SPRINGFIELD – To strengthen Illinois’ tech economy, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) introduced legislation that would allow smartphone app companies to do business directly with their customers and avoid a fee to smartphone companies.

“Governments create fair marketplaces in every industry with appropriate protections for entrepreneurs and consumers. Our laws need to catch up to the smartphone app economy by providing the legal freedom for businesses and their customers to work directly together,” said Feigenholtz. “I also look forward to additional state taxes from Illinois businesses keeping more of their revenue instead of shipping 30% of it off to California monopolies.”

NAPERVILLE – On Monday, Jan. 17, Illinois will be celebrating Muhammad Ali Day for the first time, thanks to a resolution sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville).

“Muhammad Ali set a fantastic example for us all by showing how to be dedicated to our passions and courageous in our convictions,” Ellman said. “Through both his athletic career and his philanthropic work, he spent a lifetime working for the betterment of society as a whole.”

AURORA – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) has secured $22,288.00 for the Aurora Public Library District through Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White.

“I’m really excited to be directing funds to libraries that are focused on responding directly to the COVID-19 pandemic by modifying services, transforming spaces and developing resources for their local recovering workforce,” Holmes said.

JOLIET – Improvements to interstate I-80 near Houbolt Road will begin to see improvements thanks to the Illinois Senate Democrats’ support of the Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan.

“This interchange is part of a historic investment in Will County infrastructure by Illinois.  The return on this infrastructure investment will be enjoyed by generations of Will County residents,” said State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport). “This is how Illinois moves forward.”

Governor JB Pritzker announced the next phase of I-80 enhancements and modernization will soon begin at Houbolt Road and interchange. Work is anticipated to begin this winter and is expected to be finalized by 2023. The project will see $32 million in funding from the state’s Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan.

The bridge – located in Will County – is the largest inland port in the United States, making the area a big attraction to travel.

EVANSTON – The Evanston Rebuilding Warehouse is set to receive more than $500,000 to diversify pre-apprenticeship programs in the construction industry, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) announced Thursday.

“Women and people of color across Illinois are consistently underrepresented in the construction trades,” Senator Fine said. “Investing more than half a million dollars in diversifying the workforce at the Evanston Rebuilding Warehouse will open the door for so many in our community.”

The mission of the Evanston Rebuilding Warehouse is to invest in our communities by reusing building materials, reducing construction waste, and training, supporting and connecting people seeking careers in the building trades. They will receive $535,514 to increase diversity in the construction industry.

BRIDGEVIEW – Three local libraries are set to receive grant money to provide the community with vital education resources thanks to support from State Senator Steve Landek (D-Bridgeview).

“This funding benefits our children and working families who rely on our libraries for resources and assistance,” Landek said. “Libraries provide access to knowledge for all.”

The funding is allocated to libraries across the state to make upgrades, assist with the development of the local workforce and ensure the library stays open safely for families. The grant is comprised of both state and federal dollars and awarded through Secretary of State Jesse White’s office. The libraries in the district Landek represents that will receive grants are:

SUGAR GROVE – Thanks to support from State Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) to provide local libraries with the resources needed for pandemic recovery, three libraries in the district she represents will receive more than $48,000 in combined grant funding to grow and enhance their services for the community.

“Our libraries have worked hard to be a constant in our lives through the ups and downs of the pandemic,” Villa said. “From providing resources for virtual learning to serving as a safe space for children after school, the work our libraries do for our communities is unmatched.”

The initiative is aimed to respond directly to difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant provides funding for libraries to modify services, transform spaces and develop resources for their local recovering workforce and to ensure all operations can be provided safely and effectively as the pandemic continues.

CHAMPAIGN – Local libraries in Champaign and Catlin will receive nearly $65,000 in combined grants to grow and enhance their services, thanks to the support from State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign).

“Our libraries serve as pillars in our communities, bringing people together by providing programs and services,” Bennett said. “These grants will help us preserve these important institutions and support their initiatives to educate and enhance our communities.”

Three area libraries are set to receive a total of $64,469 to respond directly to difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant provides nearly $6 million in funding for libraries to modify services, transform spaces and develop resources for their local recovering workforce and to ensure all operations can be provided safely and effectively as the pandemic continues.