SPRINGFIELD - Illinois has created new marijuana dispensary licenses for social equity applicants because of a new law sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) that was signed Thursday. 

“The signing of HB1443 moves us closer to making the promise of equity in cannabis a reality in a state where the entire existing industry is White. I was proud to partner with State Representative LaShawn Ford in passing HB1443 which is the result of dozens of meetings with stakeholders and applicants who demanded that their voices be heard,” Lightford said. “This industry has the potential to change lives but only if we keep the principles of equity at the center of every decision we make. The signing of this legislation brings us one step closer to making these promises a reality.”

OAKBROOK TERRACE – In celebration of National Park and Recreation Month, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) is highlighting the numerous benefits public parks and other natural spaces bring to communities.

“Local parks and other public spaces give residents, families and visitors of all ages a place to gather and enjoy being outdoors,” Glowiak Hilton said. “While recovering from the pandemic’s challenges, National Park and Recreation Month is a wonderful opportunity to get outside and enjoy nature safely.”

According to the National Recreation and Park Association, parks play an important role in maintaining quality of life in a community. Parks provide gathering places for members of a community to interact with each other, host public events and offer recreational programs.

Additionally, parks provide a public place where people can go to keep healthy and fit. A Penn State University study showed that the length of visits to parks has a connection with reductions in stress, lowered blood pressure, and perceived physical health.

Parks also provide an economic benefit to their communities. A review by Texas A&M University found that parks and open space raise nearby property values and increase revenue from tourism. Trees and other growth are also estimated to save cities money in environmental impacts and the effects of storms.

“Parks bring so much life to our communities,” Glowiak Hilton said. “I encourage all residents to take an opportunity to appreciate the parks, trails and other outdoor spaces in our area.”

Learn more about local parks and public events by visiting the park district websites for Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, Western Springs, Westmont and Wheaton.

WAUKEGAN – To help community members protect their personal information from con artists, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is hosting a community shred event on Saturday, July 24 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the parking lot of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, located at 25 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. in Waukegan.

“When it comes to protecting yourself against fraud and identity theft, you can never be too careful,” Johnson said. “Documents with personal information like your address, banking information or social security number should be securely shredded to keep them safe from prying eyes.”

At this free community event, residents can securely dispose of any sensitive or confidential documents, like bank statements, paid utility bills and receipts. Electronics and other non-paper waste will not be accepted.

All participants are asked to contain documents for shredding in boxes or paper bags, placed in the trunk of their vehicle for safe, socially distanced removal by volunteers.

Johnson is hosting the event in partnership with State Representative Rita Mayfield (D-Waukegan).

“After spring cleaning and tax season, you may be looking to dispose of sensitive personal documents,” Johnson said. “I encourage you to take advantage of this free and convenient opportunity to make sure your information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.”

DES PLAINES – To support local businesses as they recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and provide an opportunity for their owners to share concerns about the state’s pandemic response, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is launching a small business tour series and invites entrepreneurs in the Northwest Suburbs to apply.

“Our small businesses have overcome unimaginable challenges over the past year and a half. Although we’re approaching recovery, many business owners are still in need of support,” Murphy said. “I look forward to touring our community’s businesses, hearing their stories and helping promote their work.”

Murphy hopes to visit a variety of businesses, including, but not limited to, retail shops, manufacturing businesses and businesses in the service industry – from salons to optometrists.

Business owners can submit their information at www.SenatorLauraMurphy.com/SmallBusinessTours to be considered for a tour. Once an application is received, a member of Murphy’s team will reach out with additional details.

Applications will be accepted through July 30. Tours will begin in August.

Those with questions can contact Murphy’s office at 847-718-1110 or www.SenatorLauraMurphy.com/contact-us.

BOLINGBROOK – State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) and State Representative Dagmara Avelar (D-Bolingbrook) hosted a mobile driver services unit on Saturday, bringing secretary of state resources to local communities that may have had trouble getting help as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The unit was incredibly well attended, which speaks to a need for these services to be made more accessible,” Connor said. “It is my goal to continue to bring these vital resources to the community.”

Through the mobile unit, community members were able to renew or correct licenses and state IDs, update license plate stickers, and register to vote or to be an organ donor.

Illinois driver’s license and ID card expiration dates have been extended through Jan. 1, 2022, but those wishing to conduct secretary of state business sooner can visit CyberDriveIllinois.com or visit a local secretary of state facility.

EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) is encouraging residents to take advantage of public parks and natural spaces in celebration of National Park and Recreation Month.

“Parks offer communities a place to gather with friends and family outdoors,” Belt said. “I hope people will take advantage of spending time outside and experiencing the nature around us during Park and Recreation Month.”

According to the National Recreation and Park Association, parks play an important role in maintaining quality of life in a community. Parks provide gathering places for members of a community to interact with each other, host public events and offer recreational programs.

Additionally, parks are a public place where people can go to keep healthy and fit. A Penn State University study showed that the length of visits to parks has a connection with reductions in stress, lowered blood pressure and perceived physical health.

Parks also offer an economic benefit to their communities by raising nearby property values and increasing revenue from tourism. Trees and other growth are also estimated to save cities money in environmental impacts and the effects of storms.

“The Metro East has a wide range of parks and trails available for residents visit,” Belt said. “It’s a great time of year to enjoy the outdoors and appreciate all nature offers.”

Visit the Metro East Park and Recreation District to find a park near in the area.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) and State Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) are inviting residents to join them for a legislative town hall forum on Thursday, July 22.

The community forum will take place at 7 p.m. at the School District 25 building, 1200 S. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights. All residents are welcome to attend to learn about the latest from Springfield and engage in a civil discussion on legislative matters.

Senator Gillespie will hold an additional town hall on Tuesday, July 27 at the Palatine Public Library at 7 p.m. Both town halls will be livestreamed on Facebook.

For more information on these events, contact Senator Gillespie’s office at 847-749-1880 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or Rep. Walker’s office at 847-749-1137 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

KANKAKEE – As part of a district-wide tour of local businesses, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) visited the Kankakee Valley Theatre Association (KVTA) on Monday to tour the theater.

“The Kankakee Valley Theatre Association has a great impact on our community, and they are finally able to welcome people back,” Joyce said. “Without their performances, our community would have few opportunities to see these productions in our area. They have a fantastic list of shows coming up, and it’s a great excuse to get out and show our support.” 

During the tour, Joyce met with KTVA President Courtney Stephens, Business Manager Paula Sutter, Secretary Kayla James and former Vice President Rhonda Stenzinger. Stephens said they are excited to be able to return to the stage and entertain the community again after the theater sat empty for so many months, and they ask the community to consider supporting their work by attending one of their upcoming productions.

The following is a list of current and upcoming productions at the theater:

Youth Summer Theatre Camp - July 2021

10-Minute Play Festival - August 2021

The Music Man - October 2021

The Beast of Gevaudan - October 2021

Beauty and the Beast JR. - November 2021

Peter and the Starcatcher - February 2022

Mary Poppins JR. - April 2022

Guys and Dolls - May 2022

"KVTA would like to thank Senator Joyce for taking the time to pause and appreciate the arts in our community,” said KTVA President Courtney Stephens. “His support and dedication to helping KVTA thrive goes above and beyond our expectations."

The theater is actively seeking out new volunteers, especially after being sidelined for over a year and a half due to the pandemic. Additional details can be found at www.kvta.org.

Joyce hopes to visit more local restaurants, retail shops and businesses that provide personal services, like spas and salons, in the coming weeks as part of his small business tour series. Interested businesses can schedule a tour by visiting SenatorPatrickJoyce.com.

Photo: State Senator Patrick Joyce joins the leadership of the Kankakee Valley Theatre Association for a small business tour on Monday, July 12. From left to right: Secretary Kayla James, President Courtney Stephens, Business Manager Paula Sutter, State Senator Patrick Joyce and former KTVA Vice President Rhonda Stenzinger.