CHICAGO – To bring working people back into the job market, State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) is leading an initiative to offer businesses a tax credit to hire employees who lost their job due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Over one and a half million people across Illinois have filed for unemployment since the start of the pandemic,” Villivalam said. “We must do right by working people and our small business community by incentivizing growth during this difficult time.”

GRAYSLAKE – Thanks to support from State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) to provide assistance to local libraries for pandemic recovery, three facilities in the district she represents will receive more than $150,000 in combined grants to grow and enhance their services.

“School libraries provide a safe, welcoming space for students to learn and grow,” Bush said. “Some of my fondest memories from grade school were picking out books or participating in library programs with my friends. I wish for all students to have that same opportunity.”

CHICAGO - Following his MLK Day visit to Lakeview Pantry, State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) encourages residents to take a stand against food insecurity in their communities by supporting local food pantries.

“Many of our families and neighbors in the 7th district have fallen on hard times, especially these last few years,” Simmons said. “I want to remove the social stigma that prevents us from confronting the issue of food insecurity head on.”

SPRINGFIELD – To lessen the mental and emotional strain of receiving treatment and care following a sexual assault, 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.”

Under Morrison’s proposal, survivors of sexual assault would not be charged for health care services relating to the crime for up to 180 days after their forensic examination. Lab tests to determine the presence of a sexually transmitted disease, appropriate medications for potential diseases and physical examination, among other services, would be covered under the measure.

Currently, survivors are billed for the aforementioned treatments and services 90 days following their initial appointment. However, the need for medical assistance often lasts much longer – leading some to forgo necessary treatment because of a high price or lack of insurance.

“Survivors of sexual violence often face a large range of health consequences,” Morrison said. “The trauma associated with such acts is already burdensome – the last thing survivors need is the added stress of paying for treatment to help them recover.”

Senate Bill 3023 passed the Health Committee this week and now heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

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. 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,” said Feigenholtz. “I also look forward to additional state taxes from Illinois businesses keeping more of their revenue instead of shipping 30% of it off to California monopolies.”

NAPERVILLE – On Monday, Jan. 17, Illinois will be celebrating Muhammad Ali Day for the first time, thanks to a resolution sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville).

“Muhammad Ali set a fantastic example for us all by showing how to be dedicated to our passions and courageous in our convictions,” Ellman said. “Through both his athletic career and his philanthropic work, he spent a lifetime working for the betterment of society as a whole.”

AURORA – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) has secured $22,288.00 for the Aurora Public Library District through Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White.

“I’m really excited to be directing funds to libraries that are focused on responding directly to the COVID-19 pandemic by modifying services, transforming spaces and developing resources for their local recovering workforce,” Holmes said.

JOLIET – Improvements to interstate I-80 near Houbolt Road will begin to see improvements thanks to the Illinois Senate Democrats’ support of the Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan.

“This interchange is part of a historic investment in Will County infrastructure by Illinois.  The return on this infrastructure investment will be enjoyed by generations of Will County residents,” said State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport). “This is how Illinois moves forward.”

Governor JB Pritzker announced the next phase of I-80 enhancements and modernization will soon begin at Houbolt Road and interchange. Work is anticipated to begin this winter and is expected to be finalized by 2023. The project will see $32 million in funding from the state’s Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan.

The bridge – located in Will County – is the largest inland port in the United States, making the area a big attraction to travel.