ESSEX – State Senator Patrick Joyce is encouraging early childhood education workers who want to pursue additional credentials or earn a degree in early childhood education to apply for a scholarship opportunity.

“Illinois is currently experiencing a shortage of early childhood educators in school districts all around the state,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Being an educator is a very impactful career. I strongly encourage residents to consider applying for this grant program.”

While the initial deadline for the 2022-23 scholarship has passed, the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Scholarship Program and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission is encouraging individuals to apply. After other financial aid is received, the ECACE can cover up to the total cost of an awardee’s attendance at select schools – including tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies. Recipients of the scholarship are expected to continue or return to teaching early childhood care and education in Illinois after their study is completed.

SHOREWOOD – Illinois taxpayers can expect to see up to $700 in tax rebates in the coming weeks thanks to the State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel-supported Illinois Family Relief Plan.

“From pandemic losses to the increased cost-of-living, families across the state are facing financial distress,” said Cappel (D-Shorewood). “As a General Assembly, we recognized the daily struggles of hardworking people and passed a comprehensive plan to provide them with much-needed relief to help them get back on their feet.”

Supported by Cappel, the Illinois Senate championed Senate Bill 157, which provides millions of Illinois taxpayers with financial relief – including direct tax rebates.

Under the law, people who filed 2021 Illinois taxes are eligible to receive up to $700. Individual filers who make less than $200,000 will receive a $50 income tax rebate, and couples who make less than $400,000 will receive $100. Filers are also eligible for $100 per dependent, with a maximum of three. 

ROCKFORD – Illinois taxpayers can expect to see up to $700 in tax rebates in the coming weeks thanks to the State Senator Steve Stadelman-supported Illinois Family Relief Plan.

“Many families are feeling financial struggles as we continue to heal from the pandemic, and this financial aid will help to eliminate this stress,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “Along with my colleagues, we passed a comprehensive plan to ensure Illinois residents receive relief and help them get back on their feet.”

Supported by Stadelman, the Illinois Senate championed Senate Bill 157, which provides millions of Illinois taxpayers with financial relief – including direct tax rebates.

Under the law, people who filed 2021 Illinois taxes are eligible to receive up to $700. Individual filers who make less than $200,000 will receive a $50 income tax rebate, and couples who make less than $400,000 will receive $100. Filers are also eligible for $100 per dependent, with a maximum of three.

WAUKEGAN – To offer residents the opportunity to voice their opinions and work with her office to find solutions, State Senator Adriane Johnson is hosting a listening session at Mano A Mano in North Chicago.

“There’s a lot going on in our communities, and it’s important for me to hear from our neighbors to know how I can best represent their interests in Springfield,” said Johnson. “Our diverse, robust community is full of bright and intelligent people, and I’d love to hear from you all at the upcoming listening session.”

The event will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 21 at Mano A Mano, located at 1801 Sheridan Rd., Suite 101 in North Chicago.

Questions should be directed to Sen. Johnson’s office by calling 847-672-6201. In addition, another listening session event is planned for Oct. 27 at BAM for the Mind in Waukegan. More details to follow.

CHICAGO —State Senator Robert Martwick is teaming up with the Illinois Attorney General’s Workplace Rights Bureau to hold an educational session to teach Illinois workers about how they can ensure their rights are protected.

“It’s vital for workers to know that they have rights, and to learn more about organizations that are in their corner,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). ”Through this educational opportunity, people can learn more about how to ensure their workplace is practicing ethical standards.”

Direct relief is here

Chances are you are one of the millions of Illinoisans set to receive direct financial relief as part of the Senate Democrat-championed Illinois Family Relief Plan.

Good news: Rebates started to hit bank accounts last week.

If you filed 2021 Illinois taxes, you may be eligible to receive up to $700! Individual filers who make less than $200,000 will receive a $50 income tax rebate, and couples who make less than $400,000 will receive $100. Filers are also eligible for $100 per dependent, with a maximum of three.

Additionally, if you paid property taxes in 2021 on your primary residence in 2020 – and you make less than $250,000 individually or $500,000 jointing – you are eligible for up to $300. Your rebate will be equal to the property tax you were qualified to claim on your 2021 taxes.

If you filed taxes you will automatically receive your rebate – otherwise you have until Oct. 17 to do so.

To check the status of your rebate, click here and select “Where’s My Rebate?” You will need to have your IL-PIN number to check the status. To find your IL-PIN number, click here and select “IL-PIN Inquiry.”

This direct relief will make a massive difference in the lives of people in every corner of our state. If you plan to use your rebate for leisure, I encourage you to shop small and support local.

We are hiring!

The Office of the Illinois Senate President is hiring a number of positions, including Communications Specialists, Legislative Assistants and more. Learn about these positions and how to apply by clicking HERE.

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PANA –To promote economic development, Pana will see $38,000 in relief grants thanks to the support of State Senator Doris Turner.

Through the Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recovery (RISE) program, Pana will see a grant to help local governments and economic development organizations develop and create plans to foster relationships with businesses. 

“This funding will give the City of Pana additional support to develop plans to maximize opportunities for collaboration between the city and local businesses,” Turner (D-Springfield) said. “Our goal is to empower municipalities to collaborate to spur economic growth.”

ROCKFORD – To promote economic welfare and ensure area residents are continuously able to bounce back from the pandemic, Rockford will see over $290,000 in relief grants thanks to the support of State Senator Steve Stadelman.  

Through the Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recovery (RISE) program, Rockford will see grants to help local governments and economic development organizations create or update economic plans to promote economic recovery.

“Funding our local government bodies allows them to continue to support families and businesses around the community,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “These grant funds help develop and implement plans to address the pandemic’s impact on our communities and provide meaningful steps forward for families and businesses alike.”