ZOOM — Oak Park Democrat Don Harmon has the support of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus to be Illinois Senate President in the 102nd General Assembly.

“I am honored and humbled to have the support of my colleagues to serve as president of the Illinois Senate. We have a fantastically talented collection of Senate Democrats who are ready to make their mark, solve problems and lead Illinois through an upcoming year that will be filled with both challenges and accomplishments,” Harmon said after the vote.

Senate Democrats caucused virtually Thursday regarding the upcoming session.

CHAMPAIGN – Senate Agriculture Chair Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) received the Jim Guilinger Legislative Award from the Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education (ILCAE) on Friday, Dec. 4 for his support of agricultural education and Future Farmers of America (FFA) student programs. 

“Agriculture plays a significant role in our state’s economy, so it’s important we place a strong emphasis on agriculture education in the General Assembly,” Bennett said. “By embracing programs like FFA and promoting agriculture education, we can instill positive values in students and shape tomorrow’s agricultural leaders.”

Since 1987, the Jim Guilinger Legislative Award has been presented to legislators who advocate for and have been publicly supportive of Illinois agricultural education. According to ILCAE, these legislators understand the importance of the agricultural industry that makes up about a quarter of Illinois’ jobs. They also know the importance of today’s youth understanding the ever-evolving and expanding agricultural industry with the knowledge gained through a current and progressive agricultural education.

The award is named in honor of the late Jim Guilinger, a nationally recognized agricultural education leader and former secretary of the McDonough County Farm Bureau. Guilinger spent 56 years of his life dedicated to agricultural education, constantly seeking out innovative and cutting-edge technology and curriculum for the betterment of his students.

“I am honored to receive this prestigious award from the Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education that is having such a positive impact on our young people,” Bennett said.

CARLINVILLE – The renovation of the seat of Macoupin County government, the Macoupin County Courthouse, is progressing steadily thanks to a $1 million investment through the Rebuild Illinois statewide construction plan.

State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill), who currently leads budget negotiations for the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus and served as chairman of the Macoupin County Board from 2003 to 2012, advocated for swift action on this project.

"As a lifelong Macoupin County resident, securing the funding in the state budget for this renovation project was especially important to me. The courthouse is the crown jewel of Carlinville and deserves to be treated as such,” Manar said. “During my tenure as Chairman of the County Board, I came to understand just how challenging it was for the county budget to pay for the needed repairs to preserve the working seat of our government. The county budget can’t handle this expense on its own. So, it is my hope this state investment will both preserve our rich history and help the county board and sheriff continue their work.”

As it stands, the top of the courthouse received three coats of paint while the remaining coats of paint and roof repairs are set to commence in the Spring. Critical repairs to the courthouse roof structure and dome are also being made. The project is being carried out by Joiner Sheet Metal of Highland, Illinois.  Heading up the project is Sheriff Shawn Kahl who is responsible for the maintenance of county buildings and a committee of the Macoupin County Board.

“Being able to witness the progress of the Macoupin County Courthouse restoration project over the past several months has been a blessing for the Carlinville community,” said Sheriff Shawn Kahl, who advocated alongside Manar to fund this project. “The courthouse is a monument to the history of Macoupin County, and I could not be more thankful to Sen. Manar for his continued advocacy on this project’s behalf.”

The Macoupin County Courthouse, nicknamed the “Million Dollar Courthouse” because of its original cost when completed, is one of the largest courthouses in the country. It is also on the National Register of Historic Places and has been named one of Illinois’ great places by the American Institute of Architects. Years of delayed maintenance on the building, however, left it in dire need of revitalizing.

“The improvements to the courthouse provided by this project have been a long time coming," Macoupin County Board Chairman Mark Dragovich said. "A few fresh coats of paint and a new roof go a long way in showing appreciation for such a historic landmark."

“This undertaking represents a monumental change in our county,” County Board Member Harry Starr said. “A new courthouse dome gives the people of Macoupin County something to take immense pride in, and I’d like to thank Sen. Manar for his efforts to make it a reality.”

The project is expected to be completed in the spring of 2021.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) is collecting holiday cards for residents at Clearbrook and Little City community living centers.

“Help us bring some holiday cheer to those who are separated from their families during the pandemic,” Gillespie said. “Each card will go a long way in brightening our neighbors’ holiday season.”

Cards are being collected at a drop box inside the main lobby of 171 W. Wing St., Arlington Heights through Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020. Participants are asked to address cards so they may be gifted to any of the residents at either facility.

Cards will be delivered to residents in time for the upcoming holidays.

WHO:  State Senator Ann Gillespie

WHAT: Holiday Card Drive

WHEN: Through Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020

WHERE: 171 W. Wing St., #202, Arlington Heights, IL 60005

CHICAGO – State Senator Emil Jones (D-Chicago) announced the driver services facility on Martin Luther King Drive on Chicago’s South Side is now offering drive-thru services for license plate sticker renewals only. 

“Drive-thru services are great alternative to make sure drivers can still renew their license plate stickers in a safe way,” Jones said. “Residents who have access to the internet should still take advantage of the online services offered by the secretary of state’s office to reduce the amount of traffic at the facility.”  

The facility, located at 9901 S. Martin Luther King Drive, will be open Tuesday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Credit cards and checks will be the only accepted forms of payment, and customers are required to wear masks. 

Illinois residents with access to the internet can also renew their vehicle registration stickers and take advantage of other online services at www.cyberdriveillinois.com. 

All expiration dates for driver’s licenses and ID cards have been extended until June 1, 2021. The federal government has also extended the REAL ID deadline by one year. The deadline is now Oct. 1, 2021.

CHICAGO – Senator Van Pelt (D-Chicago) led a hearing on the state’s DNA backlog Thursday morning, and was impressed by the progress the Illinois State Police has made over the past few months. However, she wants to emphasize the gravity of the lives awaiting justice.

“I am happy to see a continual decrease in the backlog, but we must remember that we’re talking about lives, not numbers,” Van Pelt said. “We are all touched by the people who have been raped and murdered with no justice. We will find a solution.”

CHICAGO – At a meeting of the Illinois Senate Black Caucus earlier this week, State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) was unanimously elected by his colleagues as the new caucus chair.

“I am honored and humbled to have been elected by my colleagues as the new chair of the Senate Black Caucus, and I want to thank them for trusting me with this important position,” Peters said. “The list of issues facing Black communities in our state is long and relentless, and I am excited to lead our caucus as we fight to win real safety and justice.”

Peters takes over as chair following a tumultuous summer, during which the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others by police sparked a nationwide movement of protests against police brutality and systemic racism.

CHICAGO – Following a year of social isolation for many, especially the older population, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is trying to spread holiday cheer by encouraging city residents to send cards to seniors in long-term care facilities.

“Due to COVID-19, there are so many people who will spend this holiday season alone,” Hunter said. “I am saddened that I cannot have my annual senior brunch, so collecting holiday cards is a simple way to let our seniors know that they’re cared for during this peculiar season.”