CHICAGO — Through the passage of the Senate Democrat-backed 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is launching $21 million in funding to develop 13 community-based contractor incubator hubs across the state.

“With a goal of moving Illinois toward a carbon-free future, the CEJA Contractor Incubator Hubs are critical to supporting clean energy contractors across Illinois,” said State Senator Bill Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This $21 million program will provide Illinois’ small businesses with the resources and tools necessary to prepare for a clean energy future.”

The program establishes a network of 13 community-based hubs across the state offering incubator services designed to assist clean energy contractors and small businesses – especially those from underserved areas – grow their businesses. The organizations that will run CEJA Contractor Incubator Hubs will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity process.

“The Illinois Legislative Jewish Caucus is shocked and saddened to learn of the massive terrorist attack against Israel that is still playing out at this moment. We stand with the State of Israel as she stood with the United States during our most horrific moments.

The totality of the loss of life is not yet clear, but we unequivocally condemn this deprivation of innocent life. We pray for peace on this Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest, knowing there are thousands of Israeli brothers and sisters who are being deprived of their peace right now.”

Illinois General Assembly Legislative Jewish Caucus
Representative Jonathan Carroll
Representative Kelly Cassidy
Representative Margaret Croke
Representative Daniel Didech
Representative Robyn Gabel
Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz
Representative Will Guzzardi
Representative Anna Moeller
Representative Bob Morgan
Representative Kevin Olickal
Senator Sara Feigenholtz
Senator Laura Fine
Senator Julie Morrison
Senator Robert Peters
Senator Ram Villivalam

Turner encourages women to get breast cancer screenings

SPRINGFIELD — In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, State Senator Doris Turner is encouraging women to get their yearly mammogram.

“Early detection is the most effective way to prevent breast cancer,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Getting regular mammograms can help catch breast cancer at its earliest stages.”

Read more.

Halpin recognizes October as College Changes Everything Month

ROCK ISLAND — State Senator Mike Halpin is highlighting the start of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission’s annual College Changes Everything Campaign — beginning with recognizing October as CCE Month.

“College Changes Everything Month reminds us that education is more than an individual journey,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island), chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee. “It’s a collective investment in our state’s future. By celebrating this month, we are acknowledging that every student’s success is a step toward a more thriving community.”

Read more.

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month

SPRINGFIELD — This Hispanic Heritage Month, members of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus are celebrating the history, contributions and influence of the Latino community in Illinois and across the nation.

From sharing stories about their parents who immigrated to the U.S. and worked hard so their children could pursue a better life, to honoring the vast social, cultural, educational and economic contributions of Latino leaders and trailblazers, Illinois’ Democratic Senators take pride in representing their communities in a state where everyone is welcome. Hispanic culture not only strengthens the state, but it is a key component of what makes Illinois unique.

Read more.

We want to hear from you

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Senate Special Committee on the Chicago Elected Representative School Board is seeking further input from parents, education advocates, community groups and other stakeholders regarding the transition to a fully-elected school board.

The committee will host a public hearing online at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 12 at www.ilga.gov to explore suggestions on how the transition can be done in a way that ensures equitable representation for all of Chicago’s diverse communities. Recent hearings have raised questions about a number of provisions required under current law, including the hybrid period in which some districts will be represented by members who are elected and others will be represented by members who are appointed, as well as the petition and election process for prospective board candidates.

Comments can be submitted prior to the hearing via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or online at www.ilsenateredistricting.com. That website also hosts an online map-making portal where anyone can draw and submit proposed district boundaries for consideration.

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Copyright 2023 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

SPRINGFIELD – This Hispanic Heritage Month, members of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus are celebrating the history, contributions and influence of the Latino community in Illinois and across the nation.

From sharing stories about their parents who immigrated to the U.S. and worked hard so their children could pursue a better life, to honoring the vast social, cultural, educational and economic contributions of Latino leaders and trailblazers, Illinois’ Democratic Senators take pride in representing their communities in a state where everyone is welcome. Hispanic culture not only strengthens the state, but it is a key component of what makes Illinois unique.

Hispanic Heritage Month – observed between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15 – is a time to acknowledge and commemorate the histories, cultures and contributions of our Hispanic neighbors. This year, we asked Latino Caucus members to share what’s important to them this Hispanic Heritage Month. Check out their responses in the video below. Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!

ROCK ISLAND – State Senator Mike Halpin is highlighting the start of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission’s annual College Changes Everything Campaign — beginning with recognizing October as CCE Month.

“College Changes Everything Month reminds us that education is more than an individual journey,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island), chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee. “It’s a collective investment in our state’s future. By celebrating this month, we are acknowledging that every student’s success is a step toward a more thriving community.”

CCE is a college access movement that recognizes college can be a life-changing experience not only for students, but also for families and communities. In Illinois and across the nation, those who obtain education beyond high school not only see a significant impact on their potential career prospects and future salary, but also lower levels of poverty, crime and obesity rates in their communities. CCE is an essential part of helping Illinois reach its goal of increasing the proportion of adults in the state with high quality degrees or credentials to 60% by 2025.

For the past eight years, during CCE Month, ISAC has collaborated with schools and community-based organizations to provide free college and financial aid application completion workshops statewide. This year, CCE campaign activities will extend through the winter to better support students and families in light of the transition to a later launch date of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

“The College Changes Everything campaign aligns with our states’ values of affordability, access and equal opportunity in education,” said Halpin. “Together, we can empower and uplift students across Illinois to reach their full potential. I encourage all students and families to take advantage of the free workshops to alleviate as much stress as possible come college and FAFSA application time.”

For more information about CCE Month or the CCE campaign, visit the CCE website.

SPRINGFIELD – In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, State Senator Doris Turner is encouraging women to get their yearly mammogram.

“Early detection is the most effective way to prevent breast cancer,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Getting regular mammograms can help catch breast cancer at its earliest stages.”

According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, more Black women die of breast cancer than any other racial or ethnic group. Breast cancer is also the leading cause of cancer death in women aged 20 to 59, according to Breast Cancer Prevention Partners.

Women over the age of 45 are encouraged to receive regular mammograms. They are also encouraged to consult with their health care provider about risk factors and whether additional breast cancer screening is required. Risk factors for breast cancer can be managed by remaining physically active, by maintaining a healthy weight, and by limiting intake of alcohol.

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.

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci announced that a combined total of $871,000 is coming to communities in Champaign and Vermilion counties to support local revitalization efforts.

“Excellent work is being done in our community to rehab deteriorating residential properties to get these homes back on the market,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “So much can be done to make our neighborhoods stronger and safer with investment in this program.”

The Illinois Housing Development Authority recently approved $19 million to support affordable housing and community revitalization efforts across Illinois. Awarded under the Strong Communities Program, the initiative will provide funding to 68 units of local governments and land bank authorities for the acquisition, maintenance, rehabilitation and demolition of abandoned residential properties in their communities. The program is designed to support local revitalization efforts and attract further investment in communities that may lack the resources needed to tackle vacant, abandoned and deteriorated properties.