Elgin — State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) joined Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Human Services to announce $30 million in state funding for Immigrant Welcoming Centers across Illinois to support members of immigrant communities facing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The funding will allocate $18 million in funding will go to housing and utility assistance, $4.5 million will be used to support employment and job training services, and $4 million will be used to provide health care education. The remaining $2 million will go to a multilingual effort to reach Illinois residents eligible to receive support, and $1.5 million will be used for technical assistance.

EAST ST. LOUIS – In an effort to increase state contracting opportunities for Black vendors, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) spoke Friday about the importance of creating new standards that ensure agencies are practicing fair contracting.

“Black Americans are struggling to secure opportunities in supplier diversity, no matter the industry,” Belt said. “Illinois’ goal is to decrease disparities for all businesses of color by increasing sustainability and providing them a fair share of local, state, and federal contracting.”

On Friday, the Senate Executive, Commerce and Economic Development and State Government committees, and the Senate Special Committee on Supplier Diversity held a joint hearing to cover the importance of increasing the number of opportunities for Black vendors to do business with the state.

NAPERVILLE – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, another crisis continues to take a toll on people across the nation – domestic violence. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, State Senator Laura Ellman is highlighting state and local resources to make sure Illinois residents are aware that there is assistance available.

“Unfortunately, domestic violence is a reality in all of our communities, and it doesn’t discriminate. It affects all classes, genders and races,” Ellman said. “No one should feel unsafe in their own home, but if you do, there are resources available to help.”

CHAMPAIGN – With National Move Over Day set for Saturday, Oct. 17, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is reminding drivers to move over and slow down when approaching stopped emergency responders, tow trucks, utility, public works, county highway, or maintenance vehicles with warning lights flashing.

“Safety zones are set up to protect men and women working at the scene, but it’s up to drivers to make responsible choices behind the wheel to prevent roadway fatalities,” Bennett said. “To prevent more tragic losses of emergency responders and highway workers, stay alert and move over for workers.”

PARK FOREST - In celebration of National Women’s Small Business Month, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is encouraging residents to nominate local female business owners to recognize for their leadership and service to residents.

“This is a great time to celebrate the growth and accomplishments of female entrepreneurs, as well as raise awareness of the importance of women-owned businesses,” Joyce said. “My goal this month is to shine a spotlight on those businesses and business owners.”

MARYVILLE - To reduce roadside crashes and ensure safety for highway workers, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) is reminding motorists of the importance of following Illinois’ “Move Over” law, also known as Scott’s Law.

“When residents drive carelessly, they put themselves, other drivers, highway workers and first responders at risk,” Crowe said. “To prevent potentially deadly roadside crashes, I urge drivers to be vigilant and follow the law by slowing down and giving stopped vehicles plenty of space.”

BUFFALO GROVE – Adriane Johnson, a lifelong servant and volunteer in the northern suburbs, was sworn in as the first Black state Senator to represent the 30th Legislative District Sunday.

“I’m truly honored and humbled by this entire experience,” Johnson said “We have a lot of important issues to tackle this year, and I’m ready to serve the residents of the 30th District.”

As the current commissioner of the Buffalo Grove Park District Board and the president of the Buffalo Grove-Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, Johnson had dedicated her life to serving the residents, small businesses and local parks of the northern suburbs. Prior to her current job, Johnson served as the president of the Buffalo Grove Park District.

DANVILLE - In honor of National Women’s Small Business Month, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is encouraging residents to nominate local female business owners to recognize for their leadership and service to residents.

“October is a month to celebrate and applaud the contributions and successes of female entrepreneurs,” Bennett said. “I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the talented, dedicated and driven women that help make our community great.”