EAST ST. LOUIS – To boost economic vitality, East St. Louis will receive nearly $1 million to improve the area while increasing economic opportunities for impacted businesses, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) announced Tuesday.

“Improving the economy by providing resources to communities that need it the most is essential,” Belt said. “Not only will this funding uplift the East St. Louis community, it will also prioritize the safety of residents.”

The final round of Rebuild Distressed Communities program provides $976,000 to 26 small businesses and $7.45 million to help revitalize seven commercial corridors located across the state, including $900,000 for East St. Louis.

FRANKFORT – The City of Markham is set to receive $900,000 in grants to revitalize the local business community, thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort).

Markham will receive funding from the Illinois Department of Economic Development to enhance and provide additional services to local businesses through its Rebuild Distressed Communities program. The grant is made possible by the state’s historic Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan, which Hastings was proud to support in 2019.

SPRINGFIELD – Recently passed laws to help support the Illinois agriculture industry took effect Jan. 1, and State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex), chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee and a fourth-generation farmer, is excited to see the positive change that will come from this new legislation.

“Agriculture is a vital industry across Illinois,” Joyce said. “I’m proud to have worked alongside my colleagues this past spring on issues that help our agriculture industry thrive.” 

PLAINFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel’s office is starting off the new year with traveling office hours at the Troy-Shorewood Public Library on Friday, Jan. 14 from 11 a.m. – noon to increase accessibility to residents throughout the 49^th District.

Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) hosts traveling office hours every month at different locations and times of day to increase the availability of state assistance and informational resources.

“Government works best when we are easily accessible and accountable to the people who live in our communities,” Loughran Cappel said. “I urge folks who need assistance accessing state and local resources to stop by and find out about new programs and services available.”

Previous traveling office hours have been hosted in Naperville, Oswego and Bolingbrook.

Loughran Cappel urges residents unable to attend the monthly office hours to reach out to her office at 815-267-6119 or visit her website www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com to take her legislative survey.

Johnson speaks out on murder of six-year-old North Chicago boy

NORTH CHICAGO – State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) released the following statement regarding the death of six-year-old Damari Perry, who was brutally murdered by his mother and siblings.

“The loss of yet another young life to a heinous crime committed by a family member is beyond devastating. Every child’s home should be a safe space – a loving, caring place where they feel protected. Yet all throughout Illinois, children are silently fighting for their lives each day.

“We must continue to look after and provide protections for these vulnerable children. As the legislature meets this session, I vow to prioritize the health, safety and well-being of children and those who work to protect them.”

DANVILLE – In an effort to lift the spirits of local older Illinoisans, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) invites people of all ages to get creative and donate homemade or store-bought valentines to support long-term care facilities in Vermilion County.

“Life is still very isolated and sending a special valentine to someone living in a long-term care facility is a wonderful gesture that is sure to put a smile on their face,” Bennett said. “Please consider taking a few minutes to create a Valentine’s Day card with a personal message to spread love to these folks.”

Senate prioritizes safety of social workers

In response to the tragic deaths of two Illinois Department of Children and Family Services caseworkers in recent years, a new measure led by members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus will increase penalties for people who commit crimes against DCFS employees.

“The legislation we’re proposing sends a clear message – acts of violence against social workers will not be tolerated in our state,” said State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield). “We all deserve to work in peace, freedom and under safe circumstances, and I am committed to protecting those who work in this field.”

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Greater support coming to higher education students thanks to new laws

SPRINGFIELD – Recently passed laws to help support higher education students across Illinois took effect Jan. 1.

“I have always prioritized education during my time in the Senate, and I believe people will need higher education and job training more than ever after this pandemic,” said State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign), chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee. “I’m proud of the bipartisan work the General Assembly accomplished this past year to help students flourish in Illinois.”

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Laws to protect Illinois veterans now on the books

SPRINGFIELD – A number of laws to support veterans across Illinois went into effect Jan. 1.

“Prioritizing our veterans who have given so much for our country is always a top priority,” said State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park), a veteran and chair of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “I’m proud of the bipartisan work conducted during the spring and fall sessions to bring us these new laws to help our military members and veterans thrive in Illinois.”

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PEORIA – A law sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler, a longtime advocate to streamline the FOID card process for responsible gun owners, took effect earlier this week.

“This law will address a years-long backlog of FOID card applications across Illinois while closing loopholes that allow firearms to fall into dangerous hands,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “The modernized system will save time and money for lawful applicants, and will allow the Illinois State Police to more fully dedicate its resources to reducing gun violence.”