SPRINGFIELD – After countless hours of negotiations, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) released the following statement in support of the comprehensive energy package that prioritizes jobs in the energy workforce:

“As we move toward making Illinois a national leader in the clean energy conversation, we are ensuring families who rely on energy-related jobs are protected. This landmark legislation prioritizes the hardworking people of Illinois’ energy industry. 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin), who has worked tirelessly for years to bring a comprehensive and just energy transition package to Illinois, released the following statement regarding the General Assembly’s passage of the state’s historic energy measure:

“After years of fighting the battle for clean energy, I am pleased we were able to come together to pass a comprehensive energy package that puts environmental justice and equity at the center of the work to move Illinois to 100% clean energy.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham, who has been deeply involved in negotiations on a piece of legislation meant to spark Illinois’ renewable energy sector and preserve and create tens of thousands of jobs, celebrated the measure’s final passage through the General Assembly.

“This ambitious plan would make Illinois a national leader in fighting climate change and creating jobs in the clean energy economy,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the southwest suburbs. “This legislation has been years in the making, and I want to thank both the labor and environmental communities for their passion and dedication in getting it across the finish line.”

EAST ST. LOUIS – After a busy legislative spring session, Illinoisans will benefit from a number of new laws championed by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea).

“This spring I was able to pass more than a dozen new laws, including water and sewer assistance to low-income residents, help for service members who wish to receive their professional licenses quicker, and a requirement for state parks to fly three flags that represent our freedom,” Belt said. “I look forward to seeing these newly signed laws create a long-term benefit for the residents of the 57^th District and all Illinoisans.”

20 years later, we remember 9/11

On the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, let’s take a moment to remember the victims and first responders who lost their lives on that tragic day, as well as the families, friends and loved ones they left behind. Two decades later, the day is still difficult for many of us. May their memories inspire us to love one another more completely, to come together in times of strife, and to help each other cope, recover and grieve as one American family.

Corruption-busting U.S. attorney is Harmon's pick for inspector general search panel

SPRINGFIELD — Former U.S. Attorney Zachary Fardon has been named to the search committee for a new Illinois Legislative Inspector General by Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park).

Fardon is arguably best known for his tenure as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, where he oversaw prosecution in areas of corporate misconduct, health care and securities fraud, public corruption, gangs, terrorism and other criminal and civil matters.

Read more.

Martwick announces back-to-school expenses could bring tax benefits to residents

CHICAGO — Many families are returning to school, and State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) wants to remind taxpayers they could be eligible to claim school expenses for their K-12 students on their 2021 Illinois individual income tax returns.

“Parents need help after a long year of quarantine,” Martwick said. “Illinois is helping these families pay for educational expenses, lifting a small burden from their shoulders.”

Read more.

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We're hiring

The Office of the Senate President is seeking highly-motivated attorneys for the 2021-2022 legislative session. For more information about the legislative assistant legal counsel position, click here.

We are also seeking full-time legislative associate legal counsel. For more information, click here.

The Majority Report is now available in an audio version

Now you can get your weekly Senate Majority Report on the go. If you're pressed for time, listen in for this week's news highlights in podcast form here.

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CHAMPAIGN – In an effort to help local businesses take advantage of Back to Business (B2B) grants, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) has teamed up with the Small Business Development Center at Champaign County Economic Development Corporation to hold open office hours for those needing assistance with their applications.

“The B2B grant program is essential for our small business community, who have been hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Bennett said. “The Champaign Small Business Development Center and I are committed to helping these businesses get back on track—if you have questions about the application process, stop by our open office hours to get the assistance you need.”

The B2B program, administered by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, will award eligible small businesses one-time grants of up to $150,000 to cover operation costs, staff payroll and other expenses in an effort to make up for losses sustained due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of $250 million will be distributed.

Bennett and the SBDC will be available to answer questions, provide technical assistance, scan required documents and more at the SBDC office, located at 1817 S. Neil St., Suite 100 in Champaign, at the following dates and times:

• Thursday, Sept. 16 from 8 to 10 a.m.
• Friday, Sept. 17 from 2 to 4 p.m.
• Monday, Sept. 20 from 3 to 5 p.m.
• Wednesday, Sept. 29 from 3 to 5 p.m.

To offer even more opportunities for businesses to get help with their applications, Bennett and the SBDC will also offer these services in the Launch at the Library business center at Champaign Public Library, located at 200 W. Green St., on Wednesday, Sept. 22 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and Tuesday, Sept. 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The business center regularly offers a walk-in coworking space, seminars, meeting rooms, and other resources for current and prospective business owners.

"We're grateful for the launch of the Back 2 Business Grant program, a crucial investment by the state of Illinois to support small businesses and accelerate business recovery to rebuild our economy post-pandemic," said Carly McCrory-McKay, Executive Director of the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation. “As one of thirteen Community Navigator hubs across the state of Illinois, we’ve been working to provide technical assistance to businesses in the application process. We’re thankful for State Senator Scott Bennett’s partnership with us to host these open office hours as we work to expand outreach and ensure eligible small businesses and non-profits apply for this grant.” 

Applications to the B2B program are now being accepted, and grants will be awarded on a rolling basis through Wednesday, Oct. 13. With questions or for additional information about Bennett’s open office hours, residents are encouraged to contact Bennett’s Champaign office at 217-355-5252 or visit SenatorBennett.com.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois’ first comprehensive ethics reform package in over a decade, introduced by State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights), is one step closer to becoming law as the Illinois House concurred with the governor’s amendatory veto today.

“This measure offers bipartisan solutions to target some of the worst abuses of power in our state’s history,” Gillespie said. “Our plan closes many of the loopholes that have allowed bad actors to game the system for decades.”

SPRINGFIELD — Former U.S. Attorney Zachary Fardon has been named to the search committee for a new Illinois Legislative Inspector General by Senate President Don Harmon.

Fardon is arguably best known for his tenure as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, where he oversaw prosecution in areas of corporate misconduct, health care and securities fraud, public corruption, gangs, terrorism and other criminal and civil matters.

He was part of the federal prosecution trial team that won a conviction against former Illinois Gov. George Ryan.