OAKBROOK TERRACE – To acknowledge the community contributions provided by labor workers, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week, Nov. 8-14.

“Apprenticeships give trade students a head start on fulfilling, successful careers in the labor industry by providing quality experience and opportunities,” Glowiak Hilton said. “Working families are the foundation of our community, supporting our safety, prosperity and economic development, and I commend their daily contributions, especially during National Apprenticeship Week.”

CHICAGO—This week’s criminal justice reform hearing prompted by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus will focus on police reform in terms of decertification and licensure.

Senate Criminal Law Chair State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) and Senate Public Safety Special Committee Chair State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) will co-chair the joint hearing. State Representative Justin Slaughter (D-Chicago) of the House Judiciary-Criminal Law Committee and other members of the committees will participate as guests.

CHICAGO – Following the Senate Public Health and Health and Human Services final hearing on the Legislative Black Caucus’ four pillar agenda, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) says she is ready to continue reforming the state’s health care system.

“Our health care system is deeply flawed, but over the last few weeks, we’ve heard many recommendations on where to start reforming it,” Hunter said. “We must all be more informed about health literacy and examine the social determinants of health so that everyone has equal access to nourishment and well-being.”

EAST ST. LOUIS — As diversity and inclusion continues to be an issue for people of color, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) and other Illinois legislators will discuss diversity in procurement, Business Enterprise Programs and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise policies, and Labor Unions. 

“Companies need to understand the value of recruiting and retaining diverse employees, as these workers play a vital role in a company’s ability to adapt, grow and sustain a competitive advantage,” Belt said. “We must continue to encourage businesses to recognize the benefits of a diverse workforce and promote equity for all racial backgrounds.”

KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) announced the Illinois Department of Public Health will operate a temporary COVID-19 testing site now through Tuesday, Nov. 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day at the Kankakee County Health Department, located at 2390 W. Station Street in Kankakee.

“A critical part of overcoming this virus is getting tested,” Joyce said. “This site will allow us to ramp up our testing capacity in Kankakee County and help reduce the spread in our community. I urge folks to get tested.”

DANVILLE – In recognition of the sixth annual National Apprenticeship Week, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) joins the Illinois Department of Labor and U.S. Department of Labor in celebrating and promoting the value of apprenticeships.

National Apprenticeship Week is a nationwide celebration from Nov. 8-14 that gives businesses, communities and educators the opportunity to highlight their apprenticeship programs and apprentices, as well as demonstrate the value apprenticeship programs offer businesses, career seekers and their communities.

CHICAGO – As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to rise, State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) is urging residents to take advantage of a new temporary testing site set up at the Lincolnwood Town Center parking lot.

“We need to continue our strong testing and contact tracing operations to stay ahead of the virus and keep our positivity rates down,” Villivalam said. “This temporary testing site a way to make it easier than ever to get a fast, easy and free test, but it’s also key to being able to safely reopen our state and economy. Testing and contact tracing are vital to being able to continue getting back to normal activities without compromising on our health and safety.”

SPRINGFIELD – In the wake of months-long nationwide protests against police brutality and misconduct, State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) took the first step toward reforming the criminal justice system last week by filing the Pretrial Fairness Act, which would end cash bail in Illinois.

“For many people, the definition of ‘criminal justice’ ends at the point of arrest, but it’s important to realize the true size of the entire system,” Peters said. “The reality is that the criminal justice system is large, wide reaching, and full of systemic injustice from top to bottom. The hope is that the Pretrial Fairness Act will be the first in a long series of reforms to reshape the system that has destroyed so many families.”