CHICAGO – Illinois Senate Democrats recently joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to announce $10 million in funding for the Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program. This initiative aims to help small businesses achieve sustainable growth, improve efficiency, and create and retain jobs through capital improvements.

"Programs like the OE3 grant are critical because they prioritize equity and uplift businesses that have been left behind for far too long,” said State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). “By providing these resources, we’re not just supporting businesses — we’re fostering economic empowerment and generational growth."

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure more skilled health care professionals can practice in Illinois, State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes introduced legislation to better support the state’s physician assistant workforce and improve access to care.

“Before my work in the General Assembly, I worked with health care providers to resolve issues of inaccessibility, and I saw firsthand how it can take weeks or months to see doctors and other health care providers, leading to worse health outcomes for the patient seeking treatment,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “By streamlining the process of becoming a licensed physician assistant, patients will be able to receive medical help sooner.” 

DEERFIELD — Building on Illinois’ commitment to expand job creation and support capital investment throughout the state, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced the expansion of Fortune Brands Innovations headquarters in Deerfield.

“The State of Illinois’ business attraction incentives are stronger than ever under Governor Pritzker’s leadership,” said State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “EDGE incentives are supporting Fortune Brands Innovations’ HQ expansion in Deerfield, and I’m proud to see this innovative company poised for continued growth as it creates and retains hundreds of good-paying jobs.”

Fortune Brands Innovations — an industry leader in creating home products under brands such as Moen, Larson, SentrySafe and Master Lock — will consolidate and streamline its U.S. divisional headquarters operations into a single global headquarters in Deerfield, creating at least 400 new full-time jobs.

CHICAGO – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. is praising the work done by the Illinois General Assembly to affirm the Illinois Funds – a mutual investment used by local governments – top AAA rating.

“When I look at the budgets we have passed in recent years, I see the work and years of fiscal responsibility paying off. We were able to pay down our bills, put money back in the pockets of the state’s hardworking families, and prioritize our local governments,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “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.”

The Illinois Funds lets government agencies use the Illinois State Treasurer’s resources to safely invest their funds while enjoying the economies of scale available from a $19+ billion pooled fund investment portfolio. The AAA rating by Fitch is the firm’s highest rating which is based on the pool’s credit quality, maturity, diversification, and management.

ROCK ISLAND – State Senator Mike Halpin responded to the Illinois Board of Higher Education’s Quad Cities Workforce Analysis Report, which provided both a diagnosis of the region’s challenges, as well as potential solutions for community organizations and legislators to consider.

“Through the education and workforce analysis, we have a clearer vision of the needs and goals to better serve the residents in the Quad Cities,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “By being able to see where resources are needed to succeed, we are now able to continue leading the charge in investing into the future of our community.”

The report combines a broad spectrum of data examining workforce, economic and educational trends in the region. The report found that there are shortages in high-demand sectors, including manufacturing, health care, information technology and transportation. Disparities in educational attainment and workforce participation across gender, race and ethnicity represent a challenge for the region.

SWANSEA – State Senator Christopher Belt helped secure $2.4 million in grant money for the second round of the Equipment Upgrades Grant Program through the Illinois Grocery Initiative.

“All Illinois families deserve reliable access to fresh and affordable food,” said Senator Christopher Belt (D – Swansea). “This program has had an immense impact on our state's local communities and grocers. The next round of funding will ensure we can continue to support Illinois families.”

The Illinois Grocery Initiative Equipment Upgrades Grant Program provides grants for energy-efficient equipment upgrades for existing independently owned for-profit grocery stores, cooperative grocery stores, or not-for-profit grocery stores. Belt was instrumental in passing the Grocery Initiative Act in 2023 and has since supported legislation to spur economic growth and enhance benefits under the initiative.

CHICAGO — In October of 2024, Walgreens announced it would close roughly 1,200 locations over the next three years – including 500 closures in fiscal year 2025 alone – causing concern for those who frequent the stores for groceries and prescriptions. In response to learning that three of these closures will happen in their districts, State Senator Robert Peters, State Representative Kam Buckner, State Representative Curtis J. Tarver and Aldermen Lamont Robinson, Desmon Yancy and Peter Chico released the following statement:

“The closures at our South Commercial Avenue, South King Drive and South Jeffrey Boulevard Walgreens locations will be a devastating blow to our communities. Walgreens started in or near our districts in South Side Chicago at Cottage Grove and Bowen Avenue 124 years ago. For years, these stores have supported residents, providing access to medications, groceries and other essential services.

Kicking off the 104th General Assembly

Last week, Senator Don Harmon was re-elected as Senate President to lead the body in the 104th General Assembly, challenging members to be better leaders for the state.

In his remarks, he emphasized three key principles: treating your neighbors with respect, staying humble and being kind. President Harmon closed his remarks by declaring the 104th General Assembly of the Illinois State Senate underway. We look forward to getting to work in Springfield over the weeks and months to come.

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