Southwest Side and Southwest Suburban small businesses receive $3.2 million
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CHICAGO – Over 100 businesses on the Southwest Side and Southwest Suburbs were awarded more than $3.2 million in funding from the Back to Business program thanks to advocacy and support from State Senator Bill Cunningham, and State Representatives Fran Hurley and Kelly Burke.
“After passing a fiscally responsible budget, I am thrilled to see new investment in our small business community,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the southwest suburbs.
A total of $3.21 million was awarded to 106 businesses in the 18th Senate District. The B2B grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget.
Read more: Southwest Side and Southwest Suburban small businesses receive $3.2 million
Martwick honors fallen police officers at Springfield ceremony
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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Robert Martwick paid his respect to police officers who have fallen in the line of duty during this year’s Illinois Police Officers Memorial Ceremony in Springfield Thursday.
“This ceremony is a small gesture to pay our respects to the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “I am honored to have been able to attend this ceremony alongside police officers and their families to reflect on the bravery of those who have given their lives to keep our communities safe and to stand in support of their families during this difficult time.”
The monument in Springfield, located on the west lawn of the State Capitol, bears the names of the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their communities. It was first dedicated in 1990, and a ceremony is held each year to pay tribute to fallen officers and their families. The names of every officer who died while serving during the previous year are engraved in the monument leading up to the ceremony.
Read more: Martwick honors fallen police officers at Springfield ceremony
Small businesses see relief thanks to Loughran Cappel
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JOLIET – Over 50 businesses across Will and Kendall Counties were awarded a combined $1.8 million in funding from the Back to Business program thanks to advocacy and support from State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.
“Small businesses bring so much life to our community and programs like Back to Business have been vital in helping them get back on their feet,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I’m pleased to see so many businesses take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.”
A total of $1.8 million was awarded to 56 businesses in the 49th District. The B2B grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget.
Read more: Small businesses see relief thanks to Loughran Cappel
Illinois Senate Democrats applaud new law that will strengthen pensions and save taxpayer money
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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Senate Democrats applaud a new law, which will extend the pension buyout option for state employees to 2026. The bill will strengthen pensions and save taxpayer money.
“The savings generated by the pension buyout program is a big point of pride for me,” said State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago). “I am glad that we put aside our different ideas and worked together to find a bi partisan solution for the state’s most persistent and crippling financial problem. When Democrats and Republicans work together on these core financial issues, every Illinoisan benefits.”
The new law, formerly known as HB 4292, will ensure fiscal responsibility and reduce overall liability costs placed on taxpayers. It follows the inclusion of an additional $500 million contribution to the retirement systems in the last two state budgets.
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