SPRINGFIELD – To discuss further steps to assist survivors of child abuse in the Springfield area and throughout downstate, State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) met with Sangamon County Children’s Advocacy Center employees and Children’s Advocacy Centers of Illinois advocates Thursday.

During last spring’s budget negotiations, Manar, who chairs the Senate Appropriations II Committee, fought to ensure that Children’s Advocacy Centers received the funding they need to continue providing crucial treatment services.

New Senator Adriane Johnson: I'm ready to serve

BUFFALO GROVE — Adriane Johnson, a lifelong servant and volunteer in the northern suburbs, was sworn in as the first Black state Senator to represent the 30th Legislative District last week.

“I’m truly honored and humbled by this entire experience,” Johnson said “We have a lot of important issues to tackle this year, and I’m ready to serve the residents of the 30th District.”

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Testimony highlights generational racial disparity in home lending

CHICAGO — Testimony from advocates, state government agencies, and banks themselves were all in agreement Thursday: Race remains the biggest predictor of whether somebody is approved for a home loan, and a major factor in how homes are evaluated in an appraisal process. The result, according to reports, studies, and testimony from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, is that Black homeowners in Illinois are simply not receiving loans at anywhere near the rate of homeowners in majority-white neighborhoods.

State Senator Jacqueline Collins, chair of the Illinois Senate Financial Institutions Committee, convened a joint hearing on the topic Thursday, bringing in the Senate Commerce and Economic Development and Senate Executive Committees to discuss the causes of this disparity, with testimony from IDFPR, representatives of the Illinois and Chicago housing authorities, Treasurer Michael Frerichs and representatives of various housing advocacy agencies.

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Harris supports increasing Black vendor procurement opportunities

DOLTON — As a diversity advocate and Black-owned business supporter, State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) echoed the importance of increasing the number of opportunities for Black vendors to do business with the state.

“Every local government, industry, and statewide project should include vendors from diverse backgrounds,” Harris said. “Diverse businesses typically encounter barriers that challenge their startup and sustainability efforts. However, our supplier diversity strategies can improve their procurement opportunities.”

Read more.

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PEORIA – To continue expanding access to quality broadband in rural areas, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) announced $50 million in funding are available through the Connect Illinois broadband expansion program’s second round of grants today.

“In order to participate in the 21st Century economy, people need reliable, affordable internet access,” Koehler said. “By setting aside money in the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois statewide construction plan to improve our broadband infrastructure, Downstate businesses, schools, farmers and health care providers will have the opportunity to flourish on a whole new level.”

EAST ST. LOUIS - To expand high-speed internet access to more households and businesses in the Metro East, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) announced $50 million in matching grants is now available in the second round of the Connect Illinois program.

"Connect Illinois is the largest broadband expansion grant program in the country, and it has the potential to make a huge difference to our community," Belt said. "Roughly 177 Metro East households will receive internet access thanks to the first round of grants. I urge eligible applicants to apply for this second round to expand the number of homes and businesses that can benefit from this historic program.”

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department on Aging recently announced the 2020 Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame inductees, and State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) is sending his congratulations to Vivian Mitchel of Morton Grove.

“Inductees like Vivian Mitchel have made important contributions to our communities,” Villivalam said. “I want to congratulate Vivian for being this year’s Labor Force inductee and I want to thank her for her hard work and dedication to uplifting the spirits of those at the North Shore Senior Center by planning fun and engaging activities for everyone.”

CHAMPAIGN – To help reduce the spread of flu this winter, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is hosting drive-up flu shot clinics in Champaign, Danville and Rantoul.

“This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s extremely important to protect yourself from the flu,” Bennett said. “These clinics will give residents of the 52nd District the opportunity to safely and conveniently get their flu shot.”

MARYVILLE - State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) is celebrating East Alton’s powerlifter Shirley Webb as one of the Illinois Department of Aging’s four inductees into 2020 Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame

“An inspiration to many, Shirley Webb exemplifies the vitality of staying active and living a healthy lifestyle,” Crowe said. “Recognizing her hard work, commitment and dedication, I commend Shirley on this recognition and wish her the best in her future.”

STAUNTON – State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) was joined by Governor JB Pritzker at Madison Communications in Staunton to announce $50 million in funding through the Connect Illinois broadband expansion program’s second round today.

“Lack of reliable access to quality internet service affects every facet of life in Downstate Illinois, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only widened the existing gap between us and the rest of the state,” Manar said. “We continue to prioritize broadband expansion in the state budget, because it is the starting point for effective remote learning, dependable telehealth care services, and growing small businesses to revitalize the downstate economy. I want to thank Governor Pritzker for his steadfast partnership in continuing to push this important issue in Springfield."