Illinois Chiefs of Police announce Crowe as Public Official of the Year

MARYVILLE – The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police have named State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) as the 2022 Public Official of the Year.

“As law enforcement officers serve and protect our communities, I've worked diligently to advocate their interests in the Senate,” Crowe said. “It's truly an honor to be recognized by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police with the Public Official of the Year award.”

The ILACP named Crowe based on her strong relationship with law enforcement, noting her willingness to listen to their needs and advocate for their interests as legislation is proposed in the Illinois General Assembly.

Read more: Illinois Chiefs of Police announce Crowe as Public Official of the Year

Senate Democrats applaud the launch of $3.5 Million RISE Investment Grant Program

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Democrats are applauding the creation of a new $3.5 million grant program to invigorate local economies. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced the launch of the Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Development initiative today.

State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) and State Senator Elgie Sims (D-Chicago) in particular are enthusiastic about the prospects of a post-pandemic recovery boom.

"Central Illinois is blessed with so many great economic assets," said Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria). "By working together to plan for the future, we can identify even more opportunities for growth."

Read more: Senate Democrats applaud the launch of $3.5 Million RISE Investment Grant Program

Belt supports measures to raise wages for Direct Support Personnel

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) is supporting measures to ensure that Direct Support Personnel are fairly compensated for the assistance they provide to individuals with developmental disabilities.

“Support workers are essential workers,” Belt said. “These individuals care for residents who rely on them to do basic day-to-day tasks that many of us do without thinking. It’s vital that these workers are taken care of and paid a fair wage.”

DSPs are vital in community residential settings, where they help residents with daily personal care like eating and hygiene as well as teaching life skills and attending to complex medical needs. While funding for these services has increased over recent years, starting wages remain barely above minimum wage, and vacancies remain high. This disparity is because the state does not always require community agencies to pass wage increases through to the workers.

Read more: Belt supports measures to raise wages for Direct Support Personnel

Turner commemorates March as Kidney Disease Awareness Month

SPRINGFIELD – To bring greater awareness and education for kidney health, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) commemorated March 2022 as Kidney Disease Awareness Month and March 10, 2022 as Kidney Day through the passage of a Senate resolution.

“Across the state, people are silently suffering with the pain and hardship that comes with kidney disease,” Turner said. “We are showing those with kidney disease we see them and we understand the struggles they continue to face.”

Read more: Turner commemorates March as Kidney Disease Awareness Month