PLAINFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is urging Will and Kendall County residents to shop, think and buy local this holiday season.

As families kick off their shopping this year, Loughran Cappel is reminding residents to frequent local businesses on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 27.

“Successful local businesses generate endless opportunities to grow and develop our local economy,” Loughran Cappel said. “Our entrepreneurs make investments in our communities every day, now it is our time to invest in them.”

Illinois Senate Democrats encourage renters, landlords to apply for financial assistance

Renters and landlords experiencing pandemic-related financial hardships will be able to apply for help through the Illinois Housing Development Authority early next month.

In the first round of the Illinois Rental Payment program that was launched in May, the Illinois Housing Development Authority reviewed all completed applications, approved more than 57,000 applications and paid out nearly $540 million on behalf of renters experiencing pandemic-related hardships. Since 2020, the state has provided over $776 million in emergency rental assistance to help keep more than 103,100 Illinois seniors, families and others safely housed.

Read more.

Illinois Senate Democrats applaud creation of jobs through REV Act

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).

Read more.

Glowiak Hilton highlights IDOT's road conditions map for winter travel

OAKBROOK TERRACE – With snow flurries starting to appear in the forecast, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) is reminding commuters and residents with travel plans of the winter road conditions map on the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Getting Around Illinois website.

“Winter weather can impact road conditions quickly, and getting reliable information to travelers is essential to prevent vehicles from sliding and crashing on the roadways,” Glowiak Hilton said. “I encourage residents and commuters to check the Getting Around Illinois website when snow and freezing temperatures are predicted in the forecast.”

Read more.

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Renters and landlords experiencing pandemic-related financial hardships will be able to apply for help through the Illinois Housing Development Authority early next month.

In the first round of the Illinois Rental Payment program that was launched in May, the Illinois Housing Development Authority reviewed all completed applications, approved more than 57,000 applications and paid out nearly $540 million on behalf of renters experiencing pandemic-related hardships. Since 2020, the state has provided over $776 million in emergency rental assistance to help keep more than 103,100 Illinois seniors, families and others safely housed.

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.