CHICAGO – To expand access to dental care, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) joined the dental team at Illinois Masonic hospital at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new mobile dentistry van. Feigenholtz successfully fought for funding in the state budget to make the new van a reality.

“Oral hygiene and dental health is an important part of a person’s health care, but often is overlooked,” Feigenholtz said. “Dental visits are often expensive and not always covered by insurance. This new mobile unit will provide comprehensive and affordable dental care to adults and children that have traditionally experienced barriers to care.”

WHO:  State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago), State Rep. Edgar Gonzalez, Jr. (D-Chicago)

WHAT: Stickney Pop-Up COVID-19 Testing

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

WHERE: Veteran’s Park Pavilion, 6400 42^nd St., Berwyn, IL 60402

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva has partnered with the Village of Stickney, Rincon Family Services and State Rep. Edgar Gonzalez, Jr. to bring an Illinois Department of Public Health remote testing site to residents of Stickney.

“The Southwest side is facing an unprecedented public health crisis,” Villanueva said. “This will be the first testing site made available to Stickney residents, so I encourage anyone in need of testing to join us this Sunday.”

Walk-up and drive-through options are available. Testing is only available while supplies last, so those seeking testing should arrive early to guarantee a place in line.

Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission checks in on state COVID-19 relief programs

SPRINGFIELD — The bipartisan, bicameral Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission livestreamed Tuesday’s meeting to discuss relief programs administered by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

“The RICC was initiated as a mechanism for the governor and his administration to inform the General Assembly of their actions in relation to COVID-19,” said State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines), the Senate co-chair of the commission. “The commission has been engaging with state agencies since July to provide feedback on the state’s COVID-19 recovery plan, and we decided it’s time for the public to get the opportunity to view these discussions as well.”

Read more.

Van Pelt impressed with redcution in DNA backlogs

CHICAGO — Senator Patricia 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.”

Read more.

Jones announces SmartBuy mortgage and student loan assistance program

CHICAGO — In an effort to provide better resources for homeownership to working families and communities of color, State Senator Emil Jones (D-Chicago) announced his support of the new SmartBuy mortgage and student loan assistance program.

“Historical disparities in housing opportunities and resources have severely restricted the ability of minority families to become homeowners,” Jones said. “The SmartBuy mortgage and student loan assistance program will help break down barriers for prospective homebuyers who suffer from student loan debt.”

Read more.

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SPRINGFIELD – The bipartisan, bicameral Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission livestreamed Tuesday’s meeting to discuss relief programs administered by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

“The RICC was initiated as a mechanism for the governor and his administration to inform the General Assembly of their actions in relation to COVID-19,” said State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines), the Senate co-chair of the commission. “The commission has been engaging with state agencies since July to provide feedback on the state’s COVID-19 recovery plan, and we decided it’s time for the public to get the opportunity to view these discussions as well.”

At Tuesday’s meeting, Assistant DCEO Director Michael Negron gave an overview of the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) and Local Coronavirus Urgent Remediation Emergency (Local CURE) programs, which provide pandemic relief aid to small businesses and local governments, respectively.

CHICAGO – In light of the likely rise in positive COVID-19 cases due to holiday travel, State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) is urging residents to take advantage of a newly opened permanent testing site set up at the Bernard Horwich JCC in the Rosenstone Room.  

“We need to continue and improve our testing operations to stay ahead of the virus and prevent a big post-holiday outbreak,” Villivalam said. “This testing site is free, and it’s easy to get a fast test.” 

The testing site will open this Friday, Dec. 4 at 11 a.m. and is located at 3003 W. Touhy Ave. in Chicago. Testing will be available Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Simple nasal swabs will be used, and there is free parking on site. Anyone can get tested regardless of whether they exhibit symptoms, but appointments are required to avoid overcrowding and to allow for social distancing. The tests are free, and the results will be available within three to five days. Residents should bring their insurance card if they have one, but anyone can still get a test without insurance. 

“If you traveled to celebrate the holidays with friends or family, getting a test is the best way to make sure you aren’t accidentally bringing the virus home to a loved one,” Villivalam said. “We all want to see our loved ones, especially during the holidays, but we also need to make sure we take every possible precaution to remain in good health.” 

Appointments can be booked on the JCC testing website. 

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.