Caucus News

CHICAGO - From Chicago's Michigan Avenue to iconic roadside stops like the Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield, Illinois’ 300-mile stretch of Route 66 and other tourist attractions are getting a major financial boost.

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced $4.6 million in new grant funding today to 49 grantees designed to preserve and promote tourism. Special projects include initiatives along Route 66 and destinations across the state and international markets.

“Chicago is Illinois’ front door to the world, welcoming visitors from across the country and around the globe who stay in our hotels, dine at our restaurants, shop at our small businesses, and experience everything our city and state have to offer,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “These investments will help ensure that visitors discover the communities, historic destinations, and cultural experiences that make our state unique.”

Tourism has reached record-breaking numbers. In fiscal year 2025, 115 million tourists visited Illinois, spending $50.2 billion.

To sustain this economic momentum, the state is investing in some of its most famous landmarks. The Route 66 Grant Program will receive $2 million to support special projects along the iconic highway that’s been the backdrop for generations of family trips, photos and memories.

To build on the legacy of Illinois travel, marketing efforts targeted at a range of travelers are part of the grant funding. The International Tourism Grant Program designates funding for targeted outreach to markets in countries like Mexico, Canada, UK/Ireland, Germany, India and Japan with the primary goal of increasing international travel to Illinois.

Through the Tourism Marketing Partnership Grant Program, funding will assist local organizations with promoting events to increase overnight stays.

With this latest investment, Illinois communities will have new opportunities to showcase what makes their part of the state worth exploring.

MONEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce joined Voortman Steel Machinery leadership, Governor Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and local leaders to celebrate the grand opening of the company’s $51 million expansion project in Monee.

“I am glad to say that this state has fully backed what we are seeing today,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This is our third major project in this manufacturing corridor. The Voortman Headquarters will be in this community for generations to come, and that’s something to be proud of.”

SPRINGFIELD – As Illinois recognizes PFAS Awareness Week, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus are highlighting a comprehensive effort to reduce exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, strengthen environmental monitoring and protect Illinois families from these persistent chemicals.

PFAS have been widely used in consumer and industrial products can persist in the environment. Illinois has taken significant steps to address PFAS in recent years, including establishing drinking water and groundwater standards and enacting restrictions on certain PFAS-containing products. Senate Democrats are continuing that work by advancing legislation focused on testing, source reduction, consumer protections, wastewater and the state’s water resources.

To better understand and address PFAS in Illinois’ waterways and wastewater systems, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) is leading efforts to increase testing and transparency through Senate Bill 3917. The law requires certain facilities operating under wastewater discharge permits to conduct periodic PFAS sampling, including testing of influent, effluent and biosolids at covered publicly owned treatment works. The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2027.

JOSLIN — State Senator Mike Halpin and Senate President Don Harmon have fought to support the Joslin community following the recent closing of Tyson Foods’ beef plant in the town.

“Illinois is home to a world-leading agriculture industry built on generations of hard work by farm families and the people who process, move and deliver what they produce,” said Harmon (D-Oak Park). “We know this is a challenging time for many of those families and workers. I appreciate Governor Pritzker moving quickly to put the state’s economic development resources to work and sending a clear message that Illinois is ready to compete for the businesses and quality jobs these communities deserve.”

State Senators Mattie Hunter and Doris Turner announced new funding opportunities under the Illinois Grocery Initiative. Together, the New Stores in Food Deserts, Equipment Upgrades and Grocery Rescue grant programs represent a $26 million effort to address food deserts and prevent grocery store closures in communities across the state.

“All Illinoisans deserve access to fresh and healthy foods,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “The Illinois Grocery Initiative is critical to ensuring this goal becomes a reality. I’m thrilled to see the state’s continued investment in these efforts to prevent food insecurities across Illinois.”

The new Grocery Rescue Program will support efforts to reopen stores that have closed within the preceding 12 months. This program is designed to prevent long-term food access loss in low-access tracts, preventing the formation of new food deserts. Funding can be used for store acquisition, repair, refurbishing property and equipment and some first-year operating costs.

CHICAGO — For the second time in one week, Illinois has seen another improved bond rating. S&P Global Ratings – one of the nation’s major credit rating agencies – announced a credit upgrade Tuesday thanks to the fiscally responsible decisions made by Illinois Democrats.

In response, Majority Caucus Appropriations Leader Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“Today’s news confirms that years of making fiscal discipline our guiding principle are working as intended – we are helping Illinois maintain stability and make smart investments during federal uncertainty that are setting Illinois up for long-term financial success. S&P’s upgrade shows our responsible budgeting approach is paying off and is independent proof that Illinois is an excellent investment.

NORMAL – State Senator Dave Koehler joined Illinois State University leaders and state officials Monday to celebrate the opening of the university’s new College of Engineering facility.

“The opening of Illinois State University’s School of Engineering is an exciting investment in our students and the future of our workforce,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Expanding opportunities to pursue engineering at ISU will help grow the talent pipeline so more students call central Illinois home.”

SPRINGFIELD ─ State Senator Ram Villivalam spearheaded a new law that establishes regulations for the use of toy vehicles, motor-driven bicycles and other small, low-speed electric mobility devices in Illinois.

“Technology is evolving, providing expanded mobility options for our neighbors through the rise in popularity of e-bikes and scooters,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “But without clear regulations for these devices, we are seeing increased injuries and accidents – jeopardizing community safety.”