CHICAGO – On Wednesday night, a group of immigrants from Venezuela arrived in Chicago after they were “shipped out” on buses by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. Regarding this matter, State Senator Cristina H. Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) welcomes the newcomers, highlights local resources, and disavows Abbott’s decision to use human lives as political currency for personal gain.

“I am proud that my state, Illinois, and my city, Chicago, continue to be the most welcoming places in the nation to our immigrant siblings. We welcome the newcomers as we work to deploy resources to support them in both the immediate and long term.

“My community already took action. Chicago is the soul of our nation, a place built by the strength and contributions of people from all corners of the globe. A temporary shelter was staffed through the night by trusted partners including Rincon Family Services who support immigrants year-round through state funded Welcoming Centers.  Many other local partners are mobilizing to ensure we can offer resources they need to settle and thrive in our community.

“Also, I condemn Abbott’s lack of humanity with his approach to immigration. Our actions and/or the lack thereof reflect upon one’s character. The Governor of Texas has clearly failed this test. 

“Instead of using refugees as political pawns, our city and state choose to respond to our challenges with compassion and humanity, not cruelty. I commit to working with my colleagues to create opportunities for the new residents of Illinois ensuring prosperity is accessible to all people.”

ESSEX – The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has announced a grant program involving $15 million in Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship funding to expand job training and career opportunities. State Senator Patrick Joyce is encouraging organizations in the construction industry to apply for this grant opportunity.

“This is a great program that could really benefit small businesses that qualify across our communities,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “The funding has the chance to help people within local organizations expand their opportunities while also boosting the economy of the state .”

The Illinois Works Program was created in 2019 and is designed to promote diversity, inclusion and use of apprentices in state-funded capital projects.

This year, the state budget allocated $8 million in funding for new organizations that train, educate and help prospective workers navigate the job search process, and $7 million for programs that currently receive funding but have exceeded performance benchmarks.

“I think it is important for businesses, as well as employees, to feel fulfilled and uplifted in their careers,” said Joyce. “I am inviting organizations in the area to apply for this funding that could really help them in the long run.”

For more information, visit the DCEO website.

CHICAGO – Following the passage of the Illinois Senate Democrat-championed Reimagine Public Safety Act, $100 million in grants to advance anti-violence funding in Illinois was announced.

“This round of funding will make a difference in the lives across some of the most vulnerable communities in the state,” said State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago). “The more programs we have to support our youth, the better chance we have at disrupting gun violence.”

The $100 million will help provide direct services to 16 communities and municipalities and include violence prevention, trauma informed behavioral health services, and youth intervention services. This investment builds on $113 million in funding made available in May as well as $10 million in funding for Chicago and other granted areas ahead of the summer.

ELGIN – State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) released the following statement after Texas’ governor chartered buses to transport immigrants from Texas to Chicago as part of his aggressive border policy:

“I welcome these families and would like them to know that in Illinois, they will be treated with dignity and will be able to receive the services they may need. We stand for humanity and respect, and our policies reflect that.

Also, I condemn Governor Abbott’s use of inhumane tactics on immigrant families and those seeking asylum. This malice only makes our state shine more as one of the nation’s most welcoming states.

“The City of Chicago is working with local and state partners to connect these folks with the support and resources they need. All Illinoisans will follow suit to embrace those who need a helping hand while providing the means they may require.”

CHICAGO – On International Opioid Awareness Day, State Senator Mattie Hunter announced the official launch of the South Side Heroin/Opioid Task Force, which she is the convener of.

Hunter was joined by Florence Mason, Director of the South Side Heroin/Opioid Task Force; partners Walonza Lee, Program Director Office of Substance Use Chicago Department of Public Health, and Livia Verklan Mcinnes, GIS Analyst for the Chicago Department of Public Health; and La Shaun Rickman, Executive Director of Brighter, Behavior, Choices Inc., where the press conference was held.

“Our goal is to make treatment and other resources more accessible for those struggling with substance abuse,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “We want to provide tangible resources for those dealing with substance use and their loved ones to combat this crisis and let them know that overdose is avoidable when help is available.”

CHICAGO – To help community members prevent identity fraud and protect their personal information, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz is joining 44^th Ward Alderman Tom Tunney and State Representative Margaret Croke to host a paper shredding event on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 9 a.m. to noon at the 44th Ward Office, located at 3323 N. Sheffield Avenue in Chicago.

“Document shredding is a great way for residents to clear out clutter in their homes, keep their personal information safe and protect the environment,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “I encourage residents to take advantage of this free and convenient service that will keep sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands.”

Shredding services will accept any residential paper documents that contain personal or private information, such as bank statements, invoices, outdated medical records, pay stubs, receipts, credit card offers and tax returns older than seven years. Non-paper items and materials from businesses will not be accepted.

HIGHWOOD — State Senator Julie Morrison celebrates the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announcement of almost $130,000 in grants for land trusts in Lake County to support land protected by the Illinois Nature Preservation Commission.

“Our nature preserves are a point of pride, and to give them the support they need is vital to maintain their high quality stewardship,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “They serve not only as a way to preserve our environment, but as ways for our children to learn about nature.”

Two area Open Lands Associations have been given grants to support their stewardship efforts. Lake Bluff Open Lands Association will receive nearly $60,000 to hire interns and contractual services to control invasive species, remove undesirable trees, and conduct controlled burns which are vital in preservation at Skokie River Prairie Land and Water Reserve. The Lake Forest Open Lands Association will receive just over $70,000 to purchase equipment, supplies, and contractual assistance to improve natural community structure and diversity at Skokie River Nature Preserve and Middlefork Savanna Nature Preserve.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is partnering with the City of Springfield and Sangamon County to invite residents to a public meeting highlighting the Third Street Corridor Redevelopment on Thursday, Sept. 1 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Bank of Springfield Center.

The open house will allow local residents to learn more about economic development plans in downtown Springfield and provide input.

“For years, I have heard from Springfield residents about the loud train noises and congestion in downtown Springfield,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Residents are extremely passionate about these revitalization efforts. This public meeting is an opportunity for folks to learn more about the improvements and voice their thoughts and opinions.”