Senators Cunningham and Manar join Pritzker to launch connect Illinois Plan, announce $50 billion in broadband expansion grants
SPRINGFIELD — State Senators Bill Cunningham and Andy Manar joined Governor JB Pritzker this week to announce $50 million in Connect Illinois grants that will support 28 projects expected to deliver high-speed internet access to more than 26,000 homes, businesses, farms, and community institutions across Illinois.
The announcement marks the launch of Connect Illinois, the state’s plan to bring basic internet access to every community in the state by 2024. This plan aims to improve access through an unprecedented capital investment and with the nation’s largest grant matching program.
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Senate President Don Harmon announces appointments to Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission
SPRINGFIELD — Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) announced four appointees to the Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission, a group created to help guide Illinois through the reopening process following stay-at-home orders to slow the spread of coronavirus.
Senators Christopher Belt (D-Centreville), Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), Iris Y. Martinez (D-Chicago) and Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) will represent Senate Democrats on the commission.
Belt promotes guidelines for students returning to school
EAST ST. LOUIS — State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) promoted guidelines for students to return to school this fall, as numbers of COVID-19 cases continue to gradually decrease.
“Our students and teachers have done an amazing job adapting to e-learning during this health crisis,” Belt said. “Now that they have opportunity to return this fall, parents and teachers have an important role of carefully transitioning our students back into a productive and safe environment.”
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CHICAGO – To ensure underserved communities are considered in plans to restore the state’s economy after the COVID-19 crisis, Assistant Majority Leader Iris Y. Martinez (D-Chicago) has been appointed as a member of the bipartisan Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission.“Communities of color have been hit the hardest during the pandemic, and it’s up to state lawmakers to prioritize their needs while recommending policies and practices to safely reopen,” Martinez said. “I look forward to voicing concerns from my constituents and other minority residents in this collaborative group to recommend solutions that work for everyone in Illinois.”
SPRINGFIELD – To provide input on plans to restore the state’s economy after the COVID-19 crisis, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) has been appointed co-chair of the bipartisan, bicameral Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission, the group charged with navigating the public health and economic concerns of the state’s reopening plan.
“Decisions about our state’s recovery can’t be made in a vacuum,” said Murphy. “It’s important the legislature is able to give feedback, present ideas and voice concerns as we move forward with the reopening process.”
The Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission will enable cooperation between the legislative and executive branches in dealing with the public health and economic crises caused by COVID-19. The commission will work closely with the Dept. of Commerce and Economic Opportunity on plans to revive the various sectors of the Illinois economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The commission is made up of 14 members drawn from both political parties and both chambers of the General Assembly. Members of the commission will serve without compensation.
DCEO will provide a written report to the commission and the General Assembly every month regarding the status of current and proposed recovery efforts, with metrics and other information to demonstrate the state’s progress. The first report will be delivered July 1.
“I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to ensure our state is on the right track toward a successful recovery,” said Murphy.
The Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission was created by Senate Bill 2135.
SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) has been appointed to the Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission, which is charged with overseeing the effort to reopen and rebuild Illinois’ economy as the state recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Reopening our state safely and efficiently is my biggest concern,” Belt said. “I am honored to be part of this commission and work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure we follow the best plan to fully recover from the pandemic and renew economic stability.”
SPRINGFIELD – To provide a voice for Downstate Illinois in the recovery process, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) has been appointed to the Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission, a group tasked with addressing public health and economic challenges as the state continues the reopening process.
“A safe reopening of Illinois will require input from a broad group of individuals,” Koehler said. “I’m honored to have been chosen to help lead as we continue toward the recovery of our state’s economy. I look forward to working in a bipartisan manner with my colleagues in the Senate and House to ensure a smooth recovery process.”
DCEO will provide a written report to the commission and the General Assembly every month regarding the status of current and proposed recovery efforts, with metrics and other information to monitor the state’s progress. The first report will be delivered July 1.
SPRINGFIELD, IL – Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) announced four appointees to the Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission, a group created to help guide Illinois through the reopening process following stay-at-home orders to slow the spread of coronavirus.
CHAMPAIGN – After restrictions were lifted for Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois plan to allow for outdoor dining, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) encourages people to support their local business owners.
“The economic impacts of this pandemic have been devastating to small businesses, especially those in the food service and hospitality industries,” Bennett said. “We have a responsibility to our local businesses to do all we can to get them going again. Now is the time to support our business owners and working people that make our community special.”
Since the first executive order issued on March 21, restaurants and bars had been forced to stop dine-in service to slow the spread of COVID-19. Earlier this month, the governor announced outdoor dining would now be permitted for regions that enter Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois plan. All four regions entered Phase 3 Friday, May 29.
“It’s critical that we continue to listen to the recommendations of our public health experts so we can continue to progress forward,” Bennett said. “Please be considerate and remember to wear your masks and keep six feet apart while waiting to reserve a table.”