Joint Senate committee hearings continue, bettering workforce development for young Illinoisans

JOLIET – State Senators Pat McGuire (D-Joliet) and Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (D-Plainfield) will host a subject matter hearing Thursday to discuss improvements to workforce development and job opportunities for young people. This hearing continues efforts by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus to build an agenda ahead of the upcoming fall veto legislative session.

"It's been several decades since one could roll out of bed the day after high school graduation and get a lifetime job with good pay and benefits," McGuire said. "Tomorrow's hearing will explore what experiences we must provide to K-12 students so they can attain economic security in the tumultuous 21st century economy."

DANVILLE – With the holiday season fast approaching and the COVID-19 pandemic still ongoing, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is reminding residents to shop small and support local businesses whenever possible.

“Small businesses play a vital role in our economy, and it’s important that we promote and support them this holiday season,” Bennett said. “I encourage folks to think about the difference they can make in our community by supporting businesses where our friends and neighbors work.”

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is pleased to report that the Illinois Department of Transportation announced Friday that I-39 resurfacing and two other major projects that will enhance safety while helping to grow the regional economy are wrapping up.

The projects represent a total investment of more than $55 million in the region.

“These projects helped create jobs and set the Rockford region up for economic opportunity for years to come,” Stadelman said. “Maintaining our roads and bridges is vitally important.”

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded business assistance grants last week, and State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is hopeful this will help local businesses in need of a financial boost.

“It breaks my heart that business owners are still fighting this virus, physically and economically,” Hunter said. “I hope these grants provide some sort of relief. I will continue to advocate for financial support programs for businesses for as long as they are in need.”

AURORA – Illinois Assistant Senate Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) is pleased to learn 19 businesses in the 42^nd District are receiving financial assistance from the Business Interruption Grant program to help offset financial losses stemming from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. More funding is available, and Holmes is encouraging more businesses to apply.

“Small business owners have been some of the people hardest hit by the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Holmes said. “These grants will help them keep their doors open and their employees paid while keeping the community safe.”

In the district Holmes represents, 19 businesses are receiving a combined $1,155,000. Each business received between $5,000 and $150,000 to help cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have experienced interruptions due to the pandemic.

CHICAGO – To help businesses across the state overcome financial burdens brought on by the pandemic, State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) is pleased to see dozens of businesses in the 5^th District will receive over a million dollars in Business Interruption Grants (BIG).

“Businesses are still struggling as we continue to endure this pandemic,” Van Pelt said. “I hope these grants help give businesses on the West Side a boost, and for those who haven’t applied yet, it’s not too late.”

Last week, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) awarded grants through the second round of the BIG program, which included specific funding for heavily impacted industries and businesses in disproportionately impacted areas. Each business received between $5,000 and $150,000 in financial assistance.

The BIG program is the largest state-run economic support program formed in response to the financial losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications will remain open until all of the funding is spent and are available on DCEO’s website.

Bush: Together, we can stop the spread of COVID-19

GRAYSLAKE — Following the announcement that Region 9 – which makes up Lake and McHenry Counties – and most of the state has received increased COVID-19 restrictions, State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) is reminding everyone the importance of the three Ws: wear a mask, wash your hands and watch your distance.

“Slowing the spread of COVID-19 is something we, as Illinoisans and Lake County residents, are familiar with and know how to do,” Bush said. “It’s important to continue our efforts to mask up, participate in common hygiene practices and not gather in large groups.”

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Koehler highlights completion of Murray Baker Bridge

PEORIA — State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), joined with Gov. JB Pritzker and officials from the Illinois Department of Transportation to mark the completion of the Murray Baker Bridge’s renovation project last week.

“The revitalization of the Murray Baker Bridge is a long time coming," Koehler said. "The peace of mind that comes with regular maintenance of our roads and bridges cannot be understated and the newly installed lights add to the already magnificent Peoria skyline."

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Rockford area small businesses receiving over $1 million in second round of pandemic relief

ROCKFORD — State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is highlighting the second round of Business Interruption Grants the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is awarding to Rockford businesses and other small business communities that have been hit the hardest by COVID-19-related losses and closures.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of my community,” Stadelman said. “They need this grant money to endure, and I’m happy the state continues to prioritize communities like Rockford in these hard times.”

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Black Caucus committee Roundup for week of Oct. 26

SPRINGFIELD — To continue its work to combat systemic racism, the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus held a number of committees during the last week of October, covering topics from a lack of diversity in the workforce to disparities within the health care system.

The Senate held a joint hearing Monday to discuss the vast disparities Illinoisans face in access to treatment for addiction and mental health disorders.

Read more.

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VILLA PARK – State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) is pleased to announce businesses in the 23^rd State Senate District will receive more than $400,000 in financial assistance from the Business Interruption Grant program to help offset financial losses stemming from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and he is encouraging more to apply.

“Our local businesses are the foundation of our communities,” Cullerton said. “These funds will help our small businesses keep their doors open and employees and customers safe during this awful pandemic.”

Each business received between $5,000 and $150,000 to be used to help cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have experienced interruptions due to the pandemic.