Hunter calls for diversity in health care professional workforce

CHICAGO – The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus held a joint hearing Friday to discuss the need for cultural competency among professionals in the health care industry, where State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) advocated for increased implicit bias training and anti-racist practices to ensure equity for patients of color.

“Structural racism must be examined in every facet of the health care system,” Hunter said. “It’s crucial that Black and Brown patients have access to health professionals that look like them, or at the very least, understand their circumstances. We need more diversity in the industry, with professionals who understand the inequities Black and Brown patients face, especially in terms of maternal mortality.”

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Eighth criminal justice reform hearing called by Black Caucus focuses on qualified immunity

CHICAGO – In a continuing push to form a legislative agenda ahead of the upcoming fall veto session, the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus convened lawmakers from both chambers of the General Assembly to discuss criminal justice reform during a joint Senate hearing on Thursday.

“You cannot quantify the loss of trust between communities and law enforcement,” State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. (D-Chicago). “The inability to have a relationship between communities that is transparent, strong and built on trust is not a current reality, but it should be. These discussions are crucial to discover and implement meaningful solutions to rebuild trust between law enforcement and the people that they serve.”

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How to prepare young people for the workforce

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."

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Koehler announces $1,425,000 in Business Interruption Grant funding for 28 local businesses

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) announced several local businesses will receive financial assistance from the Business Interruption Grant program to help offset financial losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The BIG program has demonstrated what can be done when we lawmakers in Springfield put our heads together and proactively seek ways to help those we serve,” Koehler said. “Because of this, businesses that have served our communities for generations are able to continue operations.”

28 businesses in the tri-county area received a combined $1,425,000 in $5,000-$150,000 grants to help cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have experienced interruptions due to the pandemic.

Read more: Koehler announces $1,425,000 in Business Interruption Grant funding for 28 local businesses