Welcome to the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus

Harmon, Ventura tout expanded manufacturing investment in Will County

JOLIET - Senate President Don Harmon and State Senator Rachel Ventura announced that Hyundai Translead is expanding its planned investment in Will County – creating a total of 3,750 new full-time jobs and investing $600 million. The State is also investing in a new Manufacturing Training Academy (MTA) at Joliet Junior College (JJC).

“This investment reflects confidence in Illinois and the opportunities our state offers businesses to build and grow,” said Harmon (D-Oak Park). “This project will create thousands of jobs for Illinois workers and build on Will County’s proud manufacturing tradition. It’s a great example of what we can accomplish when state and local partners work together to turn opportunity into lasting economic growth.”

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Castro announces $2.4 million available for tourism grant programs

ELGIN – State Senator Cristina Castro is encouraging eligible organizations and businesses to apply for $2.4 million in state tourism grant funding announced by Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

“The state’s $2.4 million investments in these tourism grant programs will build upon the success of our tourism industry while creating economic opportunities for Illinoisans,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “The Tourism Attraction and Tourism Private Sector grant programs are incredible opportunities for eligible entities to gain state support for their tourism endeavors across Illinois.”

Read more: Castro announces $2.4 million available for tourism grant programs

Koehler, Turner highlight $1.8 million to strengthen Illinois’ local food systems

State Senators Doris Turner and Dave Koehler are encouraging local farmers, food processors and agricultural businesses to apply for a new round of funding through the Local Food Infrastructure Grant Program, which will provide $1.8 million to strengthen Illinois’ local food supply chain.

“Everyone needs access to whole, nutritious, locally-sourced foods,” said Turner (D-Springfield), chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “By fortifying the food system, we are supporting our local farmers and mitigating food insecurity. This funding will expand access to fresh, local foods, strengthen the local economy, and grow the food supply chain.”

Read more: Koehler, Turner highlight $1.8 million to strengthen Illinois’ local food systems

Senate Democrats applaud support limiting diesel fuel costs’ impact on Illinois farmers

CHICAGO — Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus celebrated the announcement of relief for the agriculture industry to mitigate increasing diesel fuel costs.

The support allows Illinois farmers to use dyed diesel fuel when driving on roads, even though it is typically only used for agricultural purposes. Additional protections for farmers will also be considered as the fuel markets and agricultural economy face continued disruptions.

“Illinois farmers are already paying more to grow their crops, and now diesel is getting more expensive, too,” said State Senator Mike Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Nobody should pour their sweat into the land only to lose money on it. This diesel relief gives farmers a real chance to come out ahead, and that's exactly what they've earned.”

Read more: Senate Democrats applaud support limiting diesel fuel costs’ impact on Illinois farmers