BUFFALO GROVE – With COVID-19 test positivity rates and hospitalizations on the rise, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) urges Lake County residents to wear masks, practice social distancing and take advantage of a new state-run vaccination site opening in Waukegan on April 1.

“A resurgence of COVID-19 could endanger lives and livelihoods in our community. We cannot risk a backslide,” Johnson said. “The vaccine is our most effective defense against the virus—please don’t let your guard down, and get vaccinated as soon as you are able.”

FRANKFORT – The Senate Energy and Public Utilities committee, chaired by State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort), held the first public hearing on the Coal to Solar and Energy Storage Act Tuesday.

“We have embarked on a journey that will culminate with increased investment in our state’s capacity for clean energy and in our working families,” Hastings said. “Our top priorities must be guaranteeing our infrastructure can maintain the necessary baseload to power Illinois homes, solidifying our status as a leader in energy generation and distribution space, and sustaining good paying jobs.”

PARK FOREST – To raise awareness of the risk and tragic consequences of being entrapped or engulfed in a grain bin, Senate Agriculture Chair Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is joining the Illinois Department of Labor and farm safety experts during Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week.

“This week brings industry professionals to the table to discuss how small changes can prevent dangerous hazards while working in or around a grain bin,” Joyce said. “Grain bin entrapments can happen quickly. The more we can do to educate farmworkers, the more tragedies we can prevent.”

While workers should avoid entering grain bins if possible, safety measures can greatly diminish the risk if they must enter. To help farmers and grain workers become familiar with these risk-reducing practices, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is partnering with grain industry leaders to host a week of free, virtual educational events for anyone who handles grain.

Starting at 10 a.m. each morning from March 29 to April 2, farmers and grain workers are invited to participate in virtual safety training programs designed to save lives. Registration for these free daily training sessions can be found here. 

“Following just a few safety rules can make a big difference in reducing the hundreds of injuries and deaths that occur each year. It is vital that farmers and other agricultural workers put safety first, especially when working around grain-storage facilities,” said Michael Kleinik, Director of the Illinois Department of Labor.

Joyce encourages farm workers to participate in these free trainings to prevent loss of life and injuries. With questions or for additional information, visit StandUp4GrainSafety.org.

CHICAGO – The state is expecting to receive 1 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine from the federal government this week, and State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago), chair of the Senate Healthcare Access and Availability Committee, is encouraging Illinoisans over the age of 16 to get their shot as eligibility expands across the state.

“Now is the ideal time to get vaccinated if you haven’t already,” Van Pelt said. “As supplies of the vaccine increase and appointments become available, all who are eligible should make an appointment to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) encouraged suburban residents of Cook County to catch up on past rent with the Emergency Rental Assistance Program after the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) extended a nationwide moratorium on evictions.

“Even though evictions are halted, rent is still due for working families,” Villanueva said. “Assistance is available to families struggling to make ends meet during the pandemic.”

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program can cover up to 12 months of missed rent and utilities and up to three months of future rent payments. Applicants must live in Suburban Cook County and meet income requirements. Applications close April 2, 2021.

Frankfort, Ill. — State Sen. Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort), chair of the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee, today announced legislation that would put hundreds of thousands of union laborers to work building a 100 percent clean energy economy in Illinois. The newly filed Climate Union Jobs Act (CUJA), which was crafted in partnership with labor coalition Climate Jobs Illinois (CJI), would create and save an estimated 280,000 jobs and provide over $150 million annually in rate relief to low-income families. 

“We have outlined how Illinois can move forward with working people building our state’s clean energy future. We should turn this plan into action to solve some of our state’s biggest challenges today,” said State Sen. Hastings.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus (ILBC) is celebrating passage of the Illinois Health Care and Human Service Reform Act, a broad-based measure addressing challenges facing Illinois families including health care access, infant and maternal mortality, mental health and substance abuse treatment, and hospital access in low-income communities.

KANKAKEE – In honor of National Agriculture Week, Senate Agriculture Chairman Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is celebrating the hard work and dedication of local farmers and agricultural workers.

“Agriculture is Illinois’ number-one industry and provides almost everything we eat, use and wear on a daily basis,” said Joyce, a fourth-generation farmer. “This week is a tremendous opportunity to educate consumers and remind folks just how important the industry is.”