The Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus would like to wish you a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

We would also like to express our appreciation for the work you’ve done to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

But, the pandemic is not over. As we embark on the holiday season, we must remain vigilant and continue to follow guidelines and protocols to keep our friends, family and community safe.

CHICAGO – State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) is pleased to announce the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance will receive $595,600 in Public Museum Capital Grants to help renovate the visitor lobby.

“The Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance has influenced the city’s West Side for decades,” Van Pelt said. “I am excited for the eventual renovations that will bring more traction to the city.”

Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance is one of 43 Illinois museums who will receive a collective $22.8 million in capital investments to improve their facilities and develop new exhibits. The investments come from the Illinois Public Museum Capital Grants Program, which were funded through Gov. JB Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois multi-year state capital program.

The Illinois Public Museum Capital Grants Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, is open to any museum operated by local government or located on municipally-owned land. The maximum grant award for the projects announced was $750,000 and matching funds are required in many cases based on museum attendance levels.

More information on the Illinois Public Museum Capital Grants Program is available on the IDNR website.

CHAMPAIGN – Small Business Saturday is this Saturday, Nov. 28, and State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is encouraging Champaign and Vermilion County residents to keep their dollars in the community by shopping and buying local this holiday season.

“Small businesses have been the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, making Small Business Saturday more vital than ever,” Bennett said. “I encourage folks to patronize our local businesses during the holiday shopping season to help our community and economy move forward from this crisis.” 

Bennett reminds residents that Small Business Saturday is a day to celebrate and support the small, family-run shops that do so much throughout the year for the community. Bennett added that supporting small does not just mean shopping at brick-and-mortar stores. Residents can show their support through online sales, ordering carryout from a locally owned restaurant or buying a gift card for a friend.

Additionally, if money is tight due to the financial concerns relating to the pandemic, people can follow their social media, recommend them to friends and leave positive reviews.

Bennett is also reminding struggling small businesses that the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has launched the second round of the Business Interruption Grant program, which will distribute $220 million to small businesses hit hardest by the ongoing pandemic, including movie theaters, event venues, hotels and more. Learn more and apply here.

BROADVIEW – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) and Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson joined Proviso Leyden Council for Community Action and Black Men United for a food giveaway Monday.

“Food insecurity is at an all-time high, and we wanted to do our part to ensure our families are able to put a meal on their table this Thanksgiving,” Lightford said. “I am grateful to partner with Mayor Thompson, Proviso Leyden Council for Community Action and Black Men United for this important community event.”

KANKAKEE – As people begin their holiday shopping, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) urges them to patronize Kankakee and Will County local businesses, especially on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28.

“Small Business Saturday is an important part of the holiday season for small merchants, especially as they work to recover from the economic impact of COVID-19,” Joyce said. “These folks need our support now more than ever, and you can help make an impact by shopping and buying local this holiday season.”

Joyce reminds residents that Small Business Saturday is a day to celebrate and support the small, family-run shops that do so much throughout the year for the community. Joyce added that supporting small does not just mean shopping at brick-and-mortar stores. Residents can show their support through online sales, ordering carryout from a locally owned restaurant or buying a gift card for a friend.

Additionally, if money is tight due to the financial concerns relating to the pandemic, people can follow their social media, recommend them to friends and leave positive reviews.

Joyce is also reminding struggling small businesses that the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has launched the second round of the Business Interruption Grant program, which will distribute $220 million to small businesses hit hardest by the ongoing pandemic, including movie theaters, event venues, hotels and more. Learn more and apply here.

SPRINGFIELD – On Tuesday, Nov. 24, State Senator Tom Cullerton (D- Villa Park) convened the Illinois State Senate’s Veterans Affairs Committee to discuss the handling of the COVID-19 outbreak at the LaSalle Veterans’ Home, which has already claimed 27 lives. 

“What’s been happening at the LaSalle Veterans’ Home is a tragedy,” Cullerton said. “I called this hearing to get clear answers about what happened and what’s being done to fix it. Transparency is the key to ensuring our veterans are receiving the care they deserve.”

OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma pleads guilty, accepts responsibility in opioid epidemic

MARYVILLE – In response to news that Purdue Pharma has pled guilty in federal court and formally accepted responsibility for its part in the national opioid epidemic, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon), chairwoman of the Illinois Senate Special Committee on Opioid Crisis Abatement, released the following statement:

“Tuesday’s guilty plea by Purdue Pharma is a win for families with loved ones facing addiction. 

“This case is a prime example of corporations putting profits over people, and I’m glad to see justice has been served. Unfortunately, Purdue Pharma isn’t the only company to blame. It’s time to close loopholes and put a stop to the exploitation of patients in need for financial gain.

“My thoughts are with those suffering from an opioid addiction due to corporate greed, and I’m committed to improving and expanding addiction prevention and treatment programs to put Illinois on the road to recovery.”

DANVILLE – To uplift the residents at local long-term care facilities and spread holiday cheer, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is collecting holiday cards to deliver to the residents at Gardenview Manor and Danville Care.

“This holiday season will be especially challenging for folks living at long-term care facilities,” Bennett said. “With the holidays being celebrated differently this year, we have to be a bit more creative to show support and compassion to our seniors.”

Bennett is encouraging Vermilion County residents to write cards, which can be homemade or store-bought, to help spread some holiday cheer during this difficult time.

“I will be delivering these cards to the residents so they feel a sense of community this holiday season,” Bennett said. “Please take a few minutes of your time and send a card to an older neighbor in our community.”

Bennett is also encouraging kids to participate and make homemade cards.

Cards can be delivered to Bennett’s Danville office through Monday, Dec. 14:

State Senator Scott Bennett

201 N. Vermilion St., Suite 323

Danville, IL 61832

For more information or to arrange a separate pick-up time, call Betty at 217-442-5252 or visit SenatorBennett.com.