CHICAGO – Following a successful month-long welcome kit drive with World Relief Chicago, State Senator Mike Simmons (D- Chicago) delivered the kits to World Relief Chicago’s DuPage location Sunday for distribution to Afghan refugees in West Ridge and Rogers Park.

“I am deeply grateful to the elected officials on the far North Side, World Relief Chicago and to all of the community members who have gathered to support our newest neighbors,” Simmons said. “As the son of a refugee, I am even more grateful for the warm welcome that our community has given to our newest neighbors.”

The kits, which included standard cooking items, household cleaning supplies, and bedroom and bathroom items, were delivered by Simmons to the World Relief Chicago’s DuPage location for distribution to Afghan refugees in West Ridge and Rogers Park. The generous donations will help refugees transition to life in their new homes.

The drive was conducted over the course of October, in partnership with several other far North Side elected officials and World Relief Chicago. To take further action to support Afghan refugees visit worldrelief.org/chicagoland.

 For additional resources, residents can check out the weekly 7th District newsletter at https://www.senatormikesimmons.com/ and reach out to the district office with questions or concerns at 773-769-1717.  

Senate Democrats applaud $17 billion in federal funding awarded through infrastructure plan

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois will see more than $17 billion of the $1 trillion infrastructure bill passed by Congress earlier this year, a move Senate Democrats applaud.

The federal government passed a long-term investment plan to boost the nation’s infrastructure. This bipartisan legislation seeks to rebuild the country’s roads, bridges, ports, rails and airports. It also ensures that people have access to high-speed internet and takes action to mitigate the effects of climate change. The efforts of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will add up to 1.5 million jobs per year, providing an opportunity to boost the economy as well.

Read more.

Van Pelt concerned by Aldi's closure in West Garfield Park, weary of west side becoming food desert

CHICAGO – Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) is outraged after the Aldi in West Garfield Park abruptly closed in October, and is worried about residents' wellbeing in lieu of the West Side becoming a food desert.

“This closure is devastating to the community because a lot of people depended on this Aldi for convenient and affordable food,” Van Pelt said. “In particular, many older residents got their groceries from here. This is not just an affordability issue, but a mobility issue as well.”

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Joyce urges high school seniors to apply for Conservation Achievement Scholarship

KANKAKEE – The annual Conservation Achievement Scholarship is now accepting applications, and Senate Agriculture Chair Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) invites eligible Illinois high school seniors to apply.

The Conservation Achievement Scholarship will award up to four scholarships of $2,000 each to outstanding high school seniors in Illinois who demonstrate effective, voluntary, long-term dedication to the preservation, protection or enhancement of the state’s natural resources.

“This scholarship program awards our best and brightest students for their hard work and dedication to conservation stewardship,” Joyce said. “I encourage all eligible high school seniors to take advantage of this opportunity and apply.”

Read more.

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Copyright 2021 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

CHICAGO – State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) is launching a new initiative aimed at supporting parents and Chicago Public School children that will celebrate their resilience and provide resources to support the vaccination campaign in local schools.

“Today, my staff and I kicked-off the #ChildrenCarryOn campaign to highlight the true resilience of the children of the 7th District,” Simmons said. “These children have made some of the biggest sacrifices with the least reward these last 18 months. We should celebrate them and lift up their courage in getting vaccinated,” said Simmons. “I look forward to visiting Gale Elementary, Kilmer Elementary, and Goudy Elementary today as we kick off #ChildrenCarryOn and celebrate our 5 - 11 year olds and encourage them to get vaccinated with their families.”

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois will see more than $17 billion of the $1 trillion infrastructure bill passed by Congress earlier this year, a move Senate Democrats applaud.

The federal government passed a long-term investment plan to boost the nation’s infrastructure. This bipartisan legislation seeks to rebuild the country’s roads, bridges, ports, rails and airports. It also ensures that people have access to high-speed internet and takes action to mitigate the effects of climate change. The efforts of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will add up to 1.5 million jobs per year, providing an opportunity to boost the economy as well.

Illinois Senate Democrats honor those who served

This Veterans Day, let us come together to celebrate our United States service members for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. We must also honor the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The men and women who serve in our military are nothing short of American heroes, and they deserve our utmost respect and gratitude.

If you are currently serving or did a tour of duty in the past, thank you for your service. Your bravery and dedication to protecting American families and our greatest ideals is incomparable.

The Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus proudly includes three members who served in the military: Senators Michael E. Hastings (Army, West Point ‘03), Tony Munoz (Army), and Tom Cullerton (Army).

For a special video message from them and other member's of our caucus, click here.

Copyright 2021 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

PLAINFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is inviting Joliet residents to attend her November Coffee and Conversation event on Tuesday, Nov. 16.

“We had a busy veto session and discussed many issues important to residents of the 49^th District,” Cappel Loughran said. “I look forward to meet and chat with people across our community about what we accomplished and what the future holds.”

The indoor event will be held from 9:30-11:30 a.m. in Room F at the Joliet Public Library – Black Road Branch located at 3395 Black Rd. in Joliet.

This is the third Coffee and Conversation Loughran Cappel has hosted this fall. It is another effort from Loughran Cappel’s office to increase government accountability and accessibility by hosting this traveling event at different times, locations and days of the week in hopes of reaching working families across Will and Kendall Counties.

Loughran Cappel is also collecting items to benefit Guardian Angel Community Services. Residents can drop off donations during the event or at Loughran Cappel’s Plainfield Office located at 2009 S. Route 59 in Plainfield until Tuesday, Nov. 30.

Some items in high-demand include ladies winter jackets in all sizes, children’s and women’s gloves, hats and scarves, mini first aid kits and ladies’ long sleeve t-shirts. There is a complete list of items on her website.

“As you kick off your holiday shopping, please keep organizations like Guardian Angel Community Services in mind,” Loughran Cappel said. “This is one small way we can help lift up members of our community and lend them a helping hand.”

People with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Loughran Cappel’s Plainfield office at 815-267-6119 or visit her website at www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com.

SPRINGFIELD – Nov. 11 is observed in the United States as Veterans Day to honor those who have dedicated part of their lives to serving our nation’s armed forces.