­CHICAGO – Members of the Illinois Senate Transportation Committee will hold a joint hearing with the Senate Executive Sub-committee on Procurement to discuss Senate Bill 1900 on Monday, Sept. 27.

“As chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, I am committed to exploring new ways to make our transportation network safe and accessible with the absolute stewardship of taxpayer dollars as a top priority,” Villivalam said. “We will have a robust, transparent discussion on encouraging private investment that may ease the financial burden on our state and invite our economic drivers to have a stake in the transportation network.”

SPRINGFIELD – On a tour of the Midwest celebrating schools of excellence, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona announced 18 Illinois schools have been named National Blue Ribbon Schools in recognition of their overall academic excellence and their progress in closing achievement gaps, including ten in the Chicago suburban communities represented by Illinois Senate Democrats.

“I want to extend my sincerest congratulations to the award-winning students at Maple School and all 18 National Blue Ribbon Schools across Illinois for their hard-earned achievement,” said State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview), who represents Blue Ribbon awardee Maple School in Northbrook. “Earning the prestigious Blue Ribbon is no easy feat, especially during such trying times, and this academic excellence will lead to bright futures.”

CHICAGO – To help adults and youth who have suffered job losses during the pandemic, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) recently announced $20 million will go toward workforce recovery efforts through the American Rescue Plan Act Job Training and Economic Development Program.

“As the result of an unprecedented global pandemic, investments in workforce training have never been more important for our communities, our people and our economy,” Lightford said. “I’m proud to join Gov. Pritzker in announcing the next steps to guide our continued economic recovery with investments that will put more people back to work. I look forward to heading up the work of the commission so that we can close the equity gap that has for too long shut residents out and bring more Illinoisans into not just jobs, but permanent career paths.”

HOFFMAN ESTATES – State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) toured the AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital and sat down with local health care workers to discuss some of the challenges facing local systems Monday.

“I appreciated the conversations I had during my visit regarding some of the issues in our health care system, like staffing needs, number of beds and more,” Castro said. “We know that behavioral and mental health care is just as important as physical care, and AMITA is working to expand their services to people with mental health needs.”

SCHAUMBURG – The Village of Schaumburg will receive $1.25 million in state funding to construct a public access road and bike path connecting major businesses to the Schaumburg Metra Station, a landmark investment State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) said will create jobs and advance economic development across the region.

“This hard-won funding will help Schaumburg meet the growing need for safe, green transportation and recreation,” Murphy said. “Thanks to years of advocacy from village officials, the Schaumburg community will reap the benefits of this project for years to come.”

The project, which is expected to create over 485 jobs, will expand Schaumburg’s 90-mile network of bike paths, giving residents and tourists more ways to visit local businesses.

The Village of Schaumburg is one of just 11 communities across the state selected to receive funding through the Rebuild Illinois Regional Economic Development program, a component of the historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program aimed at creating jobs, boosting investment in underserved communities and fostering lasting economic growth.

“Safe, modern infrastructure helps our community stay connected,” Murphy said. “This funding will open up new opportunities for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists to support the local shops and businesses that make Schaumburg unique.”

A total of $16.5 million was awarded through the RIRED program. More information about the RIRED program and other state grant programs is available at Illinois.gov/DCEO.

CHICAGO – State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D- Chicago) along with other local leaders hosted a free Recycling Day over the weekend, which included a prescription drug take-back, document shredding and electronics recycling.

“Saturday’s event provided a great opportunity for community members to come out to not only clear up clutter around their homes, but also do so in a way that will help our environment,” Pacione-Zayas said. “I want to thank everyone who participated, especially our hardworking volunteers, for making this event a big success.”

KANKAKEE – To highlight farm and ranch safety awareness, Senate Agriculture Chair Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is drawing attention to 2021 National Farm Safety and Health Week.

Joyce is joining the Illinois Departments of Agriculture and Labor from Sept. 19-25 to spread awareness and emphasize this year’s National Farm Safety and Health Week theme: “Farm Safety Yields Real Results.”

BRIDGEVIEW – The Illinois Department of Employment Security will begin to restore its in-person workforce and limited unemployment services at the American Job Center in Burbank, State Senator Steve Landek (D-Bridgeview) announced Monday.

“The COVID-19 pandemic unfortunately robbed many people of in-person unemployment insurance service when they needed it most,” Landek said. “I am thrilled to be able to announce the return of these services to residents of the 12^th District.”

Scheduled appointments are required at least 24 hours in advance for in-person assistance 5608 W 75th Place in Burbank. 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 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 will be 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.

Claimants are strongly encouraged to use the IDES website to apply and certify for benefits, enroll in direct deposit, change passwords, engage in work search and connect with an employment services professional, among other services. Claimants can also continue to speak with 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.