Caucus News

CHICAGO – State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) is partnering with Board of Review Commissioner Michael Cabonargi to host an Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment webinar Dec. 22 and is encouraging everyone who needs assistance to participate.

“Property taxes are expensive, and the assessment process is confusing,” Martwick said. “We’re offering this free webinar to help people understand more about the taxes they’re paying and to answer questions about how to appeal.”

This free online webinar will explain the property tax appeal process and help people appeal. The commissioner and Sen. Martwick will be giving a brief presentation on the subject, and an analyst will be available to answer questions.

Residents can visit www.cookcountyboardofreview.com/vabonargi to register for the webinar or file an appeal. Appeals are currently open in Jefferson Township.

Anyone who needs an appeal form mailed to them can contact Martwick’s district office at (773) 286-1115 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

CHICAGO – Many of those in long-term care facilities are in need of holiday cheer, and State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) is collecting holiday cards to deliver to the residents at Norwood Crossing in Norwood Park and Seniors Assistance Center in Norridge.

“During the holidays this year, many of the folks who live in long-term care facilities are struggling,” Martwick said. “With people staying home for safety, we are getting creative with the ways we support our seniors.”

Martwick is encouraging everyone in the 10^th District to write cards, which can be homemade or store-bought, to help spread some holiday cheer during this difficult time.

Martwick is also encouraging kids to participate and make homemade cards.

Cards can be delivered to Martwick’s district office every Tuesday and Thursday until the 17^th.

6315 N Milwaukee, Suite 101
Chicago, IL 60646

For more information call 773-286-1115 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

CHICAGO – State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) is pleased Illinois has joined the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide, a national effort focusing on mental health support and preventative services for veterans.

“Many veterans who rely on employment through our small businesses are facing additional struggles as the pandemic continues,” Martwick said. “I am pleased Illinois continues to prioritize those who have sacrificed so much four our country by putting $2 million toward suicide prevention.”

Illinois declared $2 million to the initiative, working in partnership with Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs. In 2019, suicide was the 12th leading cause of death among Illinois residents of all ages, but the third leading cause of death among those under the age of 24.

Illinois is the latest of 27 states to join the challenge. The State continues to prioritize mental health and preventative services and will work to implement best practices using the latest public health research and data.

CHICAGO – In honor of Veterans Day, State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) celebrated the opening of the new Chicago Veterans’ Home along with the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Illinois Capital Development Board. The home is the first state veterans’ retirement facility to open in 20 years and the first to serve the Chicagoland area.

“It is my honor to announce the opening of the Chicago Veterans’ Home and see the hard work of so many that has turned into reality,” Martwick said. “Veterans are our heroes. They have made the sacrifice to protect this country for our freedoms, and that’s why they deserve our appreciation through safe and affordable housing.“

CHICAGO – State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) is pleased 25 businesses in the district he represents received financial assistance from the Businesses Interruption Grant program to help offset financial losses stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, and he is encouraging businesses to continue to apply.

“Small businesses have faced some of the greatest financial losses stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Martwick said. “These funds are important to help keep business doors open while keeping the community safe.”

Twenty-five businesses in the district Martwick represents have received a combined $505,000. Each business received between $5,000 and $150,000 to help offset costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have been interrupted due to the pandemic.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded the grants this week, as part of the second round of BIG Grants. However, applications will remain open until all of the funding is spent.

The BIG program is the largest state-run economic support program formed in response to the financial losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Applications are available on the DCEO’s website.

CHICAGO – The Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) named State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) a Lifetime Environmental Champion for his exceptional voting record on environmental protection and sustainability legislation.

“Throughout my career, I’ve made it a priority to work toward cleaner air and water, tackle climate change and protect our open spaces. It is an honor to be recognized by the Illinois Environmental Council for these efforts,” said Martwick. “I look forward to continuing to work with them to protect our environment and the health and safety of our communities.”

CHICAGO – With many older adults heavily Impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) wants to highlight a recent announcement by the secretary of state’s office that all valid driver’s licenses held by Illinoisans who are 75 years of age or older have been extended by one year.

“It’s important to ensure the health and safety of everyone in our community,” Martwick said. “Extending licenses allows older adults to maintain social distancing as they are at high risk of complications from COVID-19 during this time.”

As a result, drivers age 75 and older with a 2020 driver’s license expiration date do not need to visit a facility to renew their licenses until shortly before their birthday in 2021.

There are approximately 147,000 drivers age 75 and over with expired or expiring driver’s licenses in 2020. Letters are being sent to drivers that qualify for this extension. The letter should be kept with the qualifying driver as further proof of the one-year extension. In addition, driving records on the secretary of state’s computer system have been updated to show the new 2021 expiration dates for qualified drivers, and law enforcement agencies both state and nationwide have been notified of the extended expiration dates.

In addition to being 75 or older, the driver must have a valid license. Drivers whose licenses are suspended or revoked do not qualify for the one-year extension. All other drivers whose licenses have expired since the beginning of the pandemic have been extended until Nov. 1, 2020.

For those customers who must visit a facility, face masks are required. In addition, these customers are asked to be patient due to heavy volume and to be prepared to wait outside in various types of weather. This is due to social distancing, which limits the number of people inside a facility at one time.

Illinois law gives the Illinois secretary of state the authority to extend driver’s license expiration dates. For more information, visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com.

CHICAGO – During a time when many Illinois businesses are struggling with tough financial decisions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) is excited to see 24 local businesses have been awarded a combined $430,000 through the Business Interruption Grant program.

“The hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic have taken a toll on small businesses in our communities,” Martwick said. “The BIG program provides funding many business owners need to stay afloat, and I’m glad to see a number of local establishments on this list of recipients.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded a total of $46 million to 2,655 small businesses in the first round of BIG funding. The BIG program offers grants to Illinois restaurants and bars, barbershops and salons, fitness centers, and other businesses that have suffered pandemic-related losses, with a focus on businesses in the hardest-hit areas of the state.

First round grants range from $10,000 to $20,000 and may be used to help businesses with working capital expenses, including payroll costs, rent and utilities. The funds may also be used to cover pandemic-related expenses, such as personal protective equipment, training and new technology.

The BIG program is the largest state-run economic support program formed in response to the COVID-19 economic downturn. The full list of grant recipients is available here.