SPRINGFILED – As an advocate for diversity and inclusion, State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) chaired a meeting for the Special Committee on Pension Investments on Thursday to discuss the importance of achieving diversity goals for pension investment managers with representatives from various Illinois pension funds. 

“In order to begin to bridge historical disparities, existing industries need to give minority firms a chance to enter the market,” Harris said. “Allowing Illinois pension funds to move at their own pace has not achieved spring of diversity we were anticipating, so we must now redouble our efforts in order to meet those goals.”

The Emerging Manager Program offers opportunities to newer, smaller and diverse investment management firms to help grow the state’s common retirement fund.

Under Illinois law, public employee pension systems must set and work toward diversity goals, as well as increase access to state contracts for investment management firms, brokerages and other vendors owned by minorities, women or people with disabilities. 

Since 2004, the Senate has held annual hearings to receive updates from the pension systems on their progress in meeting these goals and to discuss ways in which the state can continue to break down barriers for emerging investment managers and other financial professionals. 

“We need to ensure that these pension funds are actually trying to move toward achieving diversity,” Harris said. “As some companies have shared that they have exceeded their diversity goals for women, minorities were still left behind.” 

Testimonies from pension fund representatives will continue on Friday, Dec. 11, at 1 p.m.

The virtual committee hearing can be viewed at https://ilga.gov/senateaudvid.asp#. Click "Watch Live Virtual Committee Video," and the link will become available when proceedings begin. Blue Room Stream, a subscription-based service, will also stream the hearing.

SPRINGFIELD – To provide a public update on the progress made by the Illinois Commission on Equitable Early Childhood Education & Care Funding, State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) held a joint hearing of the Senate Appropriations II and Education Committees Thursday.

“Today’s hearing was an opportunity to update the Illinois Senate on the work of the Commission and its effort to making a more equitable education system a reality,” said Manar, who serves as a co-chair of the commission and chairs the Senate Appropriations II Committee. “There’s no doubt that the implementation of many of these ideas will take both time and commitment from elected officials and state agencies, a commitment our kids deserve.” 

Following its formation in December 2019, the Illinois Commission on Equitable Early Childhood Education & Care Funding held monthly meetings, which led to recommendations about how to achieve an equitable form of early childhood education for all Illinoisans. Those recommendations include redesigning funding mechanisms to improve equity, building on successful at-home services and centralizing the early childhood education system.

“The current system only works for some, and it’s our responsibility to construct a system that serves working families, bridges inequities forged by decades of negligence, and affords opportunity for all,” Manar said. “Too many communities do not have pre-k programs available in public schools or licensed child-care centers for working parents. By following the commission’s recommendations and building on them, I believe we can transform the way we fund early childhood education for the better, especially in rural towns and underserved urban areas.”

The commission will continue to meet as they finalize their recommendations ahead of the January 15, 2021 deadline set by Gov. Pritzker.

DANVILLE – To expand broadband service in rural communities lacking access, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is encouraging local businesses and nonprofits to apply for the second round of Connect Illinois grants.

“Throughout this pandemic we have learned that broadband access is not a luxury – it’s a necessity,” Bennett said. “In order for people living in rural communities to work remotely and for students to learn virtually, it’s critical that organizations serving these areas apply for funding to help overcome the limitations they are currently facing.”

The second round of Connect Illinois grants will award up to $5 million per project and calls for a nonstate matching component, which requires applicants to dedicate funding that will accelerate the delivery of broadband investments. Internet service providers, rural cooperatives, nonprofits and local governments are eligible to apply.

Funding for the Connect Illinois program is made possible through Rebuild Illinois, the state’s historic, bipartisan $45 billion statewide construction program, which has dedicated $420 million to broadband infrastructure.

Applications can be found under “Grant Opportunities” at https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo and will remain open through March 1, 2021.

HIGHWOOD —  As the COVID-19 vaccine starts to make its way to Illinois, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is encouraging Lake County Residents to register to be notified when the vaccine is available. 

“The health and safety of Lake County residents is the top priority,” Morrison said. “I’m pleased a vaccination plan is being spearheaded by our local health department and being lead by experts and scientists.”

The Lake County Health Department announced the creation of the Lake County AllVax Portal Wednesday — which allows Lake County residents to register to be notified when a COVID-19 vaccine is available to them. 

Registration is quick and easy, simply requiring residents to enter basic information and answer a few screening questions. Once registered, people will be notified when the vaccine is available and given the chance to schedule their vaccination appointments through the Lake County clinics and other facilities. The portal also includes answers to frequently asked questions on COVID-19 vaccination.

Initial vaccine supply will be limited, so groups of people who are at higher risk — either due to their wellbeing or job — will be the first people eligible for the vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is helping state and local health departments distribute the vaccine fairly. 

“The portal — and eventually distribution of the vaccine — will help us protect our communities and begin to return to normalcy,” Morrison said. “Do your part for the community and register today.” 

To register, people can visit AllVax.lakecohealth.org or call the Lake County Health Department at 847-377-8130.

SPRINGFIELD – To address issues of diversity and inclusion for Black and Brown communities, State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) will chair two virtual hearings of the Special Committee on Pension Investments Dec. 10 and 11 at 1 p.m. to discuss diversity goals for pension investment managers with representatives from various Illinois pension funds. 

“There’s no denying the racial injustice and discrimination that people of color have to face on a daily basis,” Harris said. “Programs like the Emerging Manager Program are helpful, but there is still a long list of diverse individuals who are waiting for the opportunity to be a part of the investment management business.” 

SPRINGFIELD – To provide the public with an update on the progress made by the Illinois Commission on Equitable Early Childhood Education & Care Funding, State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) is holding a joint hearing of the Senate Appropriations II and Education Committees.

HIGHWOOD — As other members of the General Assembly raise concerns about the FOID card backlog and outline a Second Amendment agenda, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is encouraging her colleagues to support the final push for her comprehensive firearms measure. 

“Fix the FOID is not anti-gun — it simply ensures guns are not possessed by people who should not legally have them,” Morrison said. “Fingerprinting everyone who applies for a card will help raise red flags if that person has a violent criminal history that should keep them from having a firearm.”

PARK FOREST – During these unprecedented times, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is continuing to serve the community by answering constituents’ most pressing questions and keeping everyone updated with the most helpful and accurate information.

“My office is ready and available to help folks navigate the rapidly changing COVID-19 updates and the programs and relief available to them,” Joyce said. “During this extremely difficult time, it is important that we all work together to stay safe and healthy. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for support.”

Senator Joyce’s staff is working remotely at this time. However, phone calls are forwarded and emails are still being answered.

For help locating resources related to unemployment, food, shelter and other needs, Senator Joyce encourages folks to call his district office at 708-756-0882, his Springfield office at 217-782-7419, or email his staff here.

To get the most up-to-date information related to COVID-19 straight to their inbox, people are encouraged to sign up for Senator Joyce’s newsletter here. The Illinois Senate Democrats also rolled out a COVID-19 webpage, which outlines closures, family resources, the governor’s daily briefing and more. To find it, click here.