Illinois Legislative Black Caucus to host State of Black Illinois Address & reaction to Gov. Pritzker’s Budget Address

SPRINGFIELD – Following the governor’s Wednesday Budget Address, the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus will host a virtual press conference. The Black Caucus will further explain their work on their four pillar agenda, react to the governor’s budget address, and outline 2021 goals for Black communities.

The governor has been a steadfast supporter of the Black Caucus’ agenda to rid Illinois of systemic racism. He has also voiced support of the Black Caucus’ push to uplift the most vulnerable African American communities.

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Holmes: Senate Labor Committee to hold hearing about unemployment system experiences from traditional employers, employees

AURORA – State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) will lead a subject matter hearing in the Senate Labor Committee today at 9 a.m. to learn more about the experiences of employers and employees with the Illinois Department of Employment Security in the last year.

The goal this week is to hear from employers and employees about their experiences with the unemployment system. The pandemic, during which more than 1 million Illinoisans lost their jobs, forced the creation of new unemployment programs for people who were not previously covered by the system, like gig workers and self-employed individuals. These new programs added tremendous strains on IDES, and as a result, many Illinoisans who expected to be covered by unemployment insurance struggled to access benefits. 

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Johnson completes first round of small business tours

BUFFALO GROVE — State Senator Adriane Johnson has seen small businesses in the community suffer like never before. To provide those businesses support and let their owners know she is there to help them through this difficult time, the Buffalo Grove Democrat toured a number of shops throughout the Northern Suburbs.

“Small businesses have faced unimaginable challenges this year, and many owners worry daily if they’ll be able to make it through the winter months,” Johnson said. “Each person I met has faced a unique set of challenges. I’m hopeful our conversations served as a reminder that people are looking out for them and want to see them succeed.”

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Morrison searches for answers on vaccine distribution frustrations

HIGHWOOD – Stories of clinics not receiving their promised number of COVID-19 vaccines, appointment websites crashing, and people spending the night in their cars hoping to be first in line to get their dose aren’t unheard of. The frequency of these stories – and others – led State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) to schedule a Senate hearing on the statewide vaccine distribution plan.

“As the demand for the vaccine has grown, so has anticipation for each of us waiting for the vaccine,” Morrison said. “We’ve been fielding calls from frustrated and frightened constituents who are eligible but can’t find their place in line or get the vaccine.”

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