MARYVILLE – To learn about the status of several unemployment insurance issues plaguing the Illinois Department of Employment Security, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) will attend a subject matter hearing in the Senate Labor Committee on Wednesday. The unprecedented flood of claims in the last year, when more than 1 million Illinoisans lost their jobs, overwhelmed the department.

“Almost a year after the pandemic began, our state’s unemployment benefits system is working through challenge after challenge, and meanwhile, residents are growing more desperate every day,” Crowe said. “Unemployed residents deserve solid answers regarding what is being done to fix our broken benefits system. IDES must provide the public with updates on how the department is addressing the complaints claimants have posed.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Jacqueline Collins renewed her call to correct the disparity in vaccination between Chicago’s wealthier white neighborhoods and poorer neighborhoods of color Tuesday, citing recent reports in major news outlets showing that the United States, and Chicago in particular, are not vaccinating Black people and other communities of color at the same rate as white Americans.

“When the COVID-19 pandemic began to claim lives in America, Chicago’s South Side had the sad distinction of being the home of the city’s first known victim. As it continued, testing was particularly scarce in these same neighborhoods, even as infection rates and hospitalizations soared,” Collins said. “And now, as we finally inch toward the light at the end of the tunnel, we see reports that these same neighborhoods are among those receiving the fewest vaccines.”

WHO: Senate Commerce Committee and representatives from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
WHAT: Subject matter hearing on the Business Interruption Grant program
WHERE: The virtual hearing can be viewed here. Blue Room Stream, a subscription-based service, will also stream the hearing.
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 11 at 9:30 a.m.

Johnson highlights scholarships for underrepresented students interested in STEM careers

BUFFALO GROVE — State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is encouraging students from underrepresented communities who want to pursue a degree in science, technology, engineering or math to apply for the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative.

“Underrepresented groups should have the opportunity to enter and succeed in science and math-based careers,” Johnson said. “College is expensive and seems like a daunting and unlikely possibility for many minority students. I hope this scholarship will give young people from our communities the chance they’ve always dreamed of.”

Read more.

Harris: NFL should not use race to determine concussion settlements

DOLTON — State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) released the following statement on the NFL using race as a category to judge whether ex-players should be paid for head injury claims:

"It's sickening that the National Football League uses race to determine concussion settlements. Black players who sustained injuries while playing deserve the same support as white players. This is further proof the NFL does not care about players' livelihoods after their football career is finished — but rather only when they can help the league."

Read more.

Senators collect Valentines for older adults

SPRINGFIELD — Many older adults have been isolated from their loved ones for nearly a year due to the ongoing public health crisis. To show people living in long-term care facilities that people are thinking about them, a number of democratic senators are collecting Valentine’s Day cards from their respective communities.

“Whether the cards are bought in a store or made from paper and markers, many older residents could use an extra reminder that they are cared for,” said State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport).

Read more.

Lightford urges everyone to mask up

BROADVIEW — Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) released a video message urging Illinoisans to wear a mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“This pandemic has shined a light on the inequities faced in Black and Brown communities, especially when it comes to education,” Lightford said. “I urge everyone to do their part and mask up, so we can get students back into classrooms safely and give them the resources they need to succeed.”

To watch the video, click here.

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CHICAGO – The 2021 Department of Children and Family Services Scholarship Program is now open, and State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is encouraging youth in care to apply.

“I worked hard to expand this scholarship program, and the program can help dozens of youth after an extremely difficult year,” Hunter said. “This scholarship allows students to focus on their studies, rather than carry the burden of paying for their education.”

The Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus is complete: two new senators were recently sworn in, filling two remaining vacancies.

Senator Doris Turner of Springfield was appointed to serve for the 48th District after Andy Manar’s departure last month. She was sworn in on Saturday.

Senator Mike Simmons was appointed and sworn in to serve for the 7th District representing the north side of Chicago, succeeding Heather Steans who retired from the Senate recently.

AURORA – Senator Linda Holmes will lead a subject matter hearing in the Senate Labor Committee this week to learn about the status of several Unemployment Insurance issues plaguing the Illinois Department of Employment Security in the last year. Their handling of an unprecedented flood of claims in the last year, when more than 1 million Illinoisans lost their jobs, overwhelmed the department.

“Our working group on this major issue has been investigating this since shortly after the pandemic began,” Committee Chair Holmes said. “We’ve had input from colleagues and the hundreds of constituents who’ve contacted us about their difficulties getting payments, navigating the website or getting a call back from IDES.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) will continue to serve on Senate President Don Harmon’s leadership team as Majority Caucus Whip during the 102^nd General Assembly.

“I am deeply humbled President Harmon has given me the distinct honor of continuing to serve on his leadership team,” Hastings said. “While our state faces challenges not seen in generations, I have no doubt that under his leadership we will implement creative solutions that give our people the relief they deserve in an effective, bipartisan manner.”

Hastings was appointed to Senate President Harmon’s leadership team to serve as Majority Caucus Whip in 2020. In this role, Hastings works closely with fellow caucus members on policy issues and offers advice on their respective legislative agendas. Hastings will also continue to serve as chair of the Senate Public Utilities and Energy Committee.

“We have our work cut out for us in 2021,” Hastings said. “In addition to providing our communities with the tools necessary for an effective and efficient COVID-19 response, we need to consider solutions that secure the future of clean energy in Illinois. That starts with investing in existing infrastructure and preserving the good-paying jobs in our communities.”

In the coming months, Hastings hopes to help foster bipartisan collaboration on key issues, including equitable clean energy solutions, implementing ethics reform to restore the public’s trust in government, and increasing support for small businesses and families struggling during the pandemic.

Hastings has served the 19th Legislative District since 2012, when he was elected as one of the youngest Senators in state history. Since then, he has worked tirelessly to pass legislation with the goal of improving the social and financial climate of the state of Illinois.