FRANKFORT – More than 100 businesses in the 19^th District were awarded over $4 million in funding from the Back to Business program thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Hastings (D-Frankfort) worked tirelessly to advocate and support local businesses in the South Suburbs throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Our local businesses have fought through extremely difficult times to keep their doors open and support our communities,” Hastings said. “These vital dollars will help provide businesses with financial assistance to help them keep their lights on.”

A total of $4.03 million was awarded to more than 100 businesses in the 19^th District. The B2B grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget.

DCEO has provided $250 million in B2B grants – thanks to strong support from Hastings – to small businesses throughout the state, with an emphasis on hard hit sectors, such as hotels, restaurants, bars, barbershops and salons, and disproportionately impacted areas.

“Local businesses support our communities in endless ways,” Hastings said. “Let’s show our local businesses we have their back as well. I urge residents to continue to shop, dine and think local.”

With strong leadership from Hastings, the state has seen six Illinois’ General Obligation bond rating upgrades in the last year from all three of the nation’s primary credit rating agencies. The latest two-notch upgrades come as a result of the state paying down its bill backlog from over $16 billion to less than $3 billion in a course of just a few years.

Due to fiscal responsibility, the state saw an increase in funds available to assist small businesses.

Hastings urges businesses across the 19^th District to visit the DCEO website for additional resources or contact DCEO’s First Stop Business Information Center Services at 800-252-2923 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

SPRINGFIELD– State Senator Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) issued the following statement after the measure she supported banning public high schools from withholding transcripts and diplomas due to unpaid balances on a student’s account became law Friday:

“The value of our students should not be determined by the money they owe to their institutions, which is exactly what the practice of withholding students’ records due to an unpaid balance would suggest. Students are deserving of the documentation that shows they have completed their established requisites, and not having access to these records can interrupt a student’s learning path by blocking opportunities to higher education and job entry.”

“These kinds of insidious practices often occur without any state or federal mandate and primarily affect low-income and underserved students who struggle to pay these debts because of financial instability, making this an issue of equity. Continuing to allow a person’s pursuit of a stable future to be derailed by these expenses, which can be as low as $25, would be a great disservice to students, institutions and local economies alike.”

With this new law that took effect immediately, Illinois joins the ranks of few states, including California, Washington and Louisiana, taking a firm stance against barriers inhibiting students’ journeys toward success and personal security.

Springfield - A new measure to provide greater support for  law enforcement agencies and lower the police retirement age championed  by State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) became law.

“I am proud to see this new law provide additional support to recruit the next generation of police officers,” Martwick said. “We are working to address the practical concerns of law enforcement agencies across the state.”

CHICAGO – More than 200 businesses on the city’s Westside have received over $11 million in Back to Business grants thanks to support from State Senator Patricia Van Pelt.

“Our small business owners give us so much, and I jump at every opportunity I have to support their businesses,” said Van Pelt (D-Chicago). “Times are hard, and entrepreneurs need as much support as they can get.”

A total of $250 million was awarded to 6,500 businesses throughout the state. The B2B grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget.

More than 60% of awards were given to businesses located in Disproportionately Impacted Areas, and 61% of awards granted to hard-hit industries, including restaurants and taverns, hotels, arts organizations, and salons.

Businesses owned by people of color were the recipients of half of the grants, including 22% of grants to Asian American or Pacific Islander-owned businesses, 15% to Black-owned businesses, and 12% to Latinx-owned businesses.

“I am happy that so many business owners of color and those located in disproportionately impacted areas were grant recipients,” Van Pelt said. “So many different kinds of businesses needed assistance, and I know how much they will benefit from these grants.”

With strong leadership from Senator Van Pelt, the state has seen six Illinois’ General Obligation bond rating upgrades in the last year from three major credit rating agencies, allowing the state to have funds available to assist small businesses.

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Doris Turner announced the opening of a firearm assistance kiosk to be located in Springfield to help Central Illinoisans navigate legally obtaining and possessing firearms.

“Helping our communities engage in safe and responsible gun ownership is one critical way we can reduce the negative impacts of firearms in the state,” said Turner (D-Chicago). “By expanding ISP kiosk locations, we provide quicker access to the invaluable services they provide aimed at encouraging lawful firearm possession.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) spearheaded a newly signed law which creates a hotline designed to receive reports from the public regarding potential self-harm or criminal acts directed at schools, students or school employees.

“Our number one job is to protect our state’s most vulnerable populations,” said Sims. “This program was introduced to keep our children and schools safe while providing help to those who are battling mental illness.”

Senate Bill 3936, an initiative of Illinois State Police, requires ISP to work collaboratively with the Illinois Department of Human Services, Illinois Emergency Management Agency, Illinois State Board of Education and Department of Children and Family Services to provide support resources to students and teachers to prevent potential crisis situations.

The groups will work together to create a hotline to receive reports of potential self-harm and criminal acts directed at students and teachers. 

“We cannot wait for another tragic event to happen in our schools,” said Sims. “This is a key step in the intervention process that will not only protect our students from planned attacks but will also help improve police-community relations.” 

Senate Bill 3936 was signed into law on Friday, May 6.

CHICAGO – Nearly 100 businesses in the district State Senator Julie Morrison represents were awarded nearly $4.3 million in funding from the Back to Business program thanks to her advocacy and support.

“Small business owners in Lake and Cook County and throughout the state experienced unforeseen financial difficulties that will be challenging to bounce back from without help,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest).

KANKAKEE – Over 125 businesses in Kankakee, Will and southern Cook counties were awarded nearly $4 million in funding from the Back to Business program thanks to advocacy and support from State Senator Patrick Joyce.

“This is good for our small business community and will help boost our local economy,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “I will continue to advocate for investment in our area.”

A total of $3,925,000 was awarded to 128 businesses in the 40^th Senate District. The B2B grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget.