Peters measure to combat drownings in Lake Michigan clears General Assembly

Springfield- Piers and public access points to Lake Michigan will soon be safer thanks to a measure advanced by State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) that will help install essential rescue equipment.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe when they head to the beach this summer,” Peters said. “I am glad that the General Assembly is taking an essential step to protect our families who visit beaches  on Lake Michigan.”

House Bill 4165 requires owners of  piers or drop-offs on Lake Michigan to install public rescue equipment .  The measure also establishes tracking and reporting requirements for local governments that own a pier or drop-off on Lake Michigan.

Read more: Peters measure to combat drownings in Lake Michigan clears General Assembly

Turner supports plan to codify Organized Retail Crime, bring offenders to justice

SPRINGFIELD – To offer stability to retailers, bring support to state prosecutors and promote statewide economic growth, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) joined officials with the Illinois Retail Merchants Association and Attorney General’s office to discuss a legislative proposal to curb Organized Retail Crime in Illinois at a press conference Tuesday.

“As organized retail theft becomes more prevalent across the country, Illinois is responsible for updating its laws to fight back against the uptick and prioritize public safety for its residents, workers and business community,” Turner said. “By creating the Organized Retail Crime Act, our state has an opportunity to enact one of the most comprehensive crime-curbing efforts in the nation.”

Read more: Turner supports plan to codify Organized Retail Crime, bring offenders to justice

Elgin Community College to receive funding for behavioral health worker program

ELGIN – Thanks to support from State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin), Elgin Community College will receive a grant for a Certified Recovery Support Specialist Success program to prepare students for work as behavioral and mental health professionals.

“Our mental health and substance use recovery specialists are the backbone of our behavioral health care system,” Castro said. “Making sure our workers can get the education they need to give the best help possible to vulnerable individuals is critical.”

The Illinois Department of Human Services awarded $4 million in grants to 11 colleges and universities throughout the state, including Elgin Community College, to support the CRSS Success program. Through the program, students will be prepared to work in various capacities, including inpatient and outpatient mental health and substance use treatment services, mobile crisis teams and more.

Read more: Elgin Community College to receive funding for behavioral health worker program

Small businesses see relief thanks to Senator Cunningham

CHICAGO – State Senator Bill Cunningham announced more than $1.8 million awarded to local businesses from the Back to Business program.

“I am committed to helping our small businesses recover from COVID-19,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This support for small business is good for our economy.”

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 Senator Cunningham