SPRINGFIELD — Senate President Don Harmon issued the following statement on the passing of Karen Lewis.

"I cherished Karen’s friendship and mentorship and will always be better for it. She was an amazing person, devoted teacher, champion of the professional educator and skilled leader. She was one of a kind, dedicated to her core to challenging and changing lives and communities. We are indebted to her service and leadership, for which she will be remembered and forever missed."

Many older adults have been isolated from their loved ones for nearly a year due to the ongoing public health crisis. To show people living in long-term care facilities that people are thinking about them, a number of democratic senators are collecting Valentine’s Day card from their respective communities.

“Whether the cards are bought in a store or made from paper and markers, many older residents could use an extra reminder that they are cared for,” said State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport).

From now until Feb. 10, Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign), Senator John Connor (D-Lockport), Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon), Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs), Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) and Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) will be collecting store-bought and hand-made cards. The cards will then be donated to a number of long-term care facilities across the districts they represent.

BROADVIEW - Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) released a video message urging Illinoisans to wear a mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“This pandemic has shined a light on the inequities faced in Black and Brown communities, especially when it comes to education,” Lightford said. “I urge everyone to do their part and mask up, so we can get students back into classrooms safely and give them the resources they need to succeed.”

DOLTON - State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) released the following statement on the NFL using race as a category to judge whether ex-players should be paid for head injury claims Wednesday:

"It's sickening that the National Football League uses race to determine concussion settlements. Black players who sustained injuries while playing deserve the same support as white players. This is further proof the NFL does not care about players' livelihoods after their football career is finished – but rather only when they can help the league.

Villivalam to host virtual job fair

CHICAGO — State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) is partnering with local officials and workforce development agencies to bring a virtual job fair to residents of the 8th Senate District this week. The free, online event will take place this Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

“My office and I have assisted several hundred residents who are experiencing unemployment or underemployment. People are struggling right now and through our conversations, we know they are asking for a hand up, not a hand out,” Villivalam said. “I encourage everyone seeking employment opportunities to virtually meet the many employers looking for local talent.”

Read more.

Senator Fine urges older residents front-line workers in Cook County to sign up for COVID-19 vaccine updates

GLENVIEW — To keep suburban Cook County residents abreast of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution process, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) is urging residents to sign up to receive updates, scheduling information and other important notifications on the new Cook County COVID-19 Community Vaccination Program website.

“We’re entering Phase 1B of the state’s vaccination plan, which means more Illinoisans are eligible to be vaccinated and more vaccination sites are opening up,” Senator Fine said. “I encourage older residents and front-line essential workers to register for updates to make sure they know when it’s their turn to get vaccinated.”

Read more.

Collins invites young women to join Illinois Council on Women and Girls

CHICAGO — State Senator Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) urged young women aged 14 to 18 to step up and apply to join the Illinois Council on Women and Girls to help shape the policies that will ensure a more equal future for female citizens in Illinois.

“I pushed for the creation of the Illinois Council on Women and Girls because despite some progress, women still have far to go to reach true equality in America,” Collins said. “And these policies are of even greater importance to our young women: Access to health, education, an equal wage, and so many other issues are apparent when we look to the lived experiences of our young women. We need to hear their voices.”

Read more.

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EAST ST. LOUIS – As the 102nd General Assembly begins, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) is honored to serve as the Senate Education Committee chair.

"I am excited and honored to be selected as the Senator Education Committee chair for the 102nd General Assembly," Belt said. "As the chair, I will ensure that our youth are getting the tools and resources they need to succeed.”

The Senate Education Committee is at the forefront of creating legislation for students in grades K-12 in public and private schools.

Belt served four years on the board of Cahokia Unit School District 187, including two years as board president. He created the Difference Makers Professional Organization, which is dedicated to strengthening young men's decision-making capabilities between ages 9 and 18. He also authored an educational children's book, "The Adventures of Nate the Gnat," to teach youth how to be safe, responsible people.

As Senate Education Committee chair, Belt wants to help develop students’ workforce skills from K-12 and create career and higher education paths for students transitioning out of high school.

DOLTON – State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) will host a virtual town hall to share updated information on the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ agenda and COVID-19 vaccines.

Harris will be broadcasting the town hall live on Feb. 9, at 6 p.m., from his Facebook page.

“After the January session, many residents had questions about the package of legislation we passed. This town hall is a great opportunity for them to get answers,” Harris said. “I urge community members to join to understand the Black Caucus’ agenda is all about equality and inclusion for people of color.”

During the January session, the Illinois Senate Legislative Black Caucus passed the most comprehensive legislative package in the nation to rid Illinois of systemic racism. The purpose of the town hall is to clarify misconceptions about the measures and answer any outstanding questions.

Harris will also discuss the state’s vaccination distribution plan.

For questions or additional information, Harris urges residents to contact his office at 708-893-0552 or visit his website.

MARYVILLE – Focused on the future of the justice system, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) vows to prioritize accountability and fairness in her renewed position as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

“Our state has the opportunity to build a justice system that works for everyone and upholds the values it was built upon: integrity and fairness,” Crowe said. “I look forward to hearing from crime survivors, families and other involved courtroom officials and using their input to guide this session’s agenda.”

Crowe got her start in law as a prosecutor in the Violent Crimes Unit at the Madison County State’s Attorney’s office before being elected to the Illinois Senate in 2018.

She was first appointed chair of the Judiciary Committee in January 2020, becoming the first woman in Illinois history to take on the role. Crowe also serves as vice-chair of the Tourism and Hospitality Committee and is an active member on the Labor, Licensed Activities and Veterans Affairs Committees.