SPRINGFIELD – Though the health care pillar of the Black Caucus’ agenda to end systemic racism didn’t pass the General Assembly last week due to a technical issue, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) has vowed to continue fighting toward a more equitable and inclusive health care system in Illinois.

“The fight for equal access to health care isn’t over,” Hunter said. “I plan to reintroduce and pass the health care agenda this spring.

In addition to increasing the accessibility of health care, the legislation would also put a halt on hospital closures, reform Medicaid managed care organizations, and advance community health worker certification and reimbursement.

Decreasing maternal and infant mortality, mental health and substance abuse, and medical implicit bias are also major goals of the Black Caucus health pillar.

“The measures in this legislation, such as a moratorium on hospital closures and the expansion of mental health and substance abuse treatments, can save lives,” Hunter said. “It will also radically transform our health care system, which is something my colleagues and I have worked toward for a long time.”

The Senate is set to reconvene again Tuesday, February 9^th.

SPRINGFIELD – Last week, both the Senate and the House approved an effort led by State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) to allow an early learning and youth development center to purchase the state-owned property it has occupied for decades from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

“I am happy both chambers have moved The Carole Robertson Center one step closer to reaching independence. The Center has been in need of renovations that the state is simply unable to perform,” Van Pelt said. “Selling off state property is not a move anybody involved makes lightly, but in this case, it is necessary. Under the Center’s ownership, it will become possible for thousands of disadvantaged children on Chicago’s West Side to benefit from renovations to the site.”

CHICAGO –Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) is encouraging small business owners who need economic relief to look into the Small Business Association newly reopened Paycheck Protection Program.

“Small business owners have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, and this funding will provide support to the shops and restaurants that are still struggling,” Munoz said. “I encourage local business owners to apply for these programs to support themselves and their employees.”

The Small Business Association has reopened the Paycheck Protection Program, a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on payroll.  Businesses with 300 employees or less and at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between 2019 and 2020 are eligible to apply. 

First Draw PPP Loans and Second Draw PPP Loans can be used to help fund payroll costs, including benefits, and may also be used to pay for mortgage interest, rent, utilities, worker protection costs related to COVID-19, uninsured property damage costs caused by looting or vandalism during 2020 and certain supplier costs and expenses for operations. Second Draw PPP loans are for businesses that have already received a PPP loan and may be eligible to receive another. At least $25 billion is being set aside for Second Draw PPP Loans to eligible borrowers with a maximum of 10 employees or for loans of $250,000 or less to eligible borrowers in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods. The deadline to apply for both loans is March 31, 2021.

Another assistance opportunity, the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program makes $15 billion in grants available to shuttered venues, to be administered by the SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance. The application is not open yet, but more information is available here.

To help constituents understand the new programs, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is offering webinars. A full list of webinars is available here.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) will serve as chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee in the 102nd General Assembly.

“As a fourth-generation farmer, I am honored to chair the Senate Agriculture Committee,” Joyce said. “I’ve seen firsthand the issues and concerns facing the farming community, and I look forward to leading the committee to make sure our farmers’ best interests are kept in mind.”

During these challenging times for farms, ranches and rural communities throughout the state, Joyce vows to be a strong representative to address critical matters affecting Illinois’ food supply chain. He intends to work hand in hand with the leaders of the state’s agricultural industries.

“Agriculture is a vital industry in my district and the state of Illinois,” Joyce said. “I will strive to improve resources and supports for the Illinoisans who work tirelessly to put food on our tables.”

Joyce served as a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee in the 101st General Assembly.

CHICAGO – Assistant Minority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) is congratulating Our Lady of the Snows School on receiving an Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Grant to fund a pollinator garden.

“I’m pleased to see a local school investing in our natural environment,” Munoz said. “This grant program gives the students a great opportunity to have a hands-on experience with wildlife.”

The Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant program is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Conservation Fund (ICF) to support the development or enhancement of wildlife habitat on school grounds or other public places. Projects funded by these grants are meant to teach children that their actions can make a difference in the world while increasing the use of native plants in Illinois.

Funding for the program is provided through donations to the ICF. More than $329,000 in Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant funding has been distributed since the program’s inception.

Applications for the next round of Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Grants will be open soon, with an application deadline of Nov. 30, 2021. More information on applying for the next round of grants can be found on the IDNR website.

GLENVIEW – Students at Glenbrook South High School will be able to learn about nature and make a positive environmental impact through hands-on experience thanks to an Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Grant, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) announced.

“When kids are learning about the world around them, some of the most important lessons take place outside the classroom,” Senator Fine said. “This garden will not only provide a place for native species to thrive—it will give students the chance to get their hands dirty and enjoy nature.”

GRAYSLAKE — A number of students in the district State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) represents will have a chance to learn out in nature, thanks to the Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Grant Program.

“Hands-on learning, especially when children can see the change they’re making, is some of the best learning,” Bush said. “Students who benefit from this grant funding will be able to gain a sense of responsibility and learn more about the beautiful world around us, all while making a difference in the community.”

CHICAGO – Today marks one year since State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) began serving in the Illinois Senate. Feigenholtz, who was previously the state representative for the 12th District, took time to reflect on her new role in her first year as senator for the 6th District.

“Because of this global pandemic, my first year in the Senate was unforgettable, and I am grateful for the opportunity to represent this resilient district,” Feigenholtz said. “In a year that was dominated by COVID-19, I am very proud of the work my district office staff was able to accomplish in meeting the needs of our community. Hundreds of unemployment cases were brought to resolution because of their diligence and commitment to our constituents.”