CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva is encouraging homeowners who struggled with paying their mortgage due to the COVID-19 pandemic to take advantage of an upcoming mortgage assistance program that will open applications on Tuesday, Nov. 1.

“This program will allow Illinois homeowners the opportunity to financially recover from the impact the pandemic has left on them,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Homeowners should not have to struggle to make mortgage payments due to a global pandemic that shut down the world and immensely impacted the economy. Providing a solution to this financial hardship is a means of getting families back to a financially stable and secure position."

The Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund, administered by the Illinois Housing Development Authority, will provide up to $30,000 in mortgage assistance to eligible homeowners — paid directly to the servicer, taxing body or other approved entity — while homeowners work to regain their financial footing. Whether homeowners have a mortgage, a reverse mortgage, or are mortgage-free, the program can fund past due housing payments and up to three months of prospective mortgage payments.

SHOREWOOD – As college application season kicks off, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is encouraging students and their families to take advantage of several state and federal relief opportunities related to financial aid, student loans and college affordability.

“As a mother of college-aged students, I know firsthand how confusing the college admissions process can be,” said Loughran Cappel. “It’s a stressful enough time for students and their families – they don’t need the added worries about how to apply for financial assistance or wondering if they’ll qualify for help.”

Under the federal plan for one-time student loan forgiveness announced recently by the president, students who received Federal Pell Grants can have up to $20,000 in debt forgiven and students with non-Pell Grant loans can have up to $10,000 in debt forgiven if their individual income is less than $125,000. The application is available at studentaid.gov and must be completed by Dec. 31, 2023.

Despite a temporary block on the program from the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, federal authorities still encourage borrowers to apply as the block does not impact the ability of the Department of Education to collect and review applications.

In addition, employees of a U.S. federal, state, local or tribal government or non-profit organization may be eligible to have their remaining balance forgiven after making 120 payments while working for a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. The Illinois Student Assistance Commission is assisting students and families who have questions about the program or need help determining their eligibility through informational webinars. The PSLF Limited Waiver ends Oct. 31, 2022, so anyone who thinks they might qualify should apply as soon as possible.

Finally, the 2023-24 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is now available, making this the perfect time for anyone who might be interested in attending college next year to apply for financial aid. Illinois students who are ineligible for federal financial aid can check out the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid to apply for the state MAP Grant and institutional aid.

“College application season should be an exciting time – not a stressful one,” said Loughran Cappel. “I encourage students and their families to take advantage of the number of opportunities available to help them tackle the process.”

To connect with free one-on-one assistance and explore online tools for college planning and financial aid, visit the ISAC Student Portal. Borrowers interested in applying for one-time federal loan forgiveness can learn more at the U.S. Department of Education’s website. Borrowers who work in public service can learn more about PSLF eligibility and complete the form by Oct. 31, 2022 at studentaid.gov/pslf.

GLENVIEW – Residents will be able to learn more about the property tax appeal process and how to lower their property tax bill at an upcoming workshop co-hosted by State Senators Julie Morrison and Laura Fine.

Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Michael Cabonargi will lead the workshop, which will take place at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at the Glenview Public Library, located at 1930 Glenview Rd. The workshop will be in Community Room East.

“High property taxes are the number one issue I hear about from residents,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “We’re working on long-term property tax reforms in Springfield, but to provide some relief in the meantime, residents should consider appealing their property tax assessment to potentially lessen their tax burden.”

Residents are asked to bring their second installment property tax bill to the workshop, and to have their property index number on hand for reference.

"As the property tax appeals process is complex, I appreciate Commissioner Cabonargi’s office for hosting this workshop," said Fine (D-Glenview). "I am hopeful this workshop will provide residents with useful insight to help them navigate the appeals process."  

For more information about filing an appeal, including online appeal options and filing deadlines, residents can visit CookCountyBoardOfReview.com/Cabonargi.

CHICAGO – The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority announced that $255,000 will be available for those in need of transportation to meet their pre-trial court, probation, or parole conditions, and State Senator Robert Peters is encouraging justice-impacted individuals to apply.

Grants will be made in the amounts of $40,000 to $50,000 and must be expended between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024. The application deadline for this program is Nov. 10, 2022.

“It’s no secret that our criminal justice system isn’t working, as it often punishes people for being poor, rather than focusing on community safety,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Those who are low-income don’t always have dependable transportation, which means their life, their arrival to court, is in someone else’s hands. This program would help eliminate those obstacles.”  

Supported with federal Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant funds, this opportunity will offer grants to local units of government to support programs that assist in providing transportation to court proceedings, court-ordered services, probation appointments, employment, community service, and treatment.

In both rural and urban communities across the state, transportation barriers are a concern. With fewer local services in rural areas, individuals must travel longer distances to attend treatment or obtain employment. In urban communities, public transportation is not always available or reliable. In addition, some clients become at increased risk for violence when moving through gang territories.

JAG funds may be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, and information systems for criminal justice in areas of law enforcement, the courts, drug treatment/enforcement, community corrections, and other aspects of the justice system.

Learn more about this grant opportunity at icjia.illinois.gov.

ELGIN – State Senator Cristina Castro is encouraging homeowners who had trouble making mortgage payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic to take advantage of an upcoming mortgage assistance program that will open for applications on Tuesday, Nov. 1.

“This program will provide crucial security to homeowners in Illinois who have struggled during the pandemic,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Families should not face foreclosure and homelessness due to their inability to make all mortgage payments in full while a global pandemic was devastating the economy and our communities.”

The Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund, administered by the Illinois Housing Development Authority, will provide up to $30,000 in mortgage assistance to eligible homeowners — paid directly to the servicer, taxing body or other approved entity — while homeowners work to regain their financial footing. Whether homeowners have a mortgage, a reverse mortgage, or are mortgage-free, the program can fund past due housing payments and up to three months of prospective mortgage payments.

KANKAKEE ––  State Senator Patrick Joyce urges area residents to show appreciate to emergency personnel on First Responders Day, which falls on Friday, Oct. 28.

“First responders put their lives on the line each and every day to keep us safe,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “That’s why this day is dedicated as a small way to celebrate the courage and strength of these remarkable heroes in our communities.”

This day specifically thanks 911 dispatchers, as well as firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians and paramedics for their commitment to Illinois public safety.

After two decades in the Senate, Munoz retires

CHICAGO – After more than two decades serving the 1st Senate District, Assistant Majority Leader Antonio “Tony” Munoz retired from the Senate Friday.

“I was taught at a young age that hard work and determination is the key to success,” said Munoz (D-Chicago). “I have applied this to everything I have accomplished, especially as a state senator.”

Read more.

Turner applauds area manufacturers during Manufacturing Month

SPRINGFIELD – During Manufacturing Month, State Senator Doris Turner highlights the importance of manufacturing in Illinois.

“Our state’s manufacturers drive our region’s economy,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “The 48th District is lucky to be home to many up and coming businesses that ensure our state meets the demands of our global economy.”

Read more.

Fine highlights essential resources for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

GLENVIEW – During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, State Senator Laura Fine is reminding residents of available resources for survivors of domestic violence while working to educate more people on what constitutes domestic violence and abuse.

“Domestic violence has long-lasting impacts on the mental and physical health of survivors,” said Senator Fine (D-Glenview). “We need to support survivors in their journey of recovery and educate about what healthy relationships look like to encourage people to model these standards—and be able to recognize when a relationship is turning dangerous.”

Read more.

Sound of the State: Combatting Puppy Mills

State Senator Linda Holmes and The Humane Society of Illinois work together frequently in the interest of animal welfare. In this episode of the Sound of the State, Senator Holmes and Marc Ayers are talking about stopping pet stores from selling puppy mill pets who are often in poor health and vastly overpriced - plus a conversation about future animal legislation.

Listen here.

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CHICAGO – After more than two decades serving the 1^st Senate District, Assistant Majority Leader Antonio “Tony” Munoz (D-Chicago) retired from the Senate Friday.

“I was taught at a young age that hard work and determination is the key to success,” Munoz said. “I have applied this to everything I have accomplished, especially as a state senator.”

Munoz first joined the Senate in 1999, serving as assistant majority leader since 2009. Over the years, he sponsored nearly 2000 bills, with more than 800 signed into law. In addition, he chaired the Licensed Activities, Transportation, Executive Appointments and Veterans Affairs Committees.

Prior to becoming a state lawmaker, he served in the United States Army with the 82^nd Airborne Division and a former Chicago police officer. During his time in office, he worked tirelessly to give veterans opportunities when they return to civilian life and having sufficient resources for their mental and physical health.