ELGIN –State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) recently attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand opening of the new Illinois Minority Business Development Agency Businesses Center, a flagship location to help connect small businesses to resources that can help them thrive.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has only broadened the existing challenges minority-owned businesses face when it comes to things like procurement and growing their markets,” Castro said. “It’s exciting to see Elgin become a hub for development with the opening of this new MBDA office.”

DES PLAINES – As violence against law enforcement officers increases, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) joined police chiefs and other public officials to call for change.

“There is a national trend of increased violence against law enforcement officers,” Murphy said. “The very people who put their lives on the line daily to protect us deserve to be protected.”

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to support service members overseas, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is collecting new and gently used cell phones to be sent to soldiers. 

“I can think of no better way to support those who serve to protect our freedoms than giving them a reliable way to call home,” Turner said. “This is a great program that allows our troops to stay connected to their families during the holiday seasons and beyond.”

The national Cell Phones for Soldiers program collects new and gently used cell phones and tablets for soldiers and their families. People with old cellphones, MP3 players or tablets laying around are encouraged to donate them to be refurbished or recycled. Proceeds from those sales are used to send prepaid international calling cards to troops and to provide emergency funding to veterans. All cell phone donations are tax deductible.

To donate, people can stop by Turner’s Decatur office located at 1210 S. Jasper St. or her Carlinville office located at 130 East Main St. Suite B. Each office will accept donations from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday until Nov. 30.

Turner urges residents with questions or concerns to contact her office at 217-854-4502 or visit www.CellPhonesForSoldiers.com.

GRAYSLAKE – The holiday season is here, and State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) is reminding people to shop local to support businesses as they continue to recover from pandemic-related financial distress and struggle with shipping backups.  

“Small businesses are a part of our communities. They invest in our economy, employ our friends and neighbors, and support local events,” Bush said. “It’s now our turn to support them and invest in all they have to offer.”

As people begin their holiday shopping, Bush is reminding them to frequent small businesses throughout the area. For every dollar spent at a small business, 67 cents stays in the community.

Bush has talked to many small business owners, who say despite the pandemic slowing down, they still need help and support to recover from the losses. Supporting small, however, doesn’t just mean going to brick and mortar stores. People can support small businesses through online sales, ordering carry out from a locally-owned restaurant or buying gift cards. Many local businesses will also be running special deals on Small Business Saturday, which falls on Nov. 27.

Additionally, if money is tight, people can still support local businesses by following their social media, recommending to friends and leaving positive reviews.

“I encourage you to support small businesses in any way you can,” Bush said. “The pandemic was extremely tough on a lot of our local shops, and we must show them the community is here to help.”

SPRINGFIELD – Building on the state’s promise to become a green energy leader while creating thousands of jobs, Senate Democrats applauded the signing of the Reimagining Electric Vehicles Act.

"This gives Illinois the ability to compete on a global stage to bring next generation electric vehicle jobs and investments to communities across our great state," said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park).

The REV Act provides financial incentives to electric vehicle manufacturers, which is projected to bring external investments to the state. Further, it will uplift both underserved communities and energy transition areas, ensuring that all regions of Illinois benefit from the production and distribution of electric vehicles.

­CHICAGO – State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) and Alderperson Debra Silverstein partnering with the Rohingya Cultural Center, Swedish Covenant Hospital, ICNA Relief and the city of Chicago to offer a free COVID-19 vaccination clinic for children in the West Ridge area. The clinic will also offer booster shots to anyone who needs one.

“Getting vaccinated is the best way for us to protect our community’s public health and end the pandemic,” Villivalam said. “I encourage anyone with questions on the vaccine to join us to learn more and get their shot.”

Loughran Cappel kicks off holiday drive to benefit Guardian Angel Community Services

PLAINFIELD – To lift up area residents in need of a helping hand this holiday season, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is hosting a collection drive to benefit Guardian Angel Community Services until Nov. 30.

Loughran Cappel’s district office located at 2009 S. Route 59 in Plainfield will serve as a drop off location until the end of the collection drive.

“Giving back is small way we can all make a big difference in our community,” Loughran Cappel said. “While you are out shopping this holiday season, take a moment to think of our neighbors who may need some extra assistance during these cold months.”

A few high-demand items include:

• Ladies’ winter jackets (all sizes)
• Children’s hats/gloves/scarves (all sizes)
• Ladies’ hats/gloves/scarves (all sizes)
• Mini first aid kits
• Ladies’ long sleeve t-shirts (all sizes)

For a complete list of items, visit www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com or the Guardian Angel Community Services website at www.gacsprograms.org.

There will also be an opportunity for those interested in donating to drop off items with Loughran Cappel and her staff at her Oswego Traveling Office Hours on Thursday, Nov. 18 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.at the Oswego Public Library (32 W. Jefferson St., Oswego).

For more information about Guardian Angel Community Services visit www.gacsprograms.org.

MARYVILLE – To prepare for winter travel on Illinois roadways, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) and State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) are reminding Metro East commuters and families of the winter road conditions map on the Getting Around Illinois website.

“Accidents are more likely when the weather creates hazardous road conditions,” Belt said. “Getting Around Illinois is a great tool to ensure people are safe and prepared when traveling during the cold winter months.” 

Previously, the map displayed conditions by county. New this year, the map shows how weather events are impacting roads, including the ability to identify and zoom in to a location, travel route or destination with current information recorded by plow drivers.

“Winter weather can significantly impact road conditions, and getting reliable information to drivers is essential for safe travel,” Crowe said. “I encourage motorists to check the road conditions map when snow and freezing temperatures are expected in the Metro East.”

Individuals can interact with the map to understand how weather events are affecting roads across the state. The winter road conditions map is available on Illinois Department of Transportation’s website.