WOOD RIVER – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has selected Riverbend Family Ministries in Wood River to receive a grant of nearly $500,000 to expand services in the Metro East, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) announced Thursday.
“By investing in local organizations, our state solidifies its commitment to improving opportunities and services that many residents depend on,” Crowe said. “Riverbend Family Ministries is such a blessing to the Metro East, and I am thrilled to see the state recognize its community work and fund its expansion.”
Read more: Crowe secures capital project grant for Riverbend Family Ministries
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) has been appointed to serve on the bipartisan Illinois Legislative Audit Commission.
“Ensuring transparent, bipartisan oversight of our state agencies is important to the functionality and integrity of a fair government,” Crowe said. “I’m pleased to have the opportunity to continue the commission’s work with my colleagues.”
Crowe is one of 12 legislators appointed to the commission by the Illinois Senate and House of Representatives to oversee the State Audit Program, review the administration of public funds and recommend actions to improve agency policies.
The commission will review all audits conducted by the State Auditor General. Primary responsibilities of the commission include:
For additional information on the commission and upcoming meetings, visit the ILGA website.
MARYVILLE – To make access to the COVID-19 vaccine more equitable and convenient for Metro East residents, a state-supported vaccination site opened Tuesday at the Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) announced.
“As our state receives more vaccine doses for distribution, we are working to ensure communities receive them quickly, efficiently and equitably,” Crowe said. “By opening a community vaccination site in Collinsville, we are providing Metro East residents with the opportunity to contribute to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The site will be located at 1 Gateway Drive in Collinsville beginning Tuesday, Feb. 23. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), when vaccines are fully available, up to 1,350 doses per day can be administered at the site.
The mass and mobile vaccination sites are managed through an interagency effort led by IDPH, coordinated by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and supported by the Illinois National Guard. More information and site locations can be found here.
There is no charge to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccinations are available only by appointment at this time, and residents are encouraged to check back frequently for open appointments. Individuals should sign up for an appointment to receive their second dose while they are getting their first vaccination.
When appointments become available, residents eligible for the vaccine can make an appointment by visiting the Madison County Health Department Website. If you do not have computer access, call (618) 650-8445 for assistance.
MARYVILLE – State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon), vice-chair of the Senate Tourism and Hospitality Committee, joined conversations Thursday to discuss the state’s recovery plan for businesses, hotels and restaurants hurt by the pandemic.
“While I understand the importance of keeping residents safe, it has been difficult to watch local businesses suffer as residents cross our borders to support restaurants and shops in neighboring states,” Crowe said. “Illinois has so much to offer, and I’m looking forward to discussing our state’s recovery plan to re-ignite our unique tourism and hospitality industries.”
The committee’s first hearing on Thursday covered the strategic plan for COVID-19 recovery and relief in the hospitality industry and featured testimony from representatives of various areas of the industry. Details on the next meeting will be announced when finalized.
Committee schedules, witness slips and live proceedings are available at www.ilga.gov.
MARYVILLE – Thanks to an inspiring response from students, families and community members, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) will deliver hundreds of Valentine’s Day cards to residents at Stearns Nursing and Rehab in Granite City and Foxes Grove Supportive Living Community in Wood River.
“The pandemic has left our neighbors in local long-term care facilities feeling isolated from loved ones over many events and holidays,” Crowe said. “But thanks to members of our community, I am overwhelmed with joy to deliver these notes to remind our older residents how much they are cared for.”
PICTURED: (LEFT) Senator Rachelle Crowe poses in her Maryville district office with cards donated by Collinsville High School students and local residents. (RIGHT) Cards dropped off in Senator Rachelle Crowe’s Wood River office location.
MARYVILLE – To learn about the status of several unemployment insurance issues plaguing the Illinois Department of Employment Security, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) will attend a subject matter hearing in the Senate Labor Committee on Wednesday. The unprecedented flood of claims in the last year, when more than 1 million Illinoisans lost their jobs, overwhelmed the department.
“Almost a year after the pandemic began, our state’s unemployment benefits system is working through challenge after challenge, and meanwhile, residents are growing more desperate every day,” Crowe said. “Unemployed residents deserve solid answers regarding what is being done to fix our broken benefits system. IDES must provide the public with updates on how the department is addressing the complaints claimants have posed.”
Read more: Crowe to seek answers during Senate Labor Committee hearing on status of IDES issues
MARYVILLE – Focused on the future of the justice system, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) vows to prioritize accountability and fairness in her renewed position as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
“Our state has the opportunity to build a justice system that works for everyone and upholds the values it was built upon: integrity and fairness,” Crowe said. “I look forward to hearing from crime survivors, families and other involved courtroom officials and using their input to guide this session’s agenda.”
Crowe got her start in law as a prosecutor in the Violent Crimes Unit at the Madison County State’s Attorney’s office before being elected to the Illinois Senate in 2018.
She was first appointed chair of the Judiciary Committee in January 2020, becoming the first woman in Illinois history to take on the role. Crowe also serves as vice-chair of the Tourism and Hospitality Committee and is an active member on the Labor, Licensed Activities and Veterans Affairs Committees.
MARYVILLE – To bring joy to older residents who have been isolated from loved ones, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) invites people of all ages to donate valentines to be given out at local long-term care facilities.
“Whether the cards are bought in a store or made from paper and markers, many older residents could use an extra reminder that they are cared for,” Crowe said. “I encourage families, students, community members and anyone with artistic talent to send in a Valentine’s Day card to spread love to our older neighbors.”
Read more: Crowe’s office to gather valentines for long-term care residents