MARYVILLE – Small businesses in Jersey, Madison and St. Clair counties were awarded more than $1.2 million in funding from the Back to Business program thanks to advocacy and support from State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon).

“We’re starting to see businesses move forward from the COVID-19 pandemic, however, there are still some needing support to fully recover,” Crowe said. “The Back to Business grant program is vital to supporting thousands of small businesses across Illinois.”

The B2B grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan.

ROCKFORD – The Back 2 Business program has awarded more than $3.4 million in funding to several local businesses in Rockford thanks to advocacy from State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford).

“Businesses need our support, and this grant money will continue the efforts into helping businesses make a full recovery and get back on their feet,” Stadelman said. “The assistance from the Back 2 Business program has provided meaningful help and funds that keep our communities afloat and I am happy to see Rockford businesses receiving this assistance.”

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.

JOLIET – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) announced more encouraging news for local businesses recovering from the pandemic who have received grants in the latest round of Back to Business funding.

“The Back to Business program has already helped dozens of local businesses in our area,” Loughran Cappel said. “The people in our community rely on so many of these businesses every day, and I’m glad to see them recovering and thriving after the economic hit of the pandemic.”

The B2B program is providing millions of dollars for small businesses negatively affected by the pandemic. The 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.

EAST ST. LOUIS – Local businesses in Madison and St. Clair Counties were awarded more than $650,000 in funding from the Back to Business program thanks to advocacy and support from State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea).

“Business owners are still in recovery mode as we move forward from the pandemic,” Belt said. “This funding has been essential for the small businesses in the Metro East that have fought to keep their doors open.”

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.

SPRINGFIELD—After months of meetings between business, labor, lawmakers and other stakeholders, the Unemployment Insurance working group presented legislation from Assistant Senate Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) that makes unmatched investments in paying down overdue bills, to the tune of $4.1 billion. The Senate passed that measure Thursday.

“I’m proud of this unprecedented change to catch up on some outstanding debts to continue improving our state’s credit standing,” Holmes said. “Allotting $2.7 billion to the Unemployment Trust Fund, as well as substantial earmarks for group health insurance bills, the College Illinois Program and extra pension payments, is a big step to boost our fiscal standing. It also provides a sense of security for Illinois residents, including current and retired state workers and their families.”

SPRINGFIELD – Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine – and an increase of overdoses of the drug is plaguing every corner of our state. Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus outlined their plan to combat the overdose crisis during a press conference Thursday.

The increase in the number of fatalities is attributed to the rise of synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl.

Since 2013, synthetic opioid deaths in Illinois have increased 2,736% — and many of those who have overdosed did not know they were taking opioids or that their drugs were laced with fentanyl.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) advanced legislation through the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee Thursday that would require public water supply operators to notify all health care facilities served by the public water supply of a water disruption event.

“The loss of clean water can have a huge impact on hospitals and other health care facilities,” Loughran Cappel said. “Since Legionnaire’s disease can thrive in water pipes, it’s important we do all we can ensure the bacteria that causes it does not grow and spread in these facilities.”

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) to create the Real Estate Valuation Task Force to combat discrimination in the housing industry passed an important hurdle Wednesday.

“Discrimination in the housing industry goes back decades, and it has yet to be rectified today,” Hunter said. “Black and Brown people won’t have a fair chance at renting and home ownership until discrimination is addressed on a systemic level.”

The Real Estate Valuation Task Force is a response to an unresolved history of federal housing agencies, including the Federal Home Owners' Loan Corporation and the Federal Housing Administration discriminating against Black and Brown people when underwriting real estate loans.