SPRINGFIELD – Fitch Rating released a revised outlook on Illinois’ financial forecast earlier this week, a move several suburban lawmakers praise as a direct result of responsible spending.

“After years of fiscal irresponsibility and chaos under the previous governor, these rating upgrades are an example of what we can accomplish by working together to implement responsible budgets,” said State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort).. “This is a vote of confidence in the future of our state.”

“Legislative actions have consequences and we are seeing the choices made by the General Assembly over the past several years yield positive results,” said State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport).“The bottom line is that this is a concrete example of fiscal responsibility creating an incredibly bright future for our state.”

CHICAGO — Fitch Ratings released a revised outlook of Illinois’ General Obligation bonds from negative to positive. State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. released the following statement:

“Fitch Ratings Agency’s change of Illinois’ financial outlook from negative to positive reflects the state’s commitment to putting our fiscal house in order, which includes prioritizing paying the state’s backlog of bills - down from over $16 billion, at the height of the Rauner budget impasse, down to a normal payment cycle and nearly $3 billion today.

“As the Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman, I am committed to taking a fiscally responsible approach to our state’s finances and putting Illinois on a path toward a brighter future. 

“The new outlook from Fitch highlights several key points where the General Assembly in partnership with the Governor have worked together to tackle the challenging finances of our state.

“While I am proud of the positive reports released by the bond rating agency, because they show Illinois is on the right path, I know more must be done to provide for our most vulnerable, educate our young people, keep our communities safe, create good jobs and grow our economy, this is how we will keep our fiscal house in order and I remain committed to doing the work necessary to ensure that Illinois continues to enact responsible budgets and remains on an improved path toward fiscal stability.”

EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) is proud to announce two local fire departments will receive funding through the Small Equipment Grant Program, administered by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal for equipment upgrades.

“This program gives eligible departments the opportunity to purchase small equipment that they may otherwise not be able to afford,” Belt said. “Thanks to the small equipment grants, these fire departments will be able to provide better service to residents and families in our community.” 

The Small Equipment Grant Program was established by the Office of the State Fire Marshal to provide grants of up to $26,000 to support small firefighting and ambulance equipment purchases. A total of $3.3 million was awarded to 149 fire departments and EMS providers across the state through the program.

Two grant recipients are located within the 57^th Senate District:

• French Village Fire Department - $20,282.28
• East St. Louis Fire Department - $26,000

“Departments have had to make tough financial decisions, especially this year during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal Matt Perez. “The Small Equipment Grant Program helps reduce the burden on smaller departments/districts while replacing aging and sometimes failing small equipment.” 

A complete list of recipients and awards can be found on the OSFM website.

PARK FOREST – In an effort to promote resources available to small businesses and hear from small business owners and entrepreneurs, Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is accepting applications to tour shops, restaurants and other establishments in the 40^th Senate District.

“Small businesses are the heart of our communities,” Joyce said. “I am asking local businesses to submit their information and schedule a tour, so we can help empower and support our entrepreneurs as the state moves forward from the pandemic.”

Joyce said he hopes to tour restaurants, retail shops and businesses that provide personal services, like spas and salons. All tours will be in compliance with the state’s public health guidelines and restrictions.

Applications are open, and interested business owners can find the application at SenatorPatrickJoyce.com/SmallBusinessTours. Joyce plans to start the program in the coming weeks and requests that businesses submit their applications soon. Once an application is received, a member of Joyce’s team will respond with additional details.

Those with questions can contact Joyce’s office at 708-756-0882 or visit SenatorPatrickJoyce.com.

CHICAGO – State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) is partnering with Gerber/Hart Library and Archives Friday to host a Pride Month Reflection press conference.

Simmons, who is the first openly gay member of the Illinois State Senate, will be joined by representatives from Gerber/Hart and several other Chicago-based LGBTQA+ advocacy and support groups to reflect on Pride Month, recognize and acknowledge the hard work of advocates, honor and lift up survivors of violence, and discuss the progress that has been made and the work that remains to be done.

NEW LENOX – State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) attended the Illinois Health and Hospital Association’s inaugural Health Equity Action Day at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox last week.

“It is incredibly fitting to kick off the weekend of Juneteenth, our newest federal holiday, with a discussion on how to create greater equality right here in Illinois,” Connor said. “Our community benefits greatly from Silver Cross and the work that they do to bridge disparities in health care for our Black and Brown neighbors, and while we still have a long way to go, we have the momentum we need to get there.”

Other notable participants at the Health Equity Action Day included Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, State Senator Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort), members of the Healthy Community Commission and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council and several hospital leaders. The group engaged in a roundtable discussion regarding racial disparities in health care and how to best address them, especially in light of the manner in which COVID-19 disproportionately ravaged communities of color.

Silver Cross Hospital founded its Healthy Community Commission in 2008 in an effort to create a stronger, healthier future for everyone it serves. The community-based organization provides support for education, workforce development training and enrichment activities for local youth. It has awarded $2.5 million in educational scholarships and workforce development grants to numerous Joliet-area residents and organizations over the last 13 years.

“The best way to tackle any problem is to do it together,” Connor said. “I look forward to continuing to work alongside this fantastic team to ensure that all Illinoisans have access to affordable and equitable health care.”

Those wishing to learn more about the Healthy Community Commission can visit Silver Cross’s website.

East St. Louis – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) is reminding people to look out for text and email scams asking for personal information from someone pegging themselves as the Illinois Department of Transportation.

“With the increase in hacking, residents need to be aware of who they are giving personal information to,” Belt said. “I urge everyone to take precaution when receiving a text message or email saying it’s from IDOT.”

While the messages might look official, IDOT will not request personal information, such as Social Security numbers or bank information, via text or email.

To protect personal information, take the following precautions:

• Delete unsolicited emails and texts requesting personal information or promising state driver’s licenses or IDs;
• Do not click on any links contained in such emails or texts, as they may place malware on your computer or devices;
• Hang up on any calls, including robocalls that ask you to take immediate action or provide personally identifiable information;
• Ask to use other types of identifiers besides your Social Security number;
• Keep software up to date, including operating systems and antivirus protection programs on your computer, phone and other devices.

“I have no respect for those who participate in fraudulent schemes,” Belt said. “IDOT will not ask for your personal information through text or email, and the department is working around the clock to keep you safe.” 

As the spring legislative session ended and the state opened up, Senate Democrats have been hard at work getting out into their communities. Tuesday evening, Senators Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago), Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford), and Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) held events to engage with the residents of the districts they represent.

Senator Stadelman hosted an informational webinar in conjunction with the Citizens Utility Board on cutting the cable cord and exploring alternatives to satellite or cable television. Check out a recording of this event here. Additionally, he will be hosting a town hall on June 23 at the Northwest Community Center, located at 1325 N. Johnston Ave. in Rockford, from 6 to 7 p.m.