KANKAKEE – In an effort to restore downtown Kankakee and boost economic growth, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) introduced new legislation that would support investment in the City of Kankakee.

Joyce’s proposal – Senate Bill 3048 – would create a River Edge Redevelopment Zone in the City of Kankakee to receive the River Edge Tax Credit, designed to help older river communities redevelop properties.

“This legislation encourages investment in our community and offers a second chance to parts of our city that have become neglected over the years,” Joyce said. “As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, this tax credit will promote economic development and stimulate jobs that will help revitalize downtown Kankakee.”

CHICAGO – Local libraries in Stickney will be given nearly $39,000 in grants to provide assistance for pandemic recovery thanks to support from State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago).

“Libraries, like many of our businesses and homes, have been disrupted greatly by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” Villanueva said. “Despite these challenges, our local libraries have provided resources to job seekers, educators and the general public, and our support to them should be a reflection of all they do for our communities.”

The goal of the initiative is to respond to the difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic by providing funding for libraries to modify their services, transform their spaces and develop more resources for their local recovering workforce. These funds will also ensure all operations can be provided safely and effectively as the pandemic continues.

Springfield- In an effort to remove a barrier to full inclusion for immigrant communities in Illinois, State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) is championing a measure that removes the use of “alien” in any Illinois statute when referring to people who have mixed statuses and referring to commerce outside of Illinois and the country.

“As a proud son of a first-generation immigrant from Ethiopia, I am happy to support building community by assisting in removing barriers to access much needed resources,” Simmons said. “I want Illinois to send a clear message that we welcome immigrants and that we are working to eliminate the historic barriers that many of these communities have faced.”

Senate Bill 3865 would remove the use of "alien" in any Illinois statute when referring to people who have mixed statuses and referring to commerce outside of Illinois and the country.  Eliminating references to “alien” in Illinois law would remove a regressive and outdated legal term and symbolize the full inclusion of immigrant communities in Illinois. Similar legislation has recently passed in California and Colorado.

CHICAGO – Local businesses in the 16^th District were recently awarded $1.8 million in funding from the Back to Business Program thanks to advocacy and support from State Senator Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago).

“Businesses across the state have been our front line defense against the COVID-19 pandemic,” Collins said. “These grants are giving our local businesses a much needed boost to get back on their feet as they continue to recover.”

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. So far – thanks to strong support from Senator Collins – DCEO has provided $111 million in B2B grants to nearly 3,000 small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on disproportionately impacted areas.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – To improve convenience and accessibility for working people, state licenses from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation would be issued in four weeks under an initiative by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs).

“Health care workers, accountants and cosmetologists are ready to enter their respective industries but are unable to get started without a professional license from the state,” Glowiak Hilton said. “With this initiative, I hope to expedite the time it takes IDFPR to process applications and allow residents to enter the work force sooner.”

As chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, Glowiak Hilton prioritizes legislation to benefit workers and support economic development throughout the state. Under the legislation, IDFPR will be required to process applications within four weeks as long as there were no deficiencies submitted.

CHICAGO – Many local Chicago businesses were recently awarded over $2.5 million in funding from the Back to Business Program to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to support from State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago).

“Chicago business owners have struggled with the impact the pandemic had over the last two years,” Martwick said. “This grant money will help so many Chicago businesses bounce back after facing the difficulties of reopening and recovering from COVID-19.”

The B2B program 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. So far – thanks to strong support from Martwick– DCEO has provided $111 million in B2B grants to nearly 3,000 small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on disproportionately impacted areas.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – Seven additional small businesses in the 24th Senate District were awarded $350,000 in combined funding from the Back to Business grant program to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to the support of State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs).

“By offering support to some of our state’s hardest hit industries - including dining, hospitality, salons, fitness and the arts - we are lending a hand to a diverse, inclusive group of small business owners,” Glowiak Hilton said. “These grants will allow many DuPage County businesses retain employees, cover operating expenses and serve patrons effectively as our economy recovers from financial strains.”

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. So far – thanks to strong support from Sen. Glowiak Hilton – DCEO has provided $111 million in B2B grants to nearly 3,000 small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on disproportionately impacted areas.

Cullerton announces next round of Back to Business grant recipients

VILLA PARK – Dozens of local businesses in and around DuPage County were recently awarded over $2.3 million in funding from the Back to Business Program to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to the support of State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park).

“Businesses across the state have been negatively impacted in the last two years, especially in the tourism and hospitality industry,” Cullerton said. “These grants are giving DuPage County businesses a much needed boost to get back on their feet as we continue to recover.”

The B2B program 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, which had the strong support of Cullerton. So far, DCEO has provided $111 million in B2B grants to nearly 3,000 small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on disproportionately impacted areas.