SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate approved a measure co-sponsored by State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) that preserves reproductive health rights and bodily autonomy for young people, especially young women, in Illinois.

“Today we are removing a systemic barrier to reproductive health care for young people,” Simmons said. “Systemic issues require systemic action, and the measure we passed today is a decisive step forward in ensuring reproductive rights and health equity in Illinois and protecting bodily autonomy consistent with the protections guaranteed by the Roe v. Wade decision.”

SPRINGFIELD – A steadfast advocate for women’s reproductive health care, State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) was proud to cast her vote for monumental legislation to prioritize the health and safety of young women.

“When we think of reproductive health care and parenting resources, we often think of established adults starting families,” Bush said. “But the reality is thousands of teenagers across our state are struggling every day with where to turn during an unplanned pregnancy. By prioritizing the health of our young women of today, we are prioritizing the health of future generations.”

SPRINGFIELD – Calling on the Department of Children and Family Services to better support and protect its LGBTQ youth in care, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) held a subject matter hearing Tuesday to address the agency’s shortcomings.

“There are estimates that 30% of our youth in care at DCFS identify as LGBTQ, yet there seems to be a discrepancy between that number and the numbers DCFS provided,” Morrison said. “We must ensure LGBTQ youth in care are getting the proper support they need to have successful futures.” 

The hearing comes following recent findings that DCFS was not respecting the needs of LGBTQ youth in care. An investigation by the auditor general looked into how many LGBTQ children were under the care of DCFS and the number of providers deemed “clinically appropriate” for the kids. The audit – which was spearheaded by a resolution previously passed by Morrison – found the agency "does not collect sufficient information regarding whether those in care are LGBTQ."

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus eagerly welcomed associates of the WNBA champion Chicago Sky to the state capitol Tuesday morning.

Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) and Senators Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake), Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago), Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), Robert Peters (D-Chicago) and Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) posed with the championship trophy and spoke with Chicago Sky guard Dana Evans, owner John Rogers, head coach James Wade and Chief of Staff Victoria Watkins.

NAPERVILLE – Residents will have the opportunity to tour the Mobile Museum of Tolerance when it makes a stop in Naperville at the beginning of November.

State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) and State Representative Janet Yang Rohr (D-Naperville) have teamed up to host the museum Nov. 1 - 3 at the 95^th Street Library, located at 3015 Cedar Glade Drive in Naperville. The museum will be open to the public noon to 6 p.m. all three days.

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) congratulated local businesses struggling from the pandemic that were awarded grants from the latest round of the Back to Business program awards.

“This is a much-needed award for businesses in Champaign and Vermilion Counties,” Bennett said. “These grants are important because they will help equip our businesses with valuable resources during this time of uncertainty.”

The B2B program allocated $250 million in American Rescue Plan dollars for small businesses negatively affected by the pandemic. Each business received between $5,000 to $150,000 to be used to cover a wide range of operations such as staff and overhead costs.

34 businesses in the district Bennett represents received a combined $2.5 million through the program. Businesses include restaurants, bars, hotels, retailers, arts, barbershops and salons, museums and theaters, and fitness centers, demonstrating the diversity of the local small business community and how many different kinds of businesses are eligible for grants.

“I’m pleased to see so many local businesses receiving aid from the B2B program to help them get through this tough time,” Bennett said. “Now more than ever, we must continue to do everything we can to support our small business community.”

For a complete list of grant recipients, click here.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois first responders will now be honored on Oct. 28, thanks to the help of State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.

Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) championed a measure that declares Oct. 28, 2021 First Responders Day in Illinois.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – To recognize the efforts of small businesses, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) is highlighting recipients of Back to Business grants and encouraging residents to shop local as the holiday season approaches.

“To receive operating assistance from the state, nine locally-owned businesses were able to demonstrate financial loss from the pandemic,” Glowiak Hilton said. “By offering support to small businesses, Illinois is working to strengthen our communities.”

Awarded a combined $550,000, B2B grant recipients in the 24th Senate District include:

• Davanti Enoteca in Western Springs;
• Gia Mia in Elmhurst;
• Subway in Westmont;
• Maize + Mash in Glen Ellyn;
• CluedIn Escape Rooms in Glen Ellyn;
• Budget Inn and Suites in Glen Ellyn;
• Holiday Inn Express in Downers Grove;
• Jumpcut Pictures in Glen Ellyn; and
• Subway in Lombard.

The B2B program allocated $250 million in American Rescue Plan dollars for small businesses hurt financially by the pandemic. Grants ranged from $5,000 to $150,000 and could be used to cover a wide range of operations, such as staff and overhead costs.

“Shopping local can make a difference in our communities this holiday season,” Glowiak Hilton said. “Buying gift cards, recommending a local service or simply interacting on social media can offer support to our small business community.”

A full list of B2B grant awardees can be found on DCEO’s website.