GRAYSLAKE – As a steadfast advocate for addressing the state’s growing opioid crisis and creator of the Prescription Drug Task Force, State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) is pleased to learn the state has been given $36 million to continue to fight the epidemic.

“The opioid epidemic is a serious and complicated issue that only continues to get worse,” Bush said. “These funds are a great step toward fighting the crisis, but there’s so much more work that needs to be done."

Illinois received $36.7 million in federal funding to fight the opioid crisis – specifically because of issues arising in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The money will expand prevention, treatment, recovery and overdose response initiatives across the state.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has further exposed vulnerable populations – especially those with opioid use disorders,” Bush said.

The programs receiving funding will bring critical services to help people with opioid use disorder, assist those on a path to recovery, provide emergency lifesaving medication for people experiencing an opioid overdose, and deliver a prevention and support message across the state.

Bush has worked to address Illinois’ growing opioid crisis since first entering the General Assembly. Most notably, she passed a package of proposals in 2018 that, among other things, created a pilot program to treat youth and young adults with substance use disorders and allowed law enforcement agencies to develop and implement deflection programs that offer alternatives to jail for individuals suffering with substance abuse.

Ahead of the upcoming legislative session, Bush is meeting with advocacy organizations and other legislators to look at potential measures to combat the opioid crisis.

People who are experiencing problems with substance use disorder, should call the state’s Helpline for Opioids and other Substances at 1-833-2FINDHELP – 1-833-234-6343, text “HELP” to 833234, or visit HelplineIL.org.

DES PLAINES – To help customers lower their utility bills, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is partnering with the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) to offer free, virtual one-on-one consultations to consumers Tuesday, Oct. 13 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

“Especially now, when many families are struggling with finances, every penny counts,” Murphy said. “I encourage utility customers to schedule a consultation with CUB to make sure they’re taking advantage of all available cost-saving opportunities.”

Starting Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 9 a.m., residents will be able to register here for a virtual one-on-one consultation with a CUB professional to discuss lowering their electric, water, gas, phone, cable and internet bills. After registrants have selected a time slot, they will receive details for a private video call with a CUB representative.

During the clinic, the representative will evaluate participants’ bills to determine if they are signed up with an alternative supplier or paying for unnecessary products or services. CUB will also let participants know if they are eligible for money-saving programs, like financial assistance, and share information about energy efficiency programs.

CUB encourages attendees to provide copies of their utility bills ahead of time or obtain digital versions to ensure representatives can examine all documents with care. For more information on the program, visit www.citizensutilityboard.org or contact Murphy’s office at 847-718-1110.

DECATUR – With the deadline to complete the 2020 Census looming, State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) was joined by Governor JB Pritzker and local leaders at the Decatur Public Library for a press conference Wednesday afternoon to encourage residents of Macon County to complete the 2020 census.

“When your city council and your mayor sit down to formulate budgets, they need all the help they can get. Everyone needs to be counted so our communities have the revenue necessary to maintain the quality of our roads, schools, hospitals, and other programs people rely on,” Manar said. “Every last dollar is going to count as we continue to navigate our way through the COVID-19 crisis, so please take just a few minutes and fill out that census. This simple action will result in a positive impact on your community that will be felt for the next decade.”

Seven municipalities in Macon County have a response rate of 64% or higher. The cities and villages are:

• Forsyth 83.8%
• Zion 81.4%
• Harristown: 75.4%
• Blue Mound: 68.4%
• Niantic: 66.8%
• Decatur 66.2%
• Warrensburg: 64.1%

"I’m here today because I want to be sure the Decatur community gets its fair share and that all of you get counted," said Pritzker. "It will bring more investment, better schools, better roads and better health care to your community – and you and your family. Call your friends and neighbors or send them a text or email and urge them all to do their part: just like voting, filling out the census is an act of civic engagement – a demand to be fully heard and fully counted."

Residents can complete the census for their household and check response rates in their area at www.my2020census.gov.

GRAYSLAKE – The Census Bureau recently announced it will end its counting efforts a month early, meaning there’s only a few weeks left to get counted. State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) is encouraging everyone to complete the census immediately to avoid an undercount.

“The opportunity to make a difference in how much funding your community gets doesn’t come around often,” Bush said. “After months of financial distress stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, your response is more important than ever. Remote learning, free meals for students and other assistance are relying on you.”  

The census is safe, secure and confidential. It takes less than 10 minutes and can easily be done from the comfort of one’s home online, by phone or by mail. It determines congressional representation, helps determine how federal funds flow into states and provides information that will impact communities for the next decade.

Some areas of Lake County are reporting low response rates. Without a 100% response rate, schools, roads, hospitals and other critical community services could be affected.

Currently, only 75.7% of all Lake County residents have completed the Census. Additionally, just 55.1% of Old Mill Creek residents, 62.9% of Waukegan residents and 83.6% of Grayslake residents have filled out the form this year.

“Thank you to those who have already taken the time to fill out the census,” Bush said. “Your response helps shape the future of our community and does not go unnoticed.”

Residents can complete the census for their household at https://my2020census.gov.

DEERFIELD – In response to the Chicago City Council’s move to ban flavored vaping products across the city, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is calling on lawmakers to follow suit.

Morrison released the following statement Wednesday:

“In every form, tobacco products are dangerous to human health and can lead to serious, life-long health consequences. Children are being enticed by the creation of sugary flavors, which threatens the progress we have made over the last several decades to reduce tobacco usage among young people.

“I applaud the Chicago City Council for its decision to ban these products. I urge my colleagues in the General Assembly to take note and to prioritize the passage of a statewide ban during the upcoming legislative session.”

Morrison has been a steadfast supporter of banning flavored tobacco products intentionally being targeted to children with candy-like names. Last fall she filed a measure that would prohibit the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes and chewing tobacco.

The measure was put on hold to prioritize needs stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, but Morrison plans to reintroduce it during the spring legislative session.

DEERFIELD – To continue to support small businesses struggling to recover from the COVID-19 public health crisis, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is inviting small businesses throughout the 29^th District to participate in her upcoming small business tour series.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our community and have truly shaped our area into the great place it is today,” Morrison said. “This tour will highlight the businesses that are adapting to these unprecedented times while offering great products and services to residents in the northern suburbs.”

Morrison said she hopes to tour a variety of retail, service and manufacturing businesses.

To request a visit from Senator Morrison, businesses can fill out the form found at SenatorJulieMorrison.com/SmallBusinessTour. Once the application is received, a member of Morrison’s team will respond with additional details.

People with questions can visit SenatorJulieMorrison.com or call 847-945-5200.

CHAMPAIGN – To spread some cheer in the midst of a pandemic, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) delivered 150 cards to the residents of the Clark-Lindsey Village retirement community in Champaign on Wednesday.

“This is an extremely difficult and lonely time for older adults living away from their families,” Bennett said. “The community’s response to this project has been overwhelming and uplifting. I’m grateful for their show of support to remind these folks that they are not alone.” 

Last month, Bennett launched the “Cards for Seniors” collection project, giving community members the opportunity to write an encouraging message or card to an older neighbor who may be separated from their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bennett’s office also partnered with the Panhellenic Council at the University of Illinois as part of the council’s work week virtual service event. The council used this project as a service event and as an opportunity to connect with others in the Champaign community in a safe, contactless manner.

“During this time of social distancing and staying home, it was encouraging to share these cards with the residents at Clark-Lindsey and put a smile on their face,” Bennett said.   

Caption information for attached photo: State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) delivers cards to residents at Clark-Lindsey Village in Champaign on Wednesday, September 2, 2020.

CHICAGO – State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) is strongly encouraging all Asian Americans to fill out the census before the deadline closes.

“We need to ensure Asian Americans have access to all of the same state services as other Illinois residents,” said Villivalam, the first Asian American elected to the Illinois Senate and the Co-Chair of the Illinois General Assembly’s Asian American Caucus. “I represent one of the most culturally diverse districts in the state. I am extremely grateful for the numerous contributions our Asian American neighbors, friends and family have brought to our community – everything from cultural to the culinary traditions.”