Illinois Senate Democrats passed a budget that supports top priorities for the state, including education and important social services. Their budget plan also responds to the COVID-19 pandemic by providing additional support to small businesses and workforce development programs.

“Not only is this budget balanced, it provides stability by making our full required pension payment, paying down the borrowing we needed last year and funding many of our priorities to put our state on the right path,” said State Senator Elgie Sims (D-Chicago), the Senate’s chief budget expert. “As a member of the Illinois legislative Black Caucus and sponsor of its criminal justice pillar, I am also proud that this budget funds the enhanced training and other associated improvements passed earlier this year to enact the SAFE-T Act.”

The budget continues the caucus’ commitment to evidence-based funding reform for Illinois’ public schools with a $350 million investment in additional resources. This money will go to school districts that need it most, helping uplift lower-income urban and rural communities.

PARK CITY – To make it quick and easy for community members to get vaccinated against COVID-19, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is sponsoring a “One & Done” vaccination clinic Saturday, June 12 from 9-11 a.m. at the Park City Public Works Building, located at 333 Teske Blvd. in Park City.

“Getting vaccinated is the best way we can defend ourselves, our families and our communities against this deadly virus,” Johnson said. “If you haven’t gotten your dose yet, now is the time.”

Up to 150 doses of the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be available at the event, which is free and open to any area resident age 18 and up.

To date, nearly 300 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control recommends anyone who is eligible gets the vaccine as soon as possible—fully vaccinated people can resume most activities without wearing a mask or practicing social distancing.

Those interested in receiving a vaccine at the upcoming clinic can register online at www.SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com/VaccinateParkCity, but walk-ins are also welcome.

For more information, contact Johnson’s office at 847-672-6201.

SHOREWOOD – To honor the life of a local hero, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D- Shorewood) passed a resolution to designate the section of Illinois Route 59 from Canton Farm Road to Illinois Route 126 as the “PFC Andrew Meari Memorial Highway.”

“Private First Class Andrew Meari led a service driven life worthy of commemoration,” Loughran Cappel said. “His contribution to our community and sacrifice for the country should never be forgotten.”

SPRINGFIELD – In tribute to a fallen firefighter from East Alton, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) passed a resolution through the Senate to designate West Delmar Avenue between Pierce Lane and Valhalla Cemetery in Godfrey as the “Captain Jake Ringering Memorial Highway”.

“Captain Ringering was an incredible person, mentor and family man,” Crowe said. “This will serve as a reminder to our community of his selfless sacrifices.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) co-sponsored legislation lowering trailer registration fees from $118 to $36 that passed out of the Senate on Monday.

“People in my district and all across the state have struggled under disproportionately high trailer registration fees,” Koehler said. “I receive many calls from constituents on this particular issue, and I’m proud to be able to bring their concerns to the table in Springfield.”

The legislation designated all trailers that weigh 3,000 pounds or less “utility trailers” and sets the registration fee for said utility trailers at $36. This applies only to trailers primarily for personal use. If signed into law, the bill would also repeal the $10,000 cap on the trade-in vehicle sales tax credit and increase the private vehicle tax by $75 for each model year where the purchase price is less than $15,000 and $100 if the purchase price is above $15,000.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) passed a measure to put an end to the demand for pets from inhumane breeding operations by requiring pet stores to source their animals from rescue shelters.

“We’ve seen too many families purchase pets from a pet shop, only to take them home and find out they have a myriad of health issues,” Castro said. “Too often, pet shops source their animals from intensive breeding facilities that treat animals like objects instead of the living, breathing creatures they are.”

CHICAGO – Illinois bars and restaurants will have more options and more time to utilize the state’s “cocktails-to-go” program under a new law sponsored by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago).

“Many business owners in the hospitality industry were worried about recovering from COVID-19-related losses to their business,” Feigenholtz said. “We passed cocktails-to-go last year as a response to the pandemic, and it was a lifeline to restaurants. Expanding this further to give struggling bars and restaurants more options for cash management is crucial.”