, and in the interest of future generations.”

The underground Cambrian-Ordovician sandstone aquifer system is the primary source of water for the Joliet, Romeoville, Shorewood, Lockport, Lemont, Channahon, Elwood, and Minooka communities. An assessment by the city of Joliet revealed that the aquifer is being depleted at twice its natural recharge rate, and is expected to be fully depleted in 2030.

Connor’s law, ran as Senate Bill 280, offers a solution to the communities. The new law establishes the Regional Water Commissions Act, which would allow municipalities to form a regional commission to build, own, and operate a water system. This water commission will be able to build and operate a 31-mile pipeline to the city of Chicago water system, providing a connection to Lake Michigan water for the community.

The pipeline will bring clean and sustainable water to the region, as well as thousands of construction jobs.

“Big problems call for bold, innovative solutions,” Connor said. “This law will allow our community to proactively respond to, and ultimately prevent, an impending crisis.”

The law is effective immediately.

CHICAGO – State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) accepted the James Brodie Excellence in Legislation award at the Illinois Security Professionals Association’s 60th Annual Awards and Honors Gala on Tuesday.

“Everyone who carries a gun as part of their job should be properly trained — it helps protect them and helps protect our families and communities,” Connor said. “I am both honored and humbled to have received this recognition, and I am proud to join the Illinois Security Professionals Association in their mission to increase professionalism, knowledge and expertise of those involved in security.”

The award comes in response to Connor’s legislation to prevent potentially fatal accidents by increasing training requirements for private detectives and private security guards who want to carry firearms.

Existing law required security guards to complete 40 hours of basic training to be licensed as private security contractors. Guards employed by corporations were able to carry weapons without completing the required training if the corporation they work for employs five or less armed guards. The new law requires all armed employees to complete the training and creates even more stringent training requirements for private detectives and private security contractors.

“ISPA is delighted to present Sen. Connor with this award in appreciation for his efforts to help keep our communities safe,” said Ernie Kuhnke, President of the Illinois Security Professionals Association.

The ISPA has been an advocate for security professionals in Illinois since 1961. To learn more about the association or get involved, visit their website.

LOCKPORT – In an effort to support and promote small businesses ahead of the holiday season, State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) is launching a social media campaign to feature local small businesses.

“Small businesses bring so much life to our communities,” Connor said. “Through the challenges of the pandemic, they worked to provide necessary services to keep our economy running.”

LOCKPORT – In recognition of sacrifices made by brave Illinoisans who have served our country, State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) is inviting people to write friendly and encouraging letters to residents of veteran’s homes ahead of Veterans Day.

“Our veterans have all made tremendous sacrifices for us, and Operation Rising Spirit gives us an opportunity to honor those sacrifices,” Connor said. “In our community and across the state, our service members deserve to feel recognized and appreciated for their contributions.”

Operation Rising Spirit is an initiative of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs that encourages communities to write letters to residents in the care of veterans’ homes in Illinois. At a time when isolation is at a record high, the letters are meant to extend friendly affirmation for the bravery and courage of veterans both throughout their service and the pandemic.

“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many residents of long-term care facilities have not been able to see friends or family for quite some time,” Connor said. “By taking the time to send kind messages and words of encouragement, we can help make our veterans across the state feel remembered and appreciated, and combat the loneliness they may be experiencing.”

The campaign will focus on veterans’ homes in Illinois, located in Anna, Chicago, LaSalle, Manteno, and Quincy. To send a message to a veteran or a veteran home, visit Send-a-note. For people wanting to send physical letters, locations for each of the veterans’ homes can be found here.

SPRINGFIELD – In response to increasing fears of future water insecurity in the Joliet area, legislation sponsored by State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) provides for the establishment of a Joliet-region water commission.

“The water supply that our communities rely on won’t be able to provide for us by 2030. Our aquifer is being depleted at twice its natural refill rate, and we’re running out of time” Connor said. “If we don’t start building a solution now, we will face a water crisis.”

LOCKPORT – State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) attended a highway dedication Monday morning to memorialize a local fallen state trooper.

“Our first responders take a tremendous risk every day when they put on their uniforms and go to work—a risk that very few people can appreciate fully,” Connor said. “Trooper Warner was courageous and selfless in his duty, and he made the greatest sacrifice for a community that still feels his loss even half a century later.”

JOLIET – Due to its accomplishments, including a strong commitment to customer safety and satisfaction, the Illinois Department of Transportation selected Joliet Regional Airport to receive a 2020 General Aviation Airport of the Year award, State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) announced.

“The Joliet Regional Airport is a great resource for our community, and I congratulate all airport staff on this well-deserved recognition,” Connor said. “Their continued commitment to safety and service even in the face of the unprecedented difficulties of the last year and a half is commendable.”

Joliet Regional Airport is one of 12 airports across the state selected to receive an Airport of the Year award from the Illinois Department of Transportation. Award considerations include cooperation and coordination with the state, the airport’s safety record, maintenance of the facility, and promotion of aviation and educational events. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, awards were based on the achievements of the last two years.

"We are honored to be chosen for the award, especially during the height of the pandemic. The changing guidelines throughout the year were challenging to say the least, but my staff rose to the occasion and we are proud to know that our efforts did not go unnoticed,” Airport Superintendent Jennifer McFarland said. “Our continued relationship with the IDOT Division of Aeronautics will be beneficial to all current and future members of the aviation community."

More information and resources for the Illinois aviation community can be found on Illinois Aviation’s website.