Feigenholtz, Villivalam receive awards for environmental leadership

CHICAGO – In recognition of environmental leadership, State Senators Sara Feigenholtz and Ram Villivalam recently received awards from the Illinois Environmental Council.

Feigenholtz received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Villivalam received the Milestone Achievement Award.

“Residents of the 6th District have and will always be passionate when it comes to protecting our air and water,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “We will continue to incentivize clean and renewable energy, hold polluters accountable and pass laws for future generations.”

Feigenholtz and Villivalam have championed and supported cutting-edge environmental legislation during their time in the General Assembly.

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Martwick celebrates Eli’s Cheesecake’s $10 million groundbreaking expansion

CHICAGO — State Senator Robert Martwick joined community leaders on Tuesday to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Eli’s Cheesecake’s expanded facility.

“Eli’s Cheesecake is one of the largest specialty cheesecake and dessert companies in the country,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “Seeing this third-generation family-owned business expand their legacy speaks to the continued economic growth of our communities.”

The $10 million investment and expanded facility — which is the company’s first expansion in almost 30 years — will create at least 50 new local jobs. The expansion nearly doubles the size of the bakery, allowing for increased bakery operations, including additional production and packaging lines, warehousing and welfare areas. The facility also includes Eli’s Corporate Offices and the Eli’s Cheesecake Bakery Café.

Read more: Martwick celebrates Eli’s Cheesecake’s $10 million groundbreaking expansion

Gillespie, Peters named Community Health Center Champions

SCHAUMBURG — In recognition of their work to improve health care access and quality for Illinois residents, the Illinois Primary Health Care Association honored State Senators Ann Gillespie and Robert Peters this month with the 2023 Community Health Center Champion award.

“Serving over a million Illinoisans annually, community health centers play a vital role in making quality health care accessible,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights), who chairs the Senate Appropriations – Health and Human Services Committee. “Working to ensure our health care system supports both patients and providers has been one of my priorities as a senator, and it’s an honor to be recognized by IPHCA for these efforts.”

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Villa announces housing and community revitalization funding for Aurora

AURORA – The City of Aurora will receive $487,000 in funding for affordable housing and community revitalization through the Illinois Housing Development Authority’s Strong Communities Program, supported by State Senator Karina Villa.

“Through the Strong Communities program, we can promote economic growth, stimulate local businesses, reduce housing insecurity and improve the quality of life for countless families in the 25^th District,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “The funding for these essential projects is coming at a time when affordable housing and community well-being are principal concerns. I commend the IHDA for working on behalf of our residents to ensure quality living is achievable for everyone.” 

The Strong Communities Program supports local revitalization efforts and attracts further investment in communities that may lack the resources needed to tackle vacant, abandoned and deteriorated properties.

Read more: Villa announces housing and community revitalization funding for Aurora