AURORA – The City of Aurora will receive $487,000 in funding for affordable housing and community revitalization through the Illinois Housing Development Authority’s Strong Communities Program, supported by State Senator Karina Villa.

“Through the Strong Communities program, we can promote economic growth, stimulate local businesses, reduce housing insecurity and improve the quality of life for countless families in the 25^th District,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “The funding for these essential projects is coming at a time when affordable housing and community well-being are principal concerns. I commend the IHDA for working on behalf of our residents to ensure quality living is achievable for everyone.” 

The Strong Communities Program supports local revitalization efforts and attracts further investment in communities that may lack the resources needed to tackle vacant, abandoned and deteriorated properties.

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci announced that a combined total of $871,000 is coming to communities in Champaign and Vermilion counties to support local revitalization efforts.

“Excellent work is being done in our community to rehab deteriorating residential properties to get these homes back on the market,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “So much can be done to make our neighborhoods stronger and safer with investment in this program.”

The Illinois Housing Development Authority recently approved $19 million to support affordable housing and community revitalization efforts across Illinois. Awarded under the Strong Communities Program, the initiative will provide funding to 68 units of local governments and land bank authorities for the acquisition, maintenance, rehabilitation and demolition of abandoned residential properties in their communities. The program is designed to support local revitalization efforts and attract further investment in communities that may lack the resources needed to tackle vacant, abandoned and deteriorated properties.

Toro encourages educators and parents to use educational tax credit

CHICAGO — As back-to-school season kicks off, State Senator Natalie Toro is reminding taxpayers that they may be able to claim school expenses for their K-12 students on their 2023 Illinois individual income tax returns.

“As a former educator for nearly 10 years, I know how difficult it can be for parents and educators to afford necessary school supplies,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “With the cost for these materials on the rise, it is more important than ever for people to be aware of and utilize these tax benefits to help offset the costs of their school supplies.”

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Turner applauds new manufacturing facility in Decatur

DECATUR — State Senator Doris Turner announced a new commercial manufacturing facility coming to Decatur, bringing more jobs to Central Illinois.

“This new facility will bring good-paying jobs right to our community while boosting the local economy,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Rising Pharmaceuticals’ move to Decatur exemplifies the city’s prime location in Central Illinois and continues Illinois’ commitment to being a leader in the manufacturing industry.”

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Joyce appointed co-chair to newly established task force to retain firefighters and paramedics

KANKAKEE — A measure championed by State Senator Patrick Joyce earlier this year created the Recruiting and Retaining Public Employee Firefighters and Paramedics Task Force, and recently, Senate President Don Harmon appointed Joyce as co-chair of the task force along with State Representative Mike Kelly.

“For quite some time, we have seen an issue recruiting and retaining first responders for different emergencies – which is detrimental to our neighbors,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “I’m ready to figure out the why, and to find solutions to tackle this shortage of workers in order to keep all of our communities safe.”

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We want to hear from you

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Senate Special Committee on the Chicago Elected Representative School Board will hold additional hearings to gather public input on the creation of new Chicago elected school board districts.

The hearings are scheduled to be held online at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 3 and 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 12 at www.ilga.gov. The hearings will focus on reviewing proposed citywide maps submitted through the portal and will explore suggestions on how to transition to a fully-elected school board in a manner that will provide equitable representation for all of Chicago’s diverse communities.

Comments can be submitted via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or online at www.ilsenateredistricting.com. That website also hosts an online map-making portal where stakeholders including parents, education advocates and community groups are encouraged to draw and submit proposed district boundaries ahead of the scheduled hearings. The online map-making portal has been available since March and remains open for submissions.

Read more.

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WEST CHICAGO – State Senator Karina Villa is collaborating with Illinois Unidos for a Public Health Committee hearing focused on the effects of long COVID in underserved communities.

“The effects of long COVID are still being studied, making it difficult to diagnose,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Our goal is to gain insight from experts in the field and promote research that can help medical providers diagnose long COVID.”

Long COVID has emerged as a pressing concern for individuals who have previously recovered from the initial COVID-19 infection, and the range of symptoms can persist for weeks or months after the acute phase of a COVID-19 infection.

DECATUR – State Senator Doris Turner announced a new commercial manufacturing facility coming to Decatur, bringing more jobs to Central Illinois.

“This new facility will bring good-paying jobs right to our community while boosting the local economy,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Rising Pharmaceuticals’ move to Decatur exemplifies the city’s prime location in Central Illinois and continues Illinois’ commitment to being a leader in the manufacturing industry.”

CHICAGO — As back-to-school season kicks off, State Senator Natalie Toro is reminding taxpayers that they may be able to claim school expenses for their K-12 students on their 2023 Illinois individual income tax returns.

“As a former educator for nearly 10 years, I know how difficult it can be for parents and educators to afford necessary school supplies,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “With the cost for these materials on the rise, it is more important than ever for people to be aware of and utilize these tax benefits to help offset the costs of their school supplies.”

KANKAKEE – A measure championed by State Senator Patrick Joyce earlier this year created the Recruiting and Retaining Public Employee Firefighters and Paramedics Task Force, and recently, Senate President Don Harmon appointed Joyce as co-chair of the task force along with State Representative Mike Kelly.

“For quite some time, we have seen an issue recruiting and retaining first responders for different emergencies – which is detrimental to our neighbors,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “I’m ready to figure out the why, and to find solutions to tackle this shortage of workers in order to keep all of our communities safe.” 

The task force is responsible for discovering the steps Illinois can take to assist local governments to recruit and retain public employee firefighters and paramedics, consider any barriers to the process of recruitment and retention, and outline how well the state provides a pathway for qualified individuals to obtain the necessary skills needed to seek employment of these positions.

“Not having these essential positions filled is a serious problem when it comes to the safety and well-being of all Illinois residents,” said Joyce. “As a co-chair, I believe we will be able to understand the implications and bring light to the issue.”

Joyce’s appointment to the task force us effective immediately and expires January 2025.

CHICAGO – In celebration of the elimination of cash bail in Illinois, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“Today we finally take the long-overdue step toward dismantling systemic racism and eliminating the practices which have created barriers to opportunities and obstacles to prosperity for far too long. Illinois continues to show the rest of the nation that monumental change is possible to make the criminal legal system fair, equitable and just for all.

“Finally, being poor is not a crime and will never be the sole reason a person remains incarcerated as they await their trial.

“We can take pride in the fact that Illinois has reformed its criminal legal system while focusing on community safety, combatting disparities, and removing wealth from decisions that should be about public safety. As much as we have achieved, more work is still ahead. Our work continues.”