CHAMPAIGN – The University of Illinois Willard Airport is set to receive funding through the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Division of Aeronautics, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) announced Friday.

“Willard Airport is an important economic engine for Champaign County and these funds will be critical to improving the facility,” Bennett said. “Investing in airport infrastructure will enhance safety, create jobs and provide economic benefits to our community.”

A state commitment of $1.55 million to leverage a total investment of $31 million for airport improvements will improve safety and boost capacity in Champaign-Urbana, Quincy and Rockford.

These projects are made possible by $27.9 million in supplemental discretionary funding through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program, with the Illinois Department of Transportation providing the matching funds to maximize the funding opportunity and accelerate construction.

The University of Illinois – Willard Airport will receive $9.9 million from federal funds, $550,000 state match, and $550,000 local match for runway reconstruction.

MAYWOOD – With a heavy heart, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) celebrates the life of her former 4^th Senate District staff and long-time family friend, Joyce Ann Runnels Simmons, who passed away on July 7. Lightford released the following statement to commemorate her life after she was laid to rest on Tuesday:

“Ms. Joyce moved next door when I was 7 years old, and our families have continued to grow a bond since then. She was like an aunt to me, and she supported me long before I had any idea where my life would go. Her ability to make everyone she encountered feel loved will be remembered by all of us who had the honor of knowing her.

“When I had the opportunity to hire her in my district office, I was overjoyed to have her caring presence there and give my constituents the opportunity to experience her loving nature. She was dedicated to the 4^th Senate District as a staff person and later as a member of my 4^th District Women’s Committee.

“Our family is deeply saddened by the loss of Ms. Joyce, but we find peace in the memories, the way she made us feel and her unwavering faith in God. My condolences go out to her husband, Charles, and her three children, Charles Jr., Derrick and LaShaun, and the rest of her beautiful family.”

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.

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) was joined by Governor J.B. Pritzker today to announce the expansion of the Illinois Department of Human Services’ COVID-19 Summer Youth Employment Program, creating additional employment opportunities for underserved youth in the Rockford area.

“This is an extremely important program. It gives these kids the opportunity to connect with each other and learn new working experience to prepare them for future careers,” Stadelman said. “This program can help level the playing field. It focuses on low-income kids in the community, giving them an opportunity they may have not otherwise had.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) is calling on lawmakers to reevaluate the statues on Illinois state capitol grounds, starting with the replacement of the Stephen Douglas statue with the country’s first Black president and former Illinois senator.

“Former President Barack Obama has accomplished so much, and there is barely any celebration of him anywhere around our state capitol,” Van Pelt said. “Some of the most significant moments in his early career took place in Springfield. It is a statue that’s long overdue.”

Douglas, like many politicians of his era, was a racist who owned slaves. He supported the 1857 ruling in Dred Scott v. Sandford, which denied enslaved people their freedom, even in free states like Illinois. More than 750,000 Americans felt the way Douglas did, which led to a war over slavery.

Despite their defeat, Confederate memorabilia still is seen around the state and country.

For many Black Americans, this memorabilia is a sign of hate, with symbols such as the Confederate Flag being comparable to how Jewish people feel about the swastika.

“Tearing down racist statues is not erasing history,” Van Pelt said. “If America is serious about the empowerment of Black lives -- and other groups that have been marginalized in this country -- it should be reflected in our symbols and in our statues.”

In calling for the removal of the Douglas statue, Van Pelt echoes sentiments from colleague Senator Emil Jones III. If Douglas’ statue was removed, Illinois would join a handful of states that have begun to tear down these statues of oppression in response to the death of George Floyd.

NAPERVILLE – The federal government has extended the application deadline for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is encouraging local business owners to apply for the PPP and other forgivable loans through the Small Business Administration.

“Businesses of all sizes, in particular small local businesses, are facing unprecedented financial hardships,” Ellman said. “Many business owners are worried about what’s to come and if it will affect their ability to provide for their families. The Paycheck Protection Program helps give owners the ability to reestablish a level of stability.”

To help provide financial support to businesses, the Federal Treasury Department and the U.S. Small Business Administration extended the application period for the Paycheck Protection Program. Businesses can get up to $10 million in relief funding through the first come, first served program. Under the extended deadline, businesses must apply by Aug. 8.

The financial lifeline helps employers keep people on the payroll and pay overhead expenses. If used as intended, the loans don’t have to be repaid.

More than 27,000 Illinois businesses have already taken advantage of the loans – saving an estimated 1.36 million jobs – according to the Small Business Administration.

PPP loans have an interest rate of 1% and can be fully forgiven if they are used for payroll costs, rent, utilities or interest on mortgages.

To find participating lenders, business owners and managers can visit the Small Business Administration’s website, found here.

CHICAGO – The Illinois State Board of Education received $569 million through the federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund, and Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) is encouraging districts to apply.

In total, $512 million allocated by ISBE will go directly to Illinois school districts. The funds will support their local response to the COVID-19 pandemic while also preparing schools for unique challenges of the upcoming school year.

“Children in disproportionate communities have been at an unfair disadvantage during the pandemic,” Lightford said, “Being unable to continue your education without the adequate tools should not be a punishment. Schools should take advantage of these grants to make sure children are staying ahead.”

“If our two movements unite their social pioneering initiatives, thirty years from now people will look back on this day and honor those who had the vision to see the full possibilities of modern society and the courage to fight for their realization,” said Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., referring to the Civil Rights and Labor Movements, in a 1965 address at the Illinois State AFL-CIO’s 8^th annual convention.

SPRINGFIELD – Nearly 55 years after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his renowned speech at the Illinois State AFL-CIO’s 8^th annual convention, in which he predicted that future generations would look back and honor those who sought to unite the Civil Rights and Labor Movements, State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker) is leading an effort to make Dr. King’s words a reality.