Illinois sees sixth credit upgrade in one year thanks to responsible spending by Senate Democrats

SPRINGFIELD – For the third time in recent weeks and sixth time in under a year, Illinois saw a new credit boost thanks to responsible spending plans spearheaded by Illinois Senate Democrats.

“When I look at the budget we passed last month, I see the work and years of fiscal responsibility paying off. We were able to pay down our bills and put money back in the pockets of the state’s hardworking families,” said State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago), the Senate’s lead budget negotiator and Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “Illinois is a stand-out state when it comes to putting the needs of our residents first – and we do so in a responsible, equitable way.”

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Nearly 6,500 businesses receive COVID-19 assistance thanks to B2B program championed by Senate Democrats

SPRINGFIELD – Last week was National Small Business week and members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus kicked it off by announcing a total of $250 million in small business COVID-19 relief funds have now been granted through the Back to Business Program.

“This relief program has been a vital investment in thousands of small businesses that keep the economy humming throughout our great state. It has kept doors open and people employed at gyms and restaurants, cleaners, and coffee shops,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “I am hopeful that it made a difference in their economic recovery and will help small businesses thrive in the years to come.”

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Senate Democrats vow to protect women's right to choose

CHICAGO – A number of members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus spoke out Tuesday to condemn the leaked Supreme Court opinion draft overturning Roe v. Wade, which would leave reproductive health care decisions in the hands of individual states.

“As long as there is a Democratic majority in the State Senate, a woman’s right to choose will be protected in Illinois,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Chicago). “We will stand as a bulwark against any efforts to turn back the clock to darker days.“

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Illinois Senate Democrats welcome Eric Mattson as new member

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus welcomes a new member – Eric Mattson.

The Joliet-native’s commitment to public service started at a young age through volunteer work and continued after graduation when he joined the Joliet Fire Department. Mattson worked his way up the ranks to become a Joliet Fire Captain in 1996 and continues to serve in this role.

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We're Hiring

The Office of the Senate President is hiring motivated professionals to fill Communications Specialists and District Outreach Specialists positions.

Springfield-based Communications Specialists will be tasked with developing and implementing strong public relations strategies on behalf of the office. District Outreach Specialists will assist in developing and implementing strong public relations strategies in member’s districts to help assist with constituent outreach. Learn more and apply today.

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Senate Democrat-led teacher shortage bills signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – As school districts around the state continue to struggle to fill teaching positions, Senate Democrats led a number of legislative measures signed into law last week to address the void.

“Illinois, like everywhere else in the country, is facing challenges with recruiting and retaining teachers,” said State Senator Meg Loughran Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “It was a struggle even before the pandemic hit, but now, finding someone to sub in when a teacher is out sick is even harder for Illinois schools.”

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New Turner law to protect families of DCFS workers killed in the line of duty

SPRINGFIELD – Families of Department of Children and Family Services workers killed in the line of duty will receive survivor health insurance benefits thanks to State Senator Doris Turner.

Turner (D-Springfield) championed a recently signed law that will treat the death of a DCFS worker similar to the death of law enforcement officers.

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Hunter encourages homeowners affected by COVID-19 to apply for financial assistance

CHICAGO – The Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund application recently opened, and State Senator Mattie Hunter is encouraging homeowners who have been impacted by COVID-19 pandemic to apply.

“A lot of people have fallen behind on their mortgage payments due to COVID-19 and could benefit greatly from this program,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “This program ensures homeowners much-needed relief and can help them avoid debt and even foreclosure.”

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SPRINGFIELD – Families of Department of Children and Family Services workers killed in the line of duty will receive survivor health insurance benefits thanks to State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield).

Turner championed a recently signed law that will treat the death of a DCFS worker similar to the death of law enforcement officers.

“In response to the fatal stabbing of Deidre Silas, we must ensure the families of those who serve our most vulnerable populations are cared for,” Turner said. “Ms. Silas gave her life as a dedicated public servant, and this is the least we can do to honor her commitment to our state.”

CHICAGO – The Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund application recently opened, and State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is encouraging homeowners who have been impacted by COVID-19 pandemic to apply.

“A lot of people have fallen behind on their mortgage payments due to COVID-19 and could benefit greatly from this program,” Hunter said. “This program ensures homeowners much-needed relief and can help them avoid debt and even foreclosure.”

The ILHAF provides up to $30,000 for homeowners who have outstanding housing payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This free assistance fund will provide $309 million in total to cover a multitude of housing costs including past-due mortgage payments, property taxes, property insurance, and delinquent homeowner or condo association fees.

The application deadline has been extended to May 6

CHICAGO – The deadline to apply for the Phillip Jackson Freedom School Grant has been extended, and State Senator Patricia Van Pelt encouraging all who are eligible to apply.

“While students are getting a standardized education, many children could benefit from an extra system of support,” Van Pelt said. “Today’s Freedom Schools carry the essence of the movement that preceded them, and can offer a load of knowledge to those who take advantage of it.”

The Phillip Jackson Freedom Schools Grant establishes a Freedom School network to supplement public school learning by creating programs that improve the odds for disadvantaged children.

CHICAGO – While the state continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, people are still struggling to get back on their feet following the immense financial distress it caused.

State Senator Omar Aquino (D-Chicago) announced a new assistance program that will provide Illinois homeowners with much-needed housing relief.

“No one should have worry about how they’re going to keep a roof over their head,” Aquino said. “Housing is a basic human right. Just because we are trending toward normalcy, doesn’t mean people aren’t still feeling the pandemic’s affects each day. Families need us now more than ever.”

CHICAGO – Carjackings are on the rise across Chicago, often leaving victims to pay the price for someone else’s doing when they go to retrieve their vehicle from an impound lot. This all-too-common circumstance led State Senator Omar Aquino (D-Chicago) to lead conversations about why victims shouldn’t be on the hook for these fees.

“When someone is a victim of a carjacking, they are already dealing with a traumatic experience that could be worsened by burdensome fees they weren’t even at fault for,” Aquino said. “Ending this practice is about economic security for folks who have already been victimized.”

Chicago will no longer force victims of carjackings to pay for towing and storage fees to retrieve their vehicles. The City Council voted unanimously this week to approve a measure to waive such fees if the victim is able to obtain a police report verifying their car was stolen. 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham joins the Illinois Department of Labor in recognizing Workers’ Memorial Day.

“Today, I join working families across Illinois to remember the workers who put their lives on the line to provide for their family and never returned home,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the southwest suburbs.

Workers Memorial Day – on April 28th – coincides with the legislative anniversary of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. It created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration as we know it today.