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.” 

CHICAGO HEIGHTS – To allow motorists to renew their driver’s licenses and purchase vehicle stickers without visiting a driver services facility, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) will host a free mobile unit event in partnership with the secretary of state’s office Tuesday, Sept. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Chicago Heights Park District, located at 1400 Chicago Road.

“Because of the ongoing public health crisis, some drivers haven't been able to renew their driver’s licenses or vehicle registrations in person,” Joyce said. “Drivers will have a safe and convenient way to make those transactions without having to visit a DMV by attending the secretary of state’s mobile unit event.”  

The unit operates like a DMV office and offers driver’s license renewals, identification cards and license plate stickers. Attendees must wear face coverings, and social distancing rules must be followed.

Joyce is reminding residents that the deadline to obtain a REAL ID has been extended an additional year to Oct. 1, 2021, and REAL ID services will not be available at the mobile unit.

With questions or for additional information, contact Senator Joyce’s office at SenatorPatrickJoyce.com or call 708-756-0882.

EVANSTON – In celebration of the 35th anniversary of the International Coastal Cleanup, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) and State Representative Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston) are hosting an Adopt-a-Beach cleanup event in partnership with the Alliance for the Great Lakes this Saturday, Sept. 12 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Evanston South Boulevard Beach.

“Our gorgeous beaches provide a beautiful place to exercise, relax and spend time with friends and loved ones. It’s up to us to keep them healthy and clean,” said Fine. “This cleanup event is a great way to enjoy the scenery while making a difference for your community.”

The Alliance for the Great Lakes’ Adopt-a-Beach program mobilizes thousands of volunteers who give back to their local beaches each year. In 2019, Adopt-a-Beach volunteers cleaned up over 53,843 pounds of trash.

About 90% of litter picked up from Great Lakes beaches is plastic. Once in the water, plastic can break down into smaller pieces called microplastics, toxic particles which can be mistaken for food by small fish and wildlife and make their way into drinking water.

“I’m thrilled to be sponsoring this beach cleanup,” said Gabel. “It’s great to give citizens an opportunity to help clean up the environment and beautify the lakefront.”

Volunteers should meet at the South Beach entrance. To keep all team members safe, masks and social distancing will be required. Find more information and register to join the cleanup here.