Chicago – Dozens of local South Side businesses were recently awarded over $2.4 million in funding from the Back to Business Program to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to the support of State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago).

“Businesses across the state have been negatively impacted in the last two years, especially Black and Brown-owned small businesses and in the hospitality industry,” Peters said. “These grants are giving South Side businesses a much needed boost to get back on their feet as we continue to recover.”

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 Sen. Peters – DCEO has provided $111 million in B2B grants to nearly 3,000 small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on disproportionately impacted areas.

In the district Peters represents, 81  businesses were awarded grants ranging from $5,000 to $145,000 to help them cover the costs of safely staying open in these unpredictable times. Businesses ranged from barber shops to photography studios and more.

CHAMPAIGN – In an effort to replenish the stock of the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen in Champaign, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is reminding residents to make a donation to his hygiene product drive by Monday, Jan. 31.

“Giving back is small way we can all make a big difference in our community,” Bennett said. “Please help our community by donating hygiene products to ensure no one goes without during the winter months.”

Bennett’s office is collecting new products including deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, shaving cream, razors, hand lotion, hand warmers, chapstick, gloves, hats, socks, scarves and small treats. Hygiene items can be dropped off at Bennett’s district office located at 45 E. University Ave., Suite 206 in Champaign.

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) wants all Illinoisans to have access to reliable broadband internet, so he’s leading the charge to bring services to rural parts of the state.

“When it comes to internet access and connectivity, rural communities have been left behind,” Koehler said. “This has created an opportunity gap that only widens the longer we wait to implement real, lasting solutions.”

Nearly 1.5 million households across the state do not have high speed broadband, and rural Illinoisans are 10% less likely to have broadband than urban and suburban Illinoisans—an infrastructure gap that has been shown to have serious economic consequences.

Senate Bill 2247 establishes a tax credit equal to 15% of the cost of equipment and materials for businesses that provide broadband internet services in counties with fewer than 40,000 residents, or in townships with a population density of less than 50 households per square mile in counties with less than 300,000 people.

DES PLAINES – More than two dozen local businesses across the district State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) represents will be awarded over $2 million from the Back to Business Program to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to her unwavering support of last year’s state budget.

“We created the Back to Business grant program to help our vibrant small business community recover from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” Murphy said. “We know companies’ bottom lines are still hurting, and we want to do all we can to help.”

Senator Fine works to alleviate stress for students in debt

SPRINGFIELD – Student debt is the second leading source of consumer debt in America, just behind mortgage loans. Illinois students across the state would have more options to protect themselves from falling behind on their student debt under a measure championed through the Higher Education Committee by State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview).

“Student debt is an enormous burden on students and the economy,” Fine said. “This bill gives students a pathway to economic stability by creating a debt repayment plan that will rein in fees and interest charges. It also prohibits withholding of transcripts that may inhibit students from seeking employment.”

Read more.

Morrison fights for free-of-charge health services for survivors of sexual assault

SPRINGFIELD – To lessen the mental and emotional strain of receiving treatment and care following a sexual assault, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is fighting for survivors’ treatments and medications to be free-of-charge for up to 180 days following the assault.

“Recovery, both physical and emotional, from sexual assault takes time,” Morrison said. “Cost associated with treatment for sexual violence should not become added weight on the shoulders of someone already struggling.”

Read more.

Feigenholtz, Peters, Stadelman introduce measure to grow state's tech industry

SPRINGFIELD – To strengthen Illinois’ tech economy, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) introduced legislation that would allow smartphone app companies to do business directly with their customers and avoid a fee to smartphone companies.

“Governments create fair marketplaces in every industry with appropriate protections for entrepreneurs and consumers," Feigenholtz said. "Our laws need to catch up to the smartphone app economy by providing the legal freedom for businesses and their customers to work directly together.”

Read more.

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WAUKEGAN – Illinois families can avoid COVID-19 tax delays by getting a head start on filing tax returns. State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is encouraging Illinoisans to take advantage of the 17 day early start, beginning Jan. 24.

“With COVID-19 infections on the rise again, the IRS is warning Illinois families to file their taxes before things become challenging,” Johnson said. “Our communities have been faced with the unimaginable these last few years, so get a head start this new year and don’t be burdened by a missed opportunity.”

ELGIN – Gail Borden Public Library and Schaumburg Township District Library will be receiving grants from the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State to help them recover from the ongoing pandemic and expand their services thanks to support from State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin).

“I’m proud to see these two libraries receiving this grant at such a critical time,” Castro said. “From teaming with my office to host events like job fairs and vaccine clinics to putting on virtual story times for families, they are both important fixtures in our community.”

The Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin received $25,187 and Schaumburg Township District Library received $18,229 of the nearly $6 million total in grants being awarded by Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White to libraries across Illinois.

The purpose of these grants is to allow libraries to develop resources for their local job seekers, expand digital inclusion efforts and ensure all operations can be provided safely and effectively as the pandemic continues.

“We are so pleased that Senator Castro and other state legislators as well as the governor for helping fund this grant program,” said Denise Raleigh, Division Chief of Public Relations and Development at Gail Borden Public Library. “We appreciate their wise decision to enable us as libraries to use this investment to impact our communities in such positive ways – adding literacy resources, access to the Internet and other assistance services, and providing needed programs.”  

For a full list of libraries receiving a grant, click here.

PEORIA – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) accepted the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association/Ag-Solve’s Friend of Agriculture award in Peoria on Wednesday.

“It’s a privilege to advocate for our farmers and farm families at the state level,” Bennett, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said. “I would like to express my appreciation for this award in recognition of the work we’ve been able to accomplish for the agriculture industry.”

Bennett spoke to IFCA/Ag-Solve members about his legislative work advocating for the agriculture industry and was later recognized for his support. IFCA/Ag-Solve represents the crop production supply and service industry and promotes sound stewardship and utilization of agricultural inputs.