Villa announces housing and community revitalization funding for Aurora

AURORA – The City of Aurora will receive $487,000 in funding for affordable housing and community revitalization through the Illinois Housing Development Authority’s Strong Communities Program, supported by State Senator Karina Villa.

“Through the Strong Communities program, we can promote economic growth, stimulate local businesses, reduce housing insecurity and improve the quality of life for countless families in the 25^th District,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “The funding for these essential projects is coming at a time when affordable housing and community well-being are principal concerns. I commend the IHDA for working on behalf of our residents to ensure quality living is achievable for everyone.” 

The Strong Communities Program supports local revitalization efforts and attracts further investment in communities that may lack the resources needed to tackle vacant, abandoned and deteriorated properties.

Read more: Villa announces housing and community revitalization funding for Aurora

Faraci announces community revitalization funding for Champaign and Vermilion counties

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci announced that a combined total of $871,000 is coming to communities in Champaign and Vermilion counties to support local revitalization efforts.

“Excellent work is being done in our community to rehab deteriorating residential properties to get these homes back on the market,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “So much can be done to make our neighborhoods stronger and safer with investment in this program.”

The Illinois Housing Development Authority recently approved $19 million to support affordable housing and community revitalization efforts across Illinois. Awarded under the Strong Communities Program, the initiative will provide funding to 68 units of local governments and land bank authorities for the acquisition, maintenance, rehabilitation and demolition of abandoned residential properties in their communities. The program is designed to support local revitalization efforts and attract further investment in communities that may lack the resources needed to tackle vacant, abandoned and deteriorated properties.

Read more: Faraci announces community revitalization funding for Champaign and Vermilion counties

Villa to hold public health hearing to discuss long COVID

WEST CHICAGO – State Senator Karina Villa is collaborating with Illinois Unidos for a Public Health Committee hearing focused on the effects of long COVID in underserved communities.

“The effects of long COVID are still being studied, making it difficult to diagnose,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Our goal is to gain insight from experts in the field and promote research that can help medical providers diagnose long COVID.”

Long COVID has emerged as a pressing concern for individuals who have previously recovered from the initial COVID-19 infection, and the range of symptoms can persist for weeks or months after the acute phase of a COVID-19 infection.

Read more: Villa to hold public health hearing to discuss long COVID

Turner applauds new manufacturing facility in Decatur

DECATUR – State Senator Doris Turner announced a new commercial manufacturing facility coming to Decatur, bringing more jobs to Central Illinois.

“This new facility will bring good-paying jobs right to our community while boosting the local economy,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Rising Pharmaceuticals’ move to Decatur exemplifies the city’s prime location in Central Illinois and continues Illinois’ commitment to being a leader in the manufacturing industry.”

Read more: Turner applauds new manufacturing facility in Decatur