SPRINGFIELD – As the state begins to recover from the pandemic, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D- Western Springs) urges Gov. JB Pritzker to sign legislation to help small businesses bounce back from the stresses of the last year.

“Our small businesses need our help easing the financial burdens the last year has put on them,” said Glowiak Hilton, who sponsored the bill in the Senate. “Local governments should be able to make the decision to waive certain fees to allow these businesses to get back to a place of economic security.”

If signed, House Bill 2454 would create an option for local counties and municipalities to waive licensing, permitting, or registration fees for local businesses and services for businesses who demonstrate financial need due to the pandemic.

ELGIN – State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) released the following statement on the sentencing of Derek Chauvin, who was convicted of murdering George Floyd:

“I hope today’s sentencing brings a sense of peace to George Floyd’s family. While nothing will ever fix the loss of a loved one, I hope that knowing that the perpetrator is behind bars will bring some comfort to those who knew him.

“As we begin to move forward, I stand with many in calling for reform at the national level to ensure that tragedies like this are prevented.”

BUFFALO GROVE – State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) released the following statement in response to the sentencing of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd.

"As we work toward restoring the soul of our nation, we must reconcile the two justice systems in this country: The system that exists for white Americans, and the system that exists for people of color.

"Derek Chauvin's sentencing represents a critical moment in the centuries-long quest toward equality – it shows that everyone, no matter who they are, must be held accountable for their actions.

"May George Floyd's family, friends and community find peace and healing in today's decision."

East St. Louis – State Senators Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) and Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) are urging local fire departments impacted by the pandemic to apply for relief grants.

“The brave men and women on the first line of defense risk their lives every day and continued to do so during the pandemic,” Belt said. “I’m pleased to see funds being spent on our firefighters who protect our communities.”

A total of $1 million will be available to assist approximately 80 impacted fire departments that operate in diverse communities throughout the state. Under this one-time grant opportunity, eligible Illinois fire departments could receive up to $15,000 in order to make up for lost donation revenues stemming from their inability to host local fundraising events during 2020. These fundraising events pay for necessities like fuel for fire trucks, utilities and insurance.

PARK FOREST – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is reminding people to look out for text and email scams asking for personal information from someone claiming to be from the Illinois Department of Transportation.

“We have seen an increase in scams throughout the pandemic, and most recently scammers are posing as representatives of IDOT seeking people’s personal information,” Joyce said. “If you’ve received a suspicious text message or email asking for personal information, don’t respond – delete it.”

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

PLAINFIELD – To end the practice of burdening family members of deceased utility customers with early termination fees by, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is urging Governor Pritzker to sign House Bill 122 into law.

“Utility companies taking advantage of hard working people through unnecessary fees is unfortunately all too common,” Loughran Cappel said. “Governor Pritzker has the ability to immediately crack down on this predatory practice by signing a piece of legislation currently sitting on his desk. It is my hope that he will take swift action on this measure to protect Illinois families of all backgrounds.”

House Bill 122 would end early termination fees for utility customers who die before the end of a contract.

NAPERVILLE — State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is pleased to learn Fitch Ratings has revised its outlook on Illinois’ General Obligation bonds from negative to positive — a direct result of responsible spending. 

“The more than 15 months of a global pandemic could have wiped out our financial condition, but we made responsible financial decisions to keep Illinois on track,” Ellman said. “The work we have put in over the years is now paying off for not only the state, but all who live here.”

Fitch’s is the third ratings agency to upgrade the state’s forecast, in addition to Standard and Poor’s, and Moody’s.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – Fitch Ratings has revised its outlook on Illinois’ General Obligation bonds from negative to positive, and State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) applauds the upgrade as a direct result of responsible spending.

“In recent years, Illinois has taken steps toward fiscal stability by including cost-saving initiatives in our state budget, such as cutting down the bill backlog and reducing our reliance on borrowing,” Glowiak Hilton said. “Responsible budget decisions are critical to the fiscal health of our state, and this upgrade signals Illinois is on the path to recovery.”

Fitch’s is the third ratings agency to upgrade the state’s forecast, in addition to Standard and Poor’s and Moody’s.