Castro represents Illinois during visit to the White House

WASHINGTON D.C. – As Midwest Chair of the Executive Committee of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) met with Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House during the organization’s annual National Summit in Washington D.C. Friday.

“It’s my distinct honor to represent the Illinois Hispanic community in Washington D.C.,” said Castro. “Friday’s meeting with Vice President Harris touched on many avenues of collaboration between state and federal government to ensure the voices and needs of our community are heard.”

The NHCSL 19th annual National Summit provides an educational and networking experience for Hispanic elected officials, corporate leaders, community organizations and policy experts. Educational sessions focused on the state of Latino education, featuring U.S. Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, as well as health, affordable housing, diversity and more.

Read more: Castro represents Illinois during visit to the White House

Glowiak Hilton commends more than $1.8 million awarded to local businesses

OAKBROOK TERRACE – Small businesses in Cook and DuPage counties across the 24th Senate District were awarded more than $1.8 million in funding from the Back to Business program thanks to advocacy and support from State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs).

“Businesses have begun moving forward from the COVID-19 pandemic, however, there are still some needing support to fully recover,” Glowiak Hilton said. “The Back to Business grant program is vital to keeping doors open for thousands of small businesses across the state.”

The B2B grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated by the American Rescue Plan.

Read more: Glowiak Hilton commends more than $1.8 million awarded to local businesses

Madison and St. Clair County businesses receive funding with support from Belt

EAST ST. LOUIS – Local businesses in Madison and St. Clair Counties were awarded more than $650,000 in funding from the Back to Business program thanks to advocacy and support from State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea).

“Business owners are still in recovery mode as we move forward from the pandemic,” Belt said. “This funding has been essential for the small businesses in the Metro East that have fought to keep their doors open.”

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: Madison and St. Clair County businesses receive funding with support from Belt

Holmes passes landmark legislation to pay down $4.1 billion in outstanding state debts

SPRINGFIELD—After months of meetings between business, labor, lawmakers and other stakeholders, the Unemployment Insurance working group presented legislation from Assistant Senate Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) that makes unmatched investments in paying down overdue bills, to the tune of $4.1 billion. The Senate passed that measure Thursday.

“I’m proud of this unprecedented change to catch up on some outstanding debts to continue improving our state’s credit standing,” Holmes said. “Allotting $2.7 billion to the Unemployment Trust Fund, as well as substantial earmarks for group health insurance bills, the College Illinois Program and extra pension payments, is a big step to boost our fiscal standing. It also provides a sense of security for Illinois residents, including current and retired state workers and their families.”

Read more: Holmes passes landmark legislation to pay down $4.1 billion in outstanding state debts