Turner welcomes state firearm assistance kiosk to Springfield

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Doris Turner announced the opening of a firearm assistance kiosk to be located in Springfield to help Central Illinoisans navigate legally obtaining and possessing firearms.

“Helping our communities engage in safe and responsible gun ownership is one critical way we can reduce the negative impacts of firearms in the state,” said Turner (D-Chicago). “By expanding ISP kiosk locations, we provide quicker access to the invaluable services they provide aimed at encouraging lawful firearm possession.”

Read more: Turner welcomes state firearm assistance kiosk to Springfield

Senator Sims creates hotline to keep students safe from targeted violence

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) spearheaded a newly signed law which creates a hotline designed to receive reports from the public regarding potential self-harm or criminal acts directed at schools, students or school employees.

“Our number one job is to protect our state’s most vulnerable populations,” said Sims. “This program was introduced to keep our children and schools safe while providing help to those who are battling mental illness.”

Senate Bill 3936, an initiative of Illinois State Police, requires ISP to work collaboratively with the Illinois Department of Human Services, Illinois Emergency Management Agency, Illinois State Board of Education and Department of Children and Family Services to provide support resources to students and teachers to prevent potential crisis situations.

The groups will work together to create a hotline to receive reports of potential self-harm and criminal acts directed at students and teachers. 

“We cannot wait for another tragic event to happen in our schools,” said Sims. “This is a key step in the intervention process that will not only protect our students from planned attacks but will also help improve police-community relations.” 

Senate Bill 3936 was signed into law on Friday, May 6.

Nearly 100 businesses in district Morrison represents receive $4.3 million in business assistance

CHICAGO – Nearly 100 businesses in the district State Senator Julie Morrison represents were awarded nearly $4.3 million in funding from the Back to Business program thanks to her advocacy and support.

“Small business owners in Lake and Cook County and throughout the state experienced unforeseen financial difficulties that will be challenging to bounce back from without help,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest).

Read more: Nearly 100 businesses in district Morrison represents receive $4.3 million in business assistance

Joyce: small businesses receive nearly $4 million in direct assistance

KANKAKEE – Over 125 businesses in Kankakee, Will and southern Cook counties were awarded nearly $4 million in funding from the Back to Business program thanks to advocacy and support from State Senator Patrick Joyce.

“This is good for our small business community and will help boost our local economy,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “I will continue to advocate for investment in our area.”

A total of $3,925,000 was awarded to 128 businesses in the 40^th 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: Joyce: small businesses receive nearly $4 million in direct assistance