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.

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 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.

Following continued success in organized labor, Mattson was elected to become and currently serves as the president of the Joliet Fire Officers Local 2369. Mattson is a firm believer in collective bargaining rights and continues to advocate for health care access for working families across Illinois.

SPRINGFIELD – For the third time in recent weeks and sixth time in under a year, Illinois saw 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.”

Fitch Ratings on Thursday raised the state’s rating for general obligation bonds two notches. S&P Global Ratings on Friday upgraded the state’s rating two notches as well. Meanwhile, just weeks ago, Moody's Investors Service raised the rating as well – leading Illinois to receive two-notch bond rating upgrades from all three major credit rating agencies in the last year.

ELGIN – The last round of Back to Business grants have been awarded, and State Senator Cristina Castro is pleased to see this small business assistance coming to Cook and Kane counties.

“Our businesses have shown such resiliency throughout this pandemic,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “The Back to Business grant program was vital for keeping the doors of restaurants and local shops open through the tough two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

More than $2.5 million was awarded to dozens of businesses in the district Castro represents. 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.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – Fifty businesses in the Northwest Suburbs were awarded a total of $1.9 million in funding from the Back to Business program thanks to advocacy and support from State Senator Ann Gillespie.

“Our small business community demonstrated remarkable resilience during the past few years, many finding creative ways to keep their doors open during the pandemic,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “Local businesses are deserving of this funding to continue getting back on their feet after these unprecedented times.”

A total of $1.9 million was awarded to 50 businesses in the 27th 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 – State Senator Celina Villanueva is encouraging local homeowners to take advantage of assistance offered by the Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund.

“This is a resource that will keep our community members in their homes by helping them avoid debt and even foreclosure in extreme cases,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “I encourage all eligible homeowners to apply for this opportunity and receive the support they need.”

The ILHAF program is providing free assistance of up to $30,000 to homeowners who have outstanding housing payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This relief is meant to cover the costs of past-due mortgage payments, property taxes, property insurance and other late expenses. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, May 31.