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  • COVID-19

Castro calls for Clean Energy Jobs Act

Details
Category: Senator Cristina Castro News
Tuesday, February 09, 2021 06:40 PM
  • Castro
  • CEJA

Senator CastroELGIN – During a virtual press conference this morning, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) announced the reintroduction of the Clean Energy Jobs Act and called for its passage.

“It is clear that the time for the Clean Energy Jobs Act is now,” Castro said. “Illinois must take state-level action to ensure the benefits of clean energy policy flow equitably to communities of color which are often left behind, support the development of rooftop solar and energy efficiency programs, hold all utilities accountable, deploy electric vehicles, and support a just transition for former fossil fuel communities.”

Read more: Castro calls for Clean Energy Jobs Act

Crowe to seek answers during Senate Labor Committee hearing on status of IDES issues

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Category: Senator Rachelle Crowe News
Tuesday, February 09, 2021 06:37 PM
  • Crowe
  • Labor
  • Unemployment

Senator CroweMARYVILLE – To learn about the status of several unemployment insurance issues plaguing the Illinois Department of Employment Security, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) will attend a subject matter hearing in the Senate Labor Committee on Wednesday. The unprecedented flood of claims in the last year, when more than 1 million Illinoisans lost their jobs, overwhelmed the department.

“Almost a year after the pandemic began, our state’s unemployment benefits system is working through challenge after challenge, and meanwhile, residents are growing more desperate every day,” Crowe said. “Unemployed residents deserve solid answers regarding what is being done to fix our broken benefits system. IDES must provide the public with updates on how the department is addressing the complaints claimants have posed.”

Read more: Crowe to seek answers during Senate Labor Committee hearing on status of IDES issues

Collins: City must study, rectify vaccine disparity

Details
Category: Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins News
Tuesday, February 09, 2021 04:00 PM
  • J.Collins
  • Racial Disparity
  • COVID-19 Vaccine

covid vaccine 020921CHICAGO – State Senator Jacqueline Collins renewed her call to correct the disparity in vaccination between Chicago’s wealthier white neighborhoods and poorer neighborhoods of color Tuesday, citing recent reports in major news outlets showing that the United States, and Chicago in particular, are not vaccinating Black people and other communities of color at the same rate as white Americans.

“When the COVID-19 pandemic began to claim lives in America, Chicago’s South Side had the sad distinction of being the home of the city’s first known victim. As it continued, testing was particularly scarce in these same neighborhoods, even as infection rates and hospitalizations soared,” Collins said. “And now, as we finally inch toward the light at the end of the tunnel, we see reports that these same neighborhoods are among those receiving the fewest vaccines.”

Read more: Collins: City must study, rectify vaccine disparity

Murphy calls hearing to evaluate fairness, efficiency of BIG program

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Category: Senator Laura Murphy News
Tuesday, February 09, 2021 10:54 AM
  • DCEO
  • Murphy
  • BIG Program

Senator MurphyWHO: Senate Commerce Committee and representatives from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
WHAT: Subject matter hearing on the Business Interruption Grant program
WHERE: The virtual hearing can be viewed here. Blue Room Stream, a subscription-based service, will also stream the hearing.
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 11 at 9:30 a.m.

Read more: Murphy calls hearing to evaluate fairness, efficiency of BIG program

The Majority Report 02/09/21 - Scholarship opportunity inside

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Category: Majority Report
Tuesday, February 09, 2021 10:30 AM
  • Lightford
  • STEM
  • Majority Report
  • Scholarships
  • Harris
  • COVID-19
  • Face Masks
  • Johnson
  • Connor
  • Valentine Cards

Sen. Adriane Johnson

Johnson highlights scholarships for underrepresented students interested in STEM careers

BUFFALO GROVE — State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is encouraging students from underrepresented communities who want to pursue a degree in science, technology, engineering or math to apply for the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative.

“Underrepresented groups should have the opportunity to enter and succeed in science and math-based careers,” Johnson said. “College is expensive and seems like a daunting and unlikely possibility for many minority students. I hope this scholarship will give young people from our communities the chance they’ve always dreamed of.”

Read more.

 

Sen. Napoleon Harris, III

Harris: NFL should not use race to determine concussion settlements

DOLTON — State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) released the following statement on the NFL using race as a category to judge whether ex-players should be paid for head injury claims:

"It's sickening that the National Football League uses race to determine concussion settlements. Black players who sustained injuries while playing deserve the same support as white players. This is further proof the NFL does not care about players' livelihoods after their football career is finished — but rather only when they can help the league."

Read more.

 

Valentines

Senators collect Valentines for older adults

SPRINGFIELD — Many older adults have been isolated from their loved ones for nearly a year due to the ongoing public health crisis. To show people living in long-term care facilities that people are thinking about them, a number of democratic senators are collecting Valentine’s Day cards from their respective communities.

“Whether the cards are bought in a store or made from paper and markers, many older residents could use an extra reminder that they are cared for,” said State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport).

Read more.

 

Lightford urges everyone to mask up

BROADVIEW — Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) released a video message urging Illinoisans to wear a mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“This pandemic has shined a light on the inequities faced in Black and Brown communities, especially when it comes to education,” Lightford said. “I urge everyone to do their part and mask up, so we can get students back into classrooms safely and give them the resources they need to succeed.”

To watch the video, click here.

 

members in the news

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Omar Aquino, Chicago: Humboldt Park group, leaders call on city to 'save lives' in Latino communities at greater risk from COVID-19 | Chicago Sun-Times

Senate President Don Harmon, Oak Park, and Senator Laura Fine, Glenview: Newly formed Illinois Senate committee prioritizes mental health amid pandemic | Quad City Times

Senator Patrick Joyce, Essex: Joyce offers tips to keep residents safe this winter | Patch.com

Senator Steve Stadelman, Rockford: Rockford's Hard Rock Casino proposal receives preliminary approval | WIFR

 

Copyright 2021 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

 

Hunter highlights DCFS Scholarship Program applications

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Category: Senator Mattie Hunter News
Tuesday, February 09, 2021 10:01 AM
  • Hunter
  • College Affordability
  • DCFS Scholarship
  • Youth In Care

pexels tirachard kumtanom 733856CHICAGO – The 2021 Department of Children and Family Services Scholarship Program is now open, and State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is encouraging youth in care to apply.

“I worked hard to expand this scholarship program, and the program can help dozens of youth after an extremely difficult year,” Hunter said. “This scholarship allows students to focus on their studies, rather than carry the burden of paying for their education.”

Read more: Hunter highlights DCFS Scholarship Program applications

Two newest members join Senate Democratic Caucus

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Category: Senator Don Harmon News
Monday, February 08, 2021 05:24 PM
  • Doris Turner
  • Mike Simmons
  • New Senators

turner simmons 020821The Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus is complete: two new senators were recently sworn in, filling two remaining vacancies.

Senator Doris Turner of Springfield was appointed to serve for the 48th District after Andy Manar’s departure last month. She was sworn in on Saturday.

Senator Mike Simmons was appointed and sworn in to serve for the 7th District representing the north side of Chicago, succeeding Heather Steans who retired from the Senate recently.

Read more: Two newest members join Senate Democratic Caucus

Labor Committee Chair Holmes to hold Senate hearing on status of IDES issues

Details
Category: Senator Linda Holmes News
Monday, February 08, 2021 04:46 PM
  • Holmes
  • IDES
  • COVID-19
  • Unemployment Insurance

holmes 020821AURORA – Senator Linda Holmes will lead a subject matter hearing in the Senate Labor Committee this week to learn about the status of several Unemployment Insurance issues plaguing the Illinois Department of Employment Security in the last year. Their handling of an unprecedented flood of claims in the last year, when more than 1 million Illinoisans lost their jobs, overwhelmed the department.

“Our working group on this major issue has been investigating this since shortly after the pandemic began,” Committee Chair Holmes said. “We’ve had input from colleagues and the hundreds of constituents who’ve contacted us about their difficulties getting payments, navigating the website or getting a call back from IDES.”

Read more: Labor Committee Chair Holmes to hold Senate hearing on status of IDES issues

More Articles …

  1. Hastings: Generational challenges require creative solutions
  2. Johnson promotes new North Chicago vaccine clinic
  3. Morrison schedules Senate hearing on vaccine rollout, featuring Dr. Ezike
  4. President Harmon statement on death of Karen Lewis
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