Peters joins South Side public officials reacting to closure of three Walgreens locations in district

CHICAGO — In October of 2024, Walgreens announced it would close roughly 1,200 locations over the next three years – including 500 closures in fiscal year 2025 alone – causing concern for those who frequent the stores for groceries and prescriptions. In response to learning that three of these closures will happen in their districts, State Senator Robert Peters, State Representative Kam Buckner, State Representative Curtis J. Tarver and Aldermen Lamont Robinson, Desmon Yancy and Peter Chico released the following statement:

“The closures at our South Commercial Avenue, South King Drive and South Jeffrey Boulevard Walgreens locations will be a devastating blow to our communities. Walgreens started in or near our districts in South Side Chicago at Cottage Grove and Bowen Avenue 124 years ago. For years, these stores have supported residents, providing access to medications, groceries and other essential services.

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Guzmán sworn in as State Senator of District 20

SPRINGFIELD—State Senator Graciela Guzmán was inaugurated into the 104th General Assembly to serve the 20th Senate District Wednesday.

“I am humbled to be sworn in as the State Senator for the 20th District of Illinois,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “I am just one member of the strong, diverse community that is the Northwest side of Chicago. I am committed to elevating our collective vision of economic justice for everyday people and self-determination for the working class with my position in the statehouse.” 

Guzmán is the first Salvadoran elected in Illinois to the General Assembly. Raised by parents who fled the violence of the Salvadoran Civil War and worked to build a life where their five children could thrive, Guzmán was aware from an early age of the inequities in society, which shaped her commitment to creating institutional change.

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Halpin announces Health Equity Zone pilot project grant coming to McDonough County

ROCK ISLAND – State Senator Mike Halpin announced Tuesday that Henderson Health Center is set to receive over $110,000 through the Health Equity Zone Pilot Projects pilot program.

“Addressing health inequities within our community continues to be a priority. Everyone deserves to have access to compassionate, quality, and accessible health care,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “At a time when corporate health insurance continues to fail regular people in western Illinois, grants such as the Health Equity Zone pilot program play an integral role in bolstering access to care.”

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Faraci measure expands job opportunities for young workers

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci is advancing legislation to make it easier for Illinois park districts and municipal recreation departments to hire young workers for seasonal jobs and youth sports programs.

“This measure removes unnecessary barriers that make it harder for teens to gain work experience and park districts to run summer programs,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “It’s a win for families, young workers and our communities.”

Faraci’s measure would allow 14- and 15-year-olds to work summer jobs – such as lifeguards or referees – for Illinois park districts and recreational departments without a 21-year-old present, as long as an 18-year-old is on-site and no alcohol or tobacco is being sold on the premises. It would also allow minors to officiate youth sporting events, as long as a 21-year-old supervisor is on-call.

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