SPRINGFIELD – The majority of Illinois families are set to receive tax relief rebates straight to their bank accounts starting the week of Sept. 12, thanks to the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus’ passage of the Illinois Family Relief Plan.

“Through responsible leadership we’ve paid our bills, watched our credit rating improve, invested in priorities and now have the ability to send money back to taxpayers,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “This shows the great things that can happen when leaders and lawmakers share the goal to improve the lives of the millions of people who call the great state of Illinois their home.”

The budget led by the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus – and the subsequent tax relief plan – prioritized working families, single parents and vulnerable communities. It comes following a sizeable surplus made possible by years of financial responsibility, balanced budgets and smart investments by the General Assembly.

Under the Illinois Family Relief Plan, taxpayers will begin to see direct rebates starting the week of Sept. 12.

Harris, Jones join IDOT in breaking ground on Rebuild Illinois’ $94 million investment in South Chicagoland communities

HARVEY – State Senators Emil Jones III and Napoleon Harris joined the Illinois Department of Transportation and other community leaders at the groundbreaking of the $94 million reconstruction project of Wood Street/Ashland Avenue that runs through Harvey, Dixmoor and Riverdale aiming to modernize infrastructure and making critical investments to support and uplift nearby communities.

“The progress happening on Wood Street through 138th, thanks to Rebuild Illinois, is long overdue,” said Jones (D-Chicago). “Our community shares so much affluent history and it’s time that our streets and roads reflect this beauty. By advancing our transportation, storm sewer systems, railroads, landscaping and more, we will create greater opportunities for economic growth, and community development and expansion.”

“Whether it’s paving our streets, improving lighting, building sidewalks, or just improving road safety, our multi-year infrastructure plan helps our communities move forward while building an equitable transportation system for all,” said Harris (D-Harvey). “All of our streets are a crucial link in our neighborhood, especially Wood Street, which is why we are enhancing its safety for all of our families in Harvey, Dixmoor, Riverdale and surrounding communities.”

Read more.

Innovative jobs, economic development coming to Decatur thanks to Turner support

DECATUR – State Senator Doris Turner is excited to join community stakeholders to announce that T/CCI Manufacturing in Decatur is the first to be awarded the Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois tax incentive package.

Turner (D-Springfield) is pleased to see Decatur becoming an economic hub in Central Illinois.

“This first award through the REV Tax Incentive Program and the grants awarded through Rebuild Illinois are just the beginning of what’s possible when we invest in local business and work together to drive innovation that will change the future of our transportation system,” said Turner. “It can be done, and together, through this public-private partnership we are paving a new road that will lead to economic growth, good paying jobs, and a positive contribution to long-term sustainability initiatives.”

Read more.

Feigenholtz recognizes Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day

CHICAGO – In recognition of International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day on Sept. 9, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz applauded efforts by health care providers, parents, self-advocates and community organizations who work to support the FASD community, increase education and awareness, and bring evidence-based services to those living with FASD and their families.

“I join advocates to recognize International FASD Awareness Day and take this time to lift up the increasing need for FASD-informed supports and services in Illinois and across the nation,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “This day is a reminder that, although we have made tremendous advancements in diagnostics and screenings for a multitude of other preventable disorders, we have much work left to do to bring informed services to the FASD community and integrate supports within our other health, education, justice and care systems.”

Read more.

Sound of the State: Support Through Loss Act

State Senator Melinda Bush and Kyra Jagodzinski, a former intern in her district office, discuss the Support Through Loss Act, spearheaded by Kyra as part of her internship, and led through the Senate by Senator Bush.

Listen here.

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 the positions below.

• Assistant Legal Counsel
• Associate Legal Counsel
• Communications Specialist
• Editor
• Legislative Assistant

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Christopher Belt, Swansea: Gov. Pritzker announces new Illinois State Police Metro East Regional Headquarters in East St. Louis | Herald Publication

Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas, Chicago: Childcare is expensive, but providers aren’t seeing the rewards | WBEZ Chicago

Senator Robert Peters, Chicago: Advocates seek to make prison work voluntary | PEW

Copyright 2022 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

JOLIET – State Senators Eric Mattson and Meg Loughran Cappel joined the Illinois Department of Transportation and other community leaders to announce $93 million in improvements to Interstate 55 through Joliet and Shorewood by constructing a new diverging diamond interchange with Illinois 59.

“Our highways, roads, and bridges connect our communities and provide businesses with a network to expand and grow throughout our region,” said Mattson (D-Joliet). “The investments we are making here will help create jobs, promote safe conditions for drivers and further set the stage for economic development in Will County.”

The centerpiece of the project involves IDOT building a new bridge to convert the I-55 interchange with Illinois 59 into a full-access, diverging-diamond design to improve safety and traffic flow, with the East Frontage Road relocated and reconstructed. Auxiliary lanes will be added to I-55 between the Illinois 59 and U.S. 52 interchanges to improve safety by better accommodating vehicles entering and leaving the interstate. The Illinois 59 intersection within Seil Road will be improved and modernized.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – State Senator Cristina Castro’s support for adult education is being recognized with a 2022 Legislative Champion Award from the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE). The Coalition announced the award this week as part of its efforts to raise awareness leading up to national Adult Education and Family Literacy Week which begins Sept. 19.

Senator Castro has sponsored legislation in the Illinois Senate to help erase the stigma of a high school equivalency diploma versus a high school diploma and to reduce the cost of GED®  exams for adult learners, both essential to adult education programs in Illinois.

HARVEY – State Senator Napoleon Harris III is proud to announce the rehabilitation of Wood Street in the South Suburbs through the state’s multi-year infrastructure plan.

“It is a bittersweet feeling to be one of the reasons why a street I grew up on is going to be restored,” said Harris (D-Harvey). “I lived right on Wood Street, and I am proud to see that our infrastructure plan is rebuilding communities and creating an equitable transportation system for all.” 

CHICAGO – In recognition of International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day on Sept. 9, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz is applauding efforts by health care providers, parents, self-advocates and community organizations who work to support the FASD community, increase education and awareness, and bring evidence-based services to those living with FASD and their families.

“Today, I join advocates to recognize International FASD Awareness Day and take this time to lift up the increasing need for FASD-informed supports and services in Illinois and across the nation,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “This day is a reminder that, although we have made tremendous advancements in diagnostics and screenings for a multitude of other preventable disorders, we have much work left to do to bring informed services to the FASD community and integrate supports within our other health, education, justice and care systems.”

FASD is an umbrella term that describes the range of physical, behavioral and intellectual disabilities than can occur when someone has been exposed to alcohol before birth. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders have been dubbed ‘the hidden epidemic’ because of the lack of supports, diagnostics and treatment services available to pregnant women, new mothers and their families.

“People with FASD and their families need accessible, affordable and competent systems of care that are evidence-based and fully funded,” said Feigenholtz. “I am proud to stand with my constituents, Bonnie and Michelle, today to highlight this critical need.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is excited to see Decatur and Springfield transit systems receive more than $20 million in federal assistance to increase efficiency and gas emissions of their buses.

The United States Department of Transportation awarded $1.7 billion in grants for low- and no-emission buses and bus facilities programs – and Illinois transit systems received $71.1 million of the funding.

“Decatur and Springfield’s public transit systems help residents get to work, access medical care and connect our communities,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “This assistance will help upgrade local buses, decrease vehicle emissions and train staff to operate and maintain these new vehicles.”

CHICAGO – Thanks to years of support from State Senator Mattie Hunter, Wendell Phillips Academy High School unveiled a new athletic center Wednesday afternoon. In collaboration with Alderman Pat Dowell and the City of Chicago, a total of $17 million was secured to build the new facility.

“This project is very special to us all, and the community at large, as this is a one-of-a-kind investment in a community that has been historically underserved,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Phillips Academy was named as one of the best high schools in our state for athletics, and this newly-built facility will more adequately fit the needs of its students and staff.”