EAST ST.LOUIS – A new $9.9 million hub to house St. Clair County sheriff’s deputies, 911 dispatchers, the transit control center and more will soon be built in East St. Louis thanks to the support of State Senators Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) and Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon).

“The bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program has positively impacted the state, and these local infrastructure investments come at a critical time to help downstate transportation,” said Belt. “Investing in the Metro East’s transportation is vital, as it will continue to create jobs, promote economic growth and keep residents safe when traveling.”

PEKIN – Thanks to State Senator Dave Koehler’s support of a multi-year plan to bring thousands of jobs to local communities, SkillsUSA Illinois in Pekin was selected to receive $500,000 to support construction pre-apprenticeship programs that will create a qualified talent pipeline of diverse candidates.

“Honest, good-paying jobs should be available in all fields to anyone willing to put in the work,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Unfortunately, certain groups may not have the same opportunities as others. This funding will help open doors and break down barriers to welcome people of all demographics and backgrounds into the trades.”

LOCKPORT – Nearly 50 small businesses across the 43^rd District were recently awarded over $1.2 million in Back to Business grant funding, thanks to legislative measures supported by State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport).

“I’m glad to know that so many of our local businesses are receiving the help they deserve after the difficulties of the last two years,” Connor said. “Their resilience through even the darkest days of this pandemic has not gone unrecognized.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity selects grantees, and the grants are funded through the American Rescue Plan. The DCEO has dispersed $111 million in B2B grants to nearly 3,000 small businesses across Illinois who have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Forty-seven businesses in Connor’s district received grants ranging from $5,000 to $250,000 in this round of funding to help them recoup losses from the past two years, and to continue to keep their doors open to the community.

“I can’t stress enough how integral our small businesses are to the vitality of our community,” Connor said. “I’m proud every day to work alongside other members of the General Assembly to give back to our local businesses who have given so much to us.”

Grants will continue to be awarded statewide on a rolling basis. More information about the B2B program, as well as a full list of grantees, is available on the DCEO’s website.

WAUKEGAN — To express love and lift the spirits of local seniors, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is collecting store-bought or hand-made cards to deliver to long-term care facility residents on Valentine’s Day.

“Older adults, especially those who may live far from family, need a chance to connect with others,” Johnson said. “One simple card can deliver so much power.”

EAST ST. LOUIS – Over a dozen local businesses in and around St. Clair County were awarded over $500,000 in funding from the Back to Business program to tackle pandemic-related losses, thanks to the support of State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea).

“Businesses across Illinois have been greatly impacted in a variety of ways by COVID-19, especially family-owned, small businesses,” Belt said. “This funding will give business owners a chance to mend from the major impacts the pandemic has brought to our community.”

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 Belt – DCEO has provided $111 million in B2B grants to nearly 3,000 small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on disproportionately impacted areas.

A total of $510,000 was awarded to 14 businesses to help them cover the costs of safely staying open in these unpredictable times. Businesses include hotels, restaurants, barbershops and more.

“The B2B program will help our local businesses get on a path toward normalcy,” Belt said. “My hope is that this funding will help alleviate the financial strain businesses have faced for nearly two years.” 

Grants will continue to be awarded on a rolling basis. Visit the DCEO website for more information on the B2B program and view a full list of grantees here.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – To give consumers options in contracts set to automatically renew, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) introduced a measure to require companies to give a clear notification of the agreement’s terms before the consumer accepts.

“Automatic renewal contracts have become increasingly popular in recent years due to streaming services, retail, cell phone companies and more,” said Glowiak Hilton, chair of the Senate Commerce Committee. “To ensure consumers are aware of the automatic renewal commitment, this initiative requires companies to reiterate the contract before consumers accept its terms.”

SPRINGFIELD – Dozens of local businesses in and around the district Senator Doris Turner represents were recently awarded approximately $3.3 million in funding from the Back to Business Program to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to her support.

“These last two years have been a burden on all of us, especially those who own and operate small businesses that drive our local economies,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “These grants are giving businesses across our community a lifeline to get back on their feet.”

PARK FOREST – Sixty-two additional small businesses in the 40^th Senate District were awarded $1.9 million in pandemic-related aid thanks to support from State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex). 

“Illinois is fighting to keep small businesses operating,” Joyce said. “I’m pleased to see our local restaurants, salons, fitness centers and other organizations in our community get a financial boost.”