Peters: Grants will put University of Chicago on cutting edge of quantum research

CHICAGO – Earlier this week, the US Department of Energy announced $115 million grants for quantum research centers at two facilitates affiliated with the University of Chicago. State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago), who represents the area including the university, is excited and hopeful about the future prospects the grants bring to the district as well as the state as a whole.

“These grants are going to put the University of Chicago and the state of Illinois at the forefront of quantum sciences and research,” Peters said. “Much like how the region of California known as ‘Silicon Valley’ became the hub of technological advances, these grants will make Illinois the place to be when it comes to the emerging field of quantum sciences.”

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Hastings: We remain committed to securing the future of clean energy in Illinois

FRANKFORT– In response to Exelon’s decision that it is closing two nuclear power plants, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort), who chairs the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee, released the following statement:

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Morrison: We need to treat e-cigarettes the same way we do regular cigarettes

DEERFIELD — In response to a recent U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study that found half of Illinois high school students reported using an electronic tobacco product last year, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) released the following statement:

“Vaping and e-cigarette-related deaths and illnesses have become a nationwide outbreak that no user is immune to — no matter how young they are.

Read more: Morrison: We need to treat e-cigarettes the same way we do regular cigarettes

Collins commends Attorney General Raoul’s challenge to FDIC decision to allow predatory lending

CHICAGO – State Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins (D-Chicago) released the following statement Monday commending Attorney General Kwame Y. Raoul for challenging the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s rule that exempts buyers of high-interest loans from state interest-rate caps.

“Illinois has worked diligently for years to ensure our residents aren’t victims of predatory lenders that target low-income and minority residents. Lenders should not be able to take advantage of our state’s most vulnerable consumers.

“The FDIC’s rule is just another attempt to allow predatory lenders to profit at the expense of the people who can least afford it. I thank Attorney General Raoul for his effort to overturn it.”