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.

Last week, Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation to declare June 19 a state holiday to recognize Juneteenth National Freedom Day. On June 19, 1865, two and half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, Federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce the end of slavery and ensure that all enslaved people were freed – effectively ending slavery in the United States.

Many members of the Illinois Senate Black Caucus participated in celebratory events in around the districts they represent to commemorate the significance of the holiday.

Illinois Senate Black Caucus celebrates

On June 19, 1865, two and half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, Federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce the end of slavery and ensure that all enslaved people were freed. Now, over 150 years later, Illinois has declared June 19 a state holiday to recognize Juneteenth National Freedom Day.

The initiative, led by Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) began as an effort to keep Black history alive in Illinois by creating a statewide celebration of African American freedom and independence.

Read more.

New election law signed to encourage more voters to participate

SPRINGFIELD – Following the success of a law to provide more efficient ways for people to cast their ballot from home during the peak of the pandemic, a new proposal to make voting by mail permanently more accessible was signed into law.

“This keeps in place a number of voter conveniences that have proven popular,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “It’s a great example of lawmakers listening to the diverse voices of voters and taking steps to maintain and encourage voter participation.”

Read more.

FOID card modernization, elected Chicago School Board legislation head to governor

SPRINGFIELD – A measure to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people and another to transition the Chicago School Board to fully elected – both of which were championed by two Democratic senators, respectively – are just a step away from becoming law.

House Bill 562, led by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), would help keep communities safe by enhancing existing background check protocols, empowering partnerships with law enforcement, and dedicating mental health funding to communities most impacted by gun violence.

“We have to keep our communities safe by preventing guns from falling into dangerous hands, while at the same time not infringing on the rights of responsible gun owners,” Koehler said. “This legislation helps achieve both goals.”

Under the measure, electronic copies of both FOID cards and concealed carry licenses will also be made available to make it easier for people to have their licenses on them at all times. It also creates a task force to aid in enforcement of FOID card revocation or suspension enforcement.

To reduce wait times for FOID cards, it also allows applicants to voluntarily submit their fingerprints.

Additionally, the Chicago School Board would become fully elected by 2026 if legislation spearheaded by State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) receives final approval from the governor.

House Bill 2908 would make the board fully elected starting in November 2026, following a two-year hybrid period. The hybrid period would begin after the November 2024 election, when 10 members would be elected and 10 would be appointed by the mayor. The board president would also be appointed by the mayor.

“Creating an elected school board allows for more accountability, more democracy, and more community influence on our city’s school board,” Martwick said. “We need a school board that acts in the interests of our students, families, and communities.”

Both measures await final approval.

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WESTVILLE – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is pleased to announce the Westville Area Fire Protection District will receive funding through the Small Equipment Grant Program, administered by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal for equipment upgrades.

“First responders put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe,” Bennett said. “This equipment grant comes at a critical time for this fire department and will allow them to replace outdated gear that no longer meets current standards.”

The Small Equipment Grant Program was established by OSFM 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.

The Westville AFPD will receive $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.

SHOREWOOD – To help kids have fun and stay engaged this summer, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) and State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) are hosting a Summer Book Club for kids across the 49^th and 43^rd Senate Districts.

“Even though school’s out, it’s critical for students to keep their minds active,” Loughran Cappel said. “It is my hope that kids of all ages will take advantage of this opportunity to stay sharp, creative and have fun during the summer months.”

The book club requires kids to read any eight books they choose, record them on a form with a parent, guardian, or other important adult’s signature, and return the form by Aug. 11. Everyone who completes Senator Connor’s summer book club will be invited to attend an ice cream social hosted by Senator Connor at Cool Creations Homemade Ice Cream to celebrate. Those who complete Senator Loughran Cappel’s summer book club will receive a gift card to use at a local small business.

“Kids can go on all kinds of adventures this summer through books,” Connor said. “Reading over summer break can also help keep students sharp and ready to head back to class in the fall.”

Book club forms can be printed off at www.senatorlougrancappel.com orwww.senatorconnor.com. They can also be requested via mail by calling Connor’s district office at (815) 207-4445 or Loughran Cappel’s district office at (815) 267-6119.

Residents with any further questions are welcome to call the district office.