Springfield - A new measure to provide greater support for  law enforcement agencies and lower the police retirement age championed  by State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) became law.

“I am proud to see this new law provide additional support to recruit the next generation of police officers,” Martwick said. “We are working to address the practical concerns of law enforcement agencies across the state.”

CHICAGO – More than 200 businesses on the city’s Westside have received over $11 million in Back to Business grants thanks to support from State Senator Patricia Van Pelt.

“Our small business owners give us so much, and I jump at every opportunity I have to support their businesses,” said Van Pelt (D-Chicago). “Times are hard, and entrepreneurs need as much support as they can get.”

A total of $250 million was awarded to 6,500 businesses throughout the state. The B2B grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget.

More than 60% of awards were given to businesses located in Disproportionately Impacted Areas, and 61% of awards granted to hard-hit industries, including restaurants and taverns, hotels, arts organizations, and salons.

Businesses owned by people of color were the recipients of half of the grants, including 22% of grants to Asian American or Pacific Islander-owned businesses, 15% to Black-owned businesses, and 12% to Latinx-owned businesses.

“I am happy that so many business owners of color and those located in disproportionately impacted areas were grant recipients,” Van Pelt said. “So many different kinds of businesses needed assistance, and I know how much they will benefit from these grants.”

With strong leadership from Senator Van Pelt, the state has seen six Illinois’ General Obligation bond rating upgrades in the last year from three major credit rating agencies, allowing the state to have funds available to assist small businesses.

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Doris Turner announced the opening of a firearm assistance kiosk to be located in Springfield to help Central Illinoisans navigate legally obtaining and possessing firearms.

“Helping our communities engage in safe and responsible gun ownership is one critical way we can reduce the negative impacts of firearms in the state,” said Turner (D-Chicago). “By expanding ISP kiosk locations, we provide quicker access to the invaluable services they provide aimed at encouraging lawful firearm possession.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) spearheaded a newly signed law which creates a hotline designed to receive reports from the public regarding potential self-harm or criminal acts directed at schools, students or school employees.

“Our number one job is to protect our state’s most vulnerable populations,” said Sims. “This program was introduced to keep our children and schools safe while providing help to those who are battling mental illness.”

Senate Bill 3936, an initiative of Illinois State Police, requires ISP to work collaboratively with the Illinois Department of Human Services, Illinois Emergency Management Agency, Illinois State Board of Education and Department of Children and Family Services to provide support resources to students and teachers to prevent potential crisis situations.

The groups will work together to create a hotline to receive reports of potential self-harm and criminal acts directed at students and teachers. 

“We cannot wait for another tragic event to happen in our schools,” said Sims. “This is a key step in the intervention process that will not only protect our students from planned attacks but will also help improve police-community relations.” 

Senate Bill 3936 was signed into law on Friday, May 6.

CHICAGO – Nearly 100 businesses in the district State Senator Julie Morrison represents were awarded nearly $4.3 million in funding from the Back to Business program thanks to her advocacy and support.

“Small business owners in Lake and Cook County and throughout the state experienced unforeseen financial difficulties that will be challenging to bounce back from without help,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest).

KANKAKEE – Over 125 businesses in Kankakee, Will and southern Cook counties were awarded nearly $4 million in funding from the Back to Business program thanks to advocacy and support from State Senator Patrick Joyce.

“This is good for our small business community and will help boost our local economy,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “I will continue to advocate for investment in our area.”

A total of $3,925,000 was awarded to 128 businesses in the 40^th Senate District. The B2B grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget.

CHICAGO – People will be prohibited to slow or stop due to a street sideshow on any street or highway thanks to a measure sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz that was signed into law Friday.

“Law enforcement officials need to be able to keep people safe,” said Munoz (D-Chicago). “Without this law, innocent people were put in dangerous situations with no one to stop them.”

According to a CBS report, Eisenhower Expressway was shut down in December 2021 with drivers blocking the on- and off-ramps and every lane while a group of people engaged in dangerous stunts, such as doing donuts with their cars and dancing on the expressway.

CHICAGO – Vehicle emission testing sites are on track to return to Chicago thanks to a measure fought for by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) that was signed into law Friday.

“The former administration made a shortsighted, unilateral decision to close all four vehicle emissions testing sites that were located within the city limits of Chicago,” Feigenholtz said. “With a population of 2.8 million people, the City of Chicago should have more accessible testing stations within the city.” 

The new law requires the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to submit a plan by Oct. 1, 2022 to open vehicle emission testing sites in Chicago. Four vehicle emissions testing sites in Chicago were closed in 2016, leaving drivers in the lurch and forcing them to travel to the suburbs. The plan will consist of either a pilot program or permanent replacement program and a timeline of actions to implement the plan.