CHICAGO – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. is praising the work done by the Illinois General Assembly to affirm the Illinois Funds – a mutual investment used by local governments – top AAA rating.

“When I look at the budgets we have passed in recent years, I see the work and years of fiscal responsibility paying off. We were able to pay down our bills, put money back in the pockets of the state’s hardworking families, and prioritize our local governments,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Illinois is a stand-out state when it comes to putting the needs of our residents first – and we do so in a responsible, equitable way.”

The Illinois Funds lets government agencies use the Illinois State Treasurer’s resources to safely invest their funds while enjoying the economies of scale available from a $19+ billion pooled fund investment portfolio. The AAA rating by Fitch is the firm’s highest rating which is based on the pool’s credit quality, maturity, diversification, and management.

ROCK ISLAND – State Senator Mike Halpin responded to the Illinois Board of Higher Education’s Quad Cities Workforce Analysis Report, which provided both a diagnosis of the region’s challenges, as well as potential solutions for community organizations and legislators to consider.

“Through the education and workforce analysis, we have a clearer vision of the needs and goals to better serve the residents in the Quad Cities,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “By being able to see where resources are needed to succeed, we are now able to continue leading the charge in investing into the future of our community.”

The report combines a broad spectrum of data examining workforce, economic and educational trends in the region. The report found that there are shortages in high-demand sectors, including manufacturing, health care, information technology and transportation. Disparities in educational attainment and workforce participation across gender, race and ethnicity represent a challenge for the region.

SWANSEA – State Senator Christopher Belt helped secure $2.4 million in grant money for the second round of the Equipment Upgrades Grant Program through the Illinois Grocery Initiative.

“All Illinois families deserve reliable access to fresh and affordable food,” said Senator Christopher Belt (D – Swansea). “This program has had an immense impact on our state's local communities and grocers. The next round of funding will ensure we can continue to support Illinois families.”

The Illinois Grocery Initiative Equipment Upgrades Grant Program provides grants for energy-efficient equipment upgrades for existing independently owned for-profit grocery stores, cooperative grocery stores, or not-for-profit grocery stores. Belt was instrumental in passing the Grocery Initiative Act in 2023 and has since supported legislation to spur economic growth and enhance benefits under the initiative.

CHICAGO — In October of 2024, Walgreens announced it would close roughly 1,200 locations over the next three years – including 500 closures in fiscal year 2025 alone – causing concern for those who frequent the stores for groceries and prescriptions. In response to learning that three of these closures will happen in their districts, State Senator Robert Peters, State Representative Kam Buckner, State Representative Curtis J. Tarver and Aldermen Lamont Robinson, Desmon Yancy and Peter Chico released the following statement:

“The closures at our South Commercial Avenue, South King Drive and South Jeffrey Boulevard Walgreens locations will be a devastating blow to our communities. Walgreens started in or near our districts in South Side Chicago at Cottage Grove and Bowen Avenue 124 years ago. For years, these stores have supported residents, providing access to medications, groceries and other essential services.

Kicking off the 104th General Assembly

Last week, Senator Don Harmon was re-elected as Senate President to lead the body in the 104th General Assembly, challenging members to be better leaders for the state.

In his remarks, he emphasized three key principles: treating your neighbors with respect, staying humble and being kind. President Harmon closed his remarks by declaring the 104th General Assembly of the Illinois State Senate underway. We look forward to getting to work in Springfield over the weeks and months to come.

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SPRINGFIELD—State Senator Graciela Guzmán was inaugurated into the 104th General Assembly to serve the 20th Senate District Wednesday.

“I am humbled to be sworn in as the State Senator for the 20th District of Illinois,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “I am just one member of the strong, diverse community that is the Northwest side of Chicago. I am committed to elevating our collective vision of economic justice for everyday people and self-determination for the working class with my position in the statehouse.” 

Guzmán is the first Salvadoran elected in Illinois to the General Assembly. Raised by parents who fled the violence of the Salvadoran Civil War and worked to build a life where their five children could thrive, Guzmán was aware from an early age of the inequities in society, which shaped her commitment to creating institutional change.

ROCK ISLAND – State Senator Mike Halpin announced Tuesday that Henderson Health Center is set to receive over $110,000 through the Health Equity Zone Pilot Projects pilot program.

“Addressing health inequities within our community continues to be a priority. Everyone deserves to have access to compassionate, quality, and accessible health care,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “At a time when corporate health insurance continues to fail regular people in western Illinois, grants such as the Health Equity Zone pilot program play an integral role in bolstering access to care.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham’s energy package to put Illinois on a path to reach its climate goals, meet increasing electricity demand and provide reliability for residents is one step closer to becoming law.

“This is a very important next step in energy policy in Illinois,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “We will not be able to meet the increasing demand for electricity in our state without a robust energy storage plan.”

Energy storage is the capture of electricity produced at one time for use at a later time by storing it in a rechargeable battery.