PARK FOREST – Families and businesses impacted by the severe storms and flash flooding in central Illinois that occurred earlier this month could be eligible for recovery assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) announced Wednesday.

Families in the surrounding counties of Champaign, Iroquois, Ford, Livingston, McLean and Vermilion are also eligible to apply for the SBA’s low-interest, long-term loans to boost flood recovery efforts.

“Following a disaster, it’s important for the community to come together and help each other heal,” Joyce said. “Assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration can give families the boost they need to bounce back.”

ROCKFORD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security will be reviving its in-person workforce and limited unemployment services at the American Job Center in Rockford, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) announced Thursday.

“Many working families have experienced real trouble due to the devastating social and economic impacts of COVID-19,” Stadelman said. “The restoration of in-person unemployment and workforce services will make their lives easier and help them return to work.”

IDES appointments are available now but must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance for in-person assistance at 303 North Main Street in Rockford. To schedule an appointment, people should call the IDES scheduling hotline at 217-558-0401 and request a callback.

An appointment may be scheduled for one of the following reasons:

• Identity verification for an unemployment insurance claim
• Assistance registering with IllinoisJobLink.com
• Assistance documenting work search activities
• Employment services, including resume and job search guidance
• Request to use the Resource Room to use computers with internet and other resources

Appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. To ensure efficiency, each appointment will be 20 minutes and visitors will be afforded a 10-minute grace period.

In the coming weeks, IDES will continue to reopen additional offices on a phased basis and will announce the availability of phone appointments to further assist claimants.

People are strongly encouraged to use the IDES website to apply for benefits, enroll in direct deposits, change passwords, engage in work searches and connect with an employment services professional, among other services. They can also continue to receive help from an IDES expert over the phone by requesting a callback at 800-244-5631. As a reminder, if a callback is received at an inconvenient time, claimants may reschedule the callback for a specific time with a call center agent.

CHICAGO – Illinois will become the first state to provide people experiencing mental health crises with more appropriate responses thanks to a law sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago).

“Our goal as public servants must be to provide treatment, not trauma,” Peters said. “Trained mental health officials responding to mental health emergencies is how we provide that treatment. The alternative is how we risk furthering trauma.”

SPRINGFIELD – To better support Illinois residents, a law sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) will significantly increase access to medically necessary health care, giving people with mental health and substance use disorders the ability to access treatment sooner, get back on their feet and move forward with the support they need.

“Insurance companies should provide coverage for mental health treatment along the same guidelines as other types of medically necessary treatment,” Senator Fine said. “Breaking down barriers for those seeking mental health treatment by expanding insurance coverage is essential.”

SPRINGFIELD – To help plan Illinois’ post-pandemic recovery and ensure the state sees it through, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) sponsored a law to give the legislature a voice in the reopening process by reinstating the Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission.

“Thanks to all the residents who have gotten their vaccine, the pandemic is ebbing, but our work isn’t finished,” Murphy said. “As we recover and rebuild, the Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission will offer lawmakers an avenue to communicate our constituents’ feedback and ideas.”

ROCKFORD – Patrons of North Suburban and Rockford Public Library Districts will soon see upgrades to services thanks to more than $325,000 in grants, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) announced Wednesday.

“Libraries are valuable resources for many who need the resources, technology, and educational opportunities they provide,” Stadelman said. “During a time of increased reliance on technology for work, school and everyday life, libraries really stepped up to help – especially for people who have less access to high speed internet and other resources at home.”

The $329,308.51 received by two local library districts is part of $18.1 million in grants awarded to 638 public libraries across the state. For more than 40 years, the Illinois Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants Program has helped public libraries with a low library tax base to ensure a minimum level of funding for library services.

Libraries will use the grants from the secretary of state’s office to help fund new services and products, such as audiobooks, adult programming, dual language materials and more. 

“More funding means better services provided by these libraries,” Stadelman said. “This investment will allow our libraries to provide even more opportunities for local residents.”

The following libraries in the district Stadelman represents will receive funds:

• Loves Park – North Suburban Public Library District - $103,823.78
• Rockford Public Library District - $225,484,73

For more information on the grants, people can visit the secretary of state’s website.

Lightford wants to provide an equitable education for all students

SPRINGFIELD - Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford’s (D-Maywood) effort to create a commission to evaluate whether public universities and community colleges receive fair funding to serve members of disadvantaged communities was signed by the governor on Monday.  

“Universities and colleges that serve members of disadvantaged communities need fair funding in order to serve their students and reverse the damage caused by historic and systemic racism,” Lightford said.

The new law follows up on the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Education and Workforce Development Pillar law that passed earlier this year. 

SPRINGFIELD – A steadfast supporter of keeping tobacco out of the hands of children, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is proud of a newly signed law creating the Preventing Youth Vaping Act.

“Vaping- and e-cigarette-related deaths and illnesses have become a nationwide outbreak that no user is immune to — no matter how young they are,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “We must continue to change the culture of smoking – especially for younger generations. The Preventing Youth Vaping Act is another step toward keeping these harmful products out of the hands of children.”