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

Street sideshows halting traffic prohibited under Munoz law

CHICAGO – People will be prohibited to slow or stop due to a street sideshow on any street or highway thanks to a measure sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz that was signed into law Friday.

“Law enforcement officials need to be able to keep people safe,” said Munoz (D-Chicago). “Without this law, innocent people were put in dangerous situations with no one to stop them.”

According to a CBS report, Eisenhower Expressway was shut down in December 2021 with drivers blocking the on- and off-ramps and every lane while a group of people engaged in dangerous stunts, such as doing donuts with their cars and dancing on the expressway.

Read more: Street sideshows halting traffic prohibited under Munoz law

New Feigenholtz law brings Chicago one step closer to restoring emission testing sites

CHICAGO – Vehicle emission testing sites are on track to return to Chicago thanks to a measure fought for by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) that was signed into law Friday.

“The former administration made a shortsighted, unilateral decision to close all four vehicle emissions testing sites that were located within the city limits of Chicago,” Feigenholtz said. “With a population of 2.8 million people, the City of Chicago should have more accessible testing stations within the city.” 

The new law requires the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to submit a plan by Oct. 1, 2022 to open vehicle emission testing sites in Chicago. Four vehicle emissions testing sites in Chicago were closed in 2016, leaving drivers in the lurch and forcing them to travel to the suburbs. The plan will consist of either a pilot program or permanent replacement program and a timeline of actions to implement the plan.

Read more: New Feigenholtz law brings Chicago one step closer to restoring emission testing sites