Manar, Peters, and Villivalam call for the closure of corporate tax loopholes

Three members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus joined together to speak on behalf of residents struggling to stay healthy and pay their bills due to the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic downturn yesterday.

Together, they urged Gov. Pritzker and fellow members of the legislature to close corporate tax loopholes to preserve education, health care and other essential community services.

“People in Illinois are in extreme pain,” said State Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago), Chair of the Senate Black Caucus, whose district stretches from Chicago’s loop to the Indiana border. “While so many people struggle, 651 billionaires saw their combined wealth jump over a trillion dollars during this pandemic. They are so rich that they could give every American $3,000 and still have more money than they had at the start of the pandemic. It’s time for those who have made money hand over fist to pay their fair share.”

Read more: Manar, Peters, and Villivalam call for the closure of corporate tax loopholes

Munoz missing person law to take effect Jan. 1

SPRINGFIELD – Law enforcement agencies can face roadblocks with collecting DNA samples when trying to locate missing people, but now that process will be a bit easier thanks to a measure passed by Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago).

“DNA testing can help reunite missing people with their families,” Munoz said. “If a family member of yours is missing, you can now provide DNA samples to law enforcement to help find them.”  

Read more: Munoz missing person law to take effect Jan. 1

Black leaders and Urban League seek public input on efforts to end systemic racism

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, hosted by the Joint Caucus of Black Elected Officials and the Illinois Urban League Affiliates, will host a virtual town hall to inform community members about their plan to rid the state of systemic racism and seek public input. It will be held on Thursday, Dec. 17 at 5:30 p.m. The four pillars of the plan include:

• Criminal justice, police accountability and violence reduction
• Education and workforce development
• Economic access, equity and opportunity
• Health care and human services

Read more: Black leaders and Urban League seek public input on efforts to end systemic racism

Hunter proud of support to keep Mercy open

CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) was one of nearly a hundred witnesses to speak against the closure of Mercy Hospital during Tuesday’s Health and Facilities Review Board meeting. Hunter is pleased that after several hours of testimony, the board voted to reject the closure of Mercy Hospital.

“I am proud that there was an abundance of support from the community to keep Mercy open,” Hunter said. “For months, we have been calling for Mercy to stay open so that Bronzeville residents would have reliable care in the middle of this pandemic. I am so pleased the board voted in the community’s best interest.”

Read more: Hunter proud of support to keep Mercy open