ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) announced the City of Rockford and the Northern Illinois Land Bank Authority will receive a combined total of $475,000 revitalization grant to support affordable housing and revitalization across the city.

“There are thousands of vacant lots across the state. Sadly, this includes hundreds in Rockford,” Stadelman said. “General maintenance on these properties cost the state and city millions of dollars each year. The money granted to Rockford and Winnebago County will give us a much needed opportunity to revitalize our community.”

The grants where made available after the Illinois Housing Development Authority Board approved $10 million in funding for the initiative. Awarded under the new Strong Communities Program (SCP), the initiative will provide the city of Rockford with funding for the attainment, maintenance, restoration and demolition of abandoned residential properties.

The program – which began in August –  awards grants of up to $250,000 to local governments to return vacant residential properties to productive use. A total of $30 million in grant funding will eventually be awarded through multiple funding rounds.

SCP Funding will reimburse municipalities for acquisition, rehabilitation, maintenance and other costs related to returning abandoned properties to a useable state. Program funds may also be used for demolition in cases where properties are beyond repair and negatively impacting neighboring residences.

“When money is spent to address properties like these, the value of homes in the surrounding area go up,” Stadelman said. “As a result, the program will help increase property values, create jobs, reduce crime and generate additional tax revenue.”

DANVILLE – Especially during the winter months, socks are among the most sought-after articles of clothing by people experiencing homelessness, leading State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) to launch a donation drive collecting new socks for shelters across Danville.

“The ongoing pandemic has impacted our community in so many ways and has increased the demand for charitable services,” Bennett said. “With temperatures dropping, I am asking for your help to provide warm socks for our less fortunate neighbors.”

Worn-out or ragged socks put people at serious risk of foot disease and, during the winter months, in severe danger from the cold. As a result, new socks are greatly needed by those experiencing homelessness—but they are the least donated clothing item at homeless shelters.

From Dec. 21 to Jan. 15, community members are encouraged to donate new socks for men, women and children at the collection locations below:

• Scott Bennett’s District Office
  • 201 N. Vermilion St., Suite 323, Danville
    • Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Robinson Chiropractic:
    • 3595 N. Vermilion St., Danville
      • Mon, Wed, Fri: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
      • Tues and Thurs: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    • 830 S. Dixie Hwy., Hoopeston
      • Mon-Fri: 8 to 12 p.m.; 1:30 to 6 p.m.
    • 111 N. State St., Suite C, Westville
      • Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.; 1:30 to 6 p.m.
      • Tues: 1:30 to 6 p.m.

Bennett reminds those donating to wear a mask in the building and practice social distancing. Collection boxes will be located outside of each office.

Donations will benefit Crosspoint at the Y Homeless Program, Danville Rescue Mission, and Fair Hope Children’s Ministry.

For questions or additional information, contact Sen. Bennett’s office at 217-442-5252 or Robinson Chiropractic at 217-442-2273.

CHICAGO – State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) is partnering with Board of Review Commissioner Michael Cabonargi to host an Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment webinar Dec. 22 and is encouraging everyone who needs assistance to participate.

“Property taxes are expensive, and the assessment process is confusing,” Martwick said. “We’re offering this free webinar to help people understand more about the taxes they’re paying and to answer questions about how to appeal.”

This free online webinar will explain the property tax appeal process and help people appeal. The commissioner and Sen. Martwick will be giving a brief presentation on the subject, and an analyst will be available to answer questions.

Residents can visit www.cookcountyboardofreview.com/vabonargi to register for the webinar or file an appeal. Appeals are currently open in Jefferson Township.

Anyone who needs an appeal form mailed to them can contact Martwick’s district office at (773) 286-1115 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

On behalf of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus, we want to wish you a happy and healthy holiday season and a prosperous new year.

As 2020 comes to a close, we’re looking ahead to the measures taking effect Jan. 1, 2021. In the new year, diabetes patients can expect lower out-of-pocket insulin costs, survivors of domestic violence can conceal their personal information from their abusers, and more—read the full list of new laws:

.

We also want to draw attention to some laws you might have missed during this unprecedented year, including new road safety measures and a more inclusive, civic-minded curriculum for public school students.  

Take a look at these recent legislative highlights below.

Three members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus joined together to speak on behalf of residents struggling to stay healthy and pay their bills due to the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic downturn yesterday.

Together, they urged Gov. Pritzker and fellow members of the legislature to close corporate tax loopholes to preserve education, health care and other essential community services.

“People in Illinois are in extreme pain,” said State Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago), Chair of the Senate Black Caucus, whose district stretches from Chicago’s loop to the Indiana border. “While so many people struggle, 651 billionaires saw their combined wealth jump over a trillion dollars during this pandemic. They are so rich that they could give every American $3,000 and still have more money than they had at the start of the pandemic. It’s time for those who have made money hand over fist to pay their fair share.”

GLENVIEW – To help Illinoisans enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) partnered with the Conference of Women Legislators and the National Alliance on Mental Illness to host a virtual Q&A on coping with mental health challenges over the holidays.

Senator Fine was joined by NAMI Illinois State Program Director Teri Latter and Professor Mary E. Garrison, a professor of social work at Millikin University, who offered expert advice to help residents stay well during times of stress. State Representative Michelle Mussman (D-Schaumburg) and State Representative Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) also joined the conversation.

“We are in the middle of a holiday season like no other, and it’s critical that we have the tools and resources to care for our mental health during this time,” Senator Fine said. “I learned so much from Teri and Mary about how to process the emotions we’re all experiencing, and I hope others can watch the video and benefit from the conversation as well.”

The panelists discussed ways to manage a variety of common stressors facing families this year, including being separated from loved ones and maintaining holiday traditions during the pandemic.

“There's no doubt that the holidays, while being a great time for family gatherings and celebrations, are often fraught with stress, anxiety and even depression. Layer COVID on top of that, and many people will be struggling this year,” Latter said. “That's why it's so important to acknowledge that, take care of ourselves and have frank discussions on how to manage things so that the holidays can be enjoyable for everyone.”

Legislators also asked about helping older adults feel included even when they can’t physically be together, negotiating personal relationships in a divisive political climate, and dealing with feelings of guilt, inadequacy, and burnout.

The Q&A was cosponsored by the Conference of Women Legislators, a bicameral, bipartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the interests of all Illinois women through state, local and federal initiatives.

“It’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Stay in tune with your emotions, and don’t be afraid to reach out for support,” Senator Fine said. “If you’re feeling hopeless or overwhelmed—or even if you just need someone to talk to—NAMI Illinois can help.”

A recording of the conversation is available here.

For more information on support groups, webinars and other resources NAMI offers, visit NAMIIllinois.org or call 1-800-950-NAMI. Those in crisis can reach anonymous, confidential support 24/7 via the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.

SPRINGFIELD – Law enforcement agencies can face roadblocks with collecting DNA samples when trying to locate missing people, but now that process will be a bit easier thanks to a measure passed by Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago).

“DNA testing can help reunite missing people with their families,” Munoz said. “If a family member of yours is missing, you can now provide DNA samples to law enforcement to help find them.”  

CHICAGO – As Chairperson of the Senate Transportation Committee, State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) is urging drivers to visit the Department of Transportation’s GettingAroundIllinois.com to track winter road conditions.

“With winter weather and the pandemic, staying home this holiday season is the safest option,” Villivalam said. “If you have to travel, though, make sure your path is safe by visiting Getting Around Illinois for instant updates.”

GettingAroundIllinois.com is available online and optimized for smartphones. Road conditions are recorded by plow drivers out in the field and relayed via network to GettingAroundIllinois.com to provide an up-to-date general overview on IDOT-maintained highways.

Holiday travelers should also make sure they have emergency items in their vehicle in case of a weather emergency or breakdown. The National Safety Council recommends every vehicle have a blanket, first aid kit, spare tire and tools, jumper cables and a flashlight with extra batteries in case of emergency.