KANKAKEE – During this holiday season, State Senator Patrick Joyce is encouraging people to write uplifting notes to veterans as part of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Operations Rising Spirit Campaign.

“It is important for our veterans to know they are honored and appreciated every day,” said Joyce (D- Essex). “The Operation Rising Spirit campaign makes sure that message is relayed.”

Operation Rising Spirit was first launched in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to support residents who were unable to visit with family and friends. The successful campaign encourages veterans and facilitates their connection with the community through positive, uplifting notes sent to veterans’ homes in Anna, LaSalle, Chicago, Manteno and Quincy.

“I encourage community members and organizations to take a moment and write letters to veterans who deserve our support and well wishes,” said Joyce. “This is a small act of kindness that will be very appreciated, especially with the holiday season approaching.”

To participate, notes may be sent directly to the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Letters will be disseminated equally to the five homes:

The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Central Office

833 South Spring Street

P.O. Box 19432

Springfield, IL 62794-9432

Notes may also be sent directly through the IDVA website at https://www2.illinois.gov/veterans/services%20benefits/homes/Pages/send-a-note.aspx.

SPRINGFIELD - In the midst of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, State Senator Adriane Johnson reminds Illinois residents the importance of cancer screenings and preventative measures.

“This month, as we remember those who have succumbed to the disease, it is necessary that we also remember to do our part and get screened,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “Early detection is proven to increase the chances of survival.”

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman will host a virtual presentation and live Q&A about health insurance options through Get Covered Illinois.

Open enrollment through the Affordable Care Act ends Jan. 15, 2023. Listeners can learn about options for health insurance under Get Covered Illinois, the state’s Affordable Care Act marketplace.

Stadelman will be live with representatives from Get Covered Illinois and the Illinois Department of Insurance on Facebook Live Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. on his Facebook page.

What: Virtual Town Hall

Who: Residents of 34th legislative district and surrounding areas

When: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6

Where: State Senator Steve Stadelman’s Facebook Live

Senate votes to bar investments to Russia

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate approved legislation last week prohibiting the investment of state funds in Russia.

“The Illinois Senate joins the international community in denouncing Russian’s ongoing, unconscionable acts of aggression against the Ukrainian people,” said Illinois Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park).

Read more.

Illinois Senate Democrats welcome Javier Cervantes as a new member

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus welcomes a new member - Javier Cervantes.

With deep roots in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, Cervantes has a passion for community organizing and the creative arts. Cervantes passion and dedication led him to his career path at Service Employees International (SEIU Health Care Illinois and Indiana), dedicating 12 years as a union representative in this field.

Read more.

Murphy-led measure addresses vacancy stalemate at Niles-Maine Library

SPRINGFIELD – To address the ongoing stalemate at the Niles-Maine District Library, State Senator Laura Murphy is leading the charge to end the pandering that has left a trustee board seat vacant for over a year.

“The failure of the board to make an appointment, then the subsequent actions of some to challenge the State Librarian’s appointment, is putting the operations of the library at a standstill,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “It’s time for the board to put differences aside and prioritize the needs of the community.”

Read more.

Sound of the State: National Adoption Day

State Senator Sara Feigenholtz discusses her experience as an adoptee, as well as work she has done in the General Assembly to improve access to information for adoptees and other positive changes to the adoption system in Illinois.

Listen here.

In case you missed it

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Senators Meg Loughran Cappel, Shorewood, and Eric Mattson, Joliet: New air traffic control tower at Lewis University Airport opens Dec. 1 | Patch.com

Senator Steve Stadelman, Rockford: Innovative program could finish half-built Rockford subdivision | Rockford Register Star

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EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) released the following statement as State Superintendent of Education Dr. Carmen Ayala’s announced her retirement:

“As chair of Education, it has been an honor to work with Dr. Ayala to better the lives of students across Illinois. Her knowledge and passion for education and students showed through her work. Dr. Ayala overcame numerous trials and tribulations, consistently doing what was best for students.

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus welcomes a new member - Javier Cervantes.

With deep roots in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, Cervantes has a passion for community organizing and the creative arts. Cervantes passion and dedication led him to his career path at Service Employees International (SEIU Health Care Illinois and Indiana), dedicating 12 years as a union representative in this field.

“I am honored to serve the communities of the 1^st Senate District of Illinois and I look forward to all that we can accomplish together,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “This honor comes at the resignation of my predecessor and I ensure the communities of my district that I will live up to his legacy and continue pushing Illinois in the right direction.”

SPRINGFIELD – To address the ongoing stalemate at the Niles-Maine District Library, State Senator Laura Murphy is leading the charge to end the pandering that has left a trustee board seat vacant for over a year.

“The failure of the board to make an appointment, then the subsequent actions of some to challenge the State Librarian’s appointment, is putting the operations of the library at a standstill,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “It’s time for the board to put differences aside and prioritize the needs of the community.”

For the past 15 months the Niles-Maine District Library board has been at a stalemate in their efforts to fill a vacated seat. In August 2021, a former library board member resigned, the board was unable to agree on a replacement trustee, leaving the board in a perpetual 3-3 tie. Murphy led legislation in the spring to bring the stalemate to an end, and allow the Secretary of State—acting under the role of State Librarian—to appoint an individual to the vacancy.

SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois Senate approved legislation Wednesday prohibiting the investment of state funds in Russia.

“The Illinois Senate joins the international community in denouncing Russian’s ongoing, unconscionable acts of aggression against the Ukrainian people,” said Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, an Oak Park Democrat who sponsored the legislation in the Senate.

The proposed law would require the state to divest or withdraw any existing investments in Russian banks and companies and prohibit such investments going forward.