BUNKER HILL – To ensure local first responders have the equipment necessary to keep residents safe, State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) is encouraging fire departments and ambulance services to apply for the Office of the State Fire Marshal’s Small Equipment Grant Program.

Manar, who serves as Chair of the Senate Appropriations II Committee, cemented this annual program’s funding during last spring’s budget negotiations.

“It’s no secret that rural fire departments and ambulance services are continuously underfunded,” Manar said. “I saw a clear need to help first responders everywhere afford the equipment necessary to save lives, and that’s why I fought to include this program in the state budget.”

The program was created to help Illinois fire departments and not-for-profit ambulance services that struggle to afford necessary equipment do their jobs.

In June, the Small Equipment Grant Program awarded $3.5 million to 154 fire departments and EMS providers. Applicants can also apply for personal infection control items such as masks, gowns and gloves.

“Our first responders have been on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic since day one,” Manar said. “This is simply one small way of reaffirming our dedication to the women and men who continue serving their neighbors.”

Most Illinois fire departments, fire protection districts and township fire departments are eligible to apply. Stand-alone, not-for-profit ambulance service providers are eligible to apply as well.

For more information, visit the state fire marshal’s website.

CHAMPAIGN – To help residents stay warm this winter, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is launching a holiday drive to benefit the folks at C-U at Home.

“Homeless service providers, like C-U at Home, are facing a long list of needs during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Bennett said. “Unfortunately, the need for these items will not go away this year because even more people are in need of help due to job loss stemming from the ongoing public health crisis.”

C-U at Home is in particular need of new backpacks, hygiene supplies, long underwear, and socks. These items are urgently needed to meet the needs for homeless individuals in the community. 

“These items can help individuals brave the cold to work toward a home of their own,” Bennett said. “This drive is a great opportunity to give back to those in need.”   

Starting Monday, Nov. 23, residents can drop off donations to the collection box outside of Senator Bennett’s office in Champaign, located at 45 E. University, Suite 206 through Friday, Dec. 18. Bennett reminds those donating to wear a mask in the building and practice social distancing.

MARYVILLE - To ensure high-quality, dependable care for the brave men and women who have served our country, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) is joining the Illinois Senate Veterans Affairs Committee meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 24 starting at 1 p.m. to examine the handling of the COVID-19 crisis at the LaSalle Veterans’ Home. 

“The committee’s goal is to help provide transparency and insight into the precautions taken by the state to keep residents safe and healthy at the LaSalle Veterans’ Home,” Crowe said. “It is our responsibility to work together to ensure our veterans receive the best possible care.”

Last week, the LaSalle facility informed the residents, families and staff at the home that since the beginning of the crisis, the home has had a total of 98 positive residents and 93 positive employees. The facility also reported that 23 veterans have passed away due to COVID-19.

The virtual hearing can be viewed here when proceedings begin. Blue Room Stream, a subscription-based service, will also stream the hearing.

CHICAGO – State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) congratulated several museums in the 13th Senate District on receiving grants from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources earlier this week, part of a push to ensure these important local resources stay afloat during the ongoing pandemic.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has put an economic strain on a lot of us, and museums are no exception,” Peters said. “These institutions are some of the most important cultural and educational centers of community, and it’s great to hear they’ll be getting funding that will ease a financial burden and allow them to make some improvements.”

MARYVILLE- Two Metro East nonprofit organizations are freshly stocked with coats and other winter clothing items, thanks to donation efforts by community members and State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon).

“Thanks to donations from several generous residents, our neighbors will be able to stay warm this winter,” Crowe said. “We have split the donations between Operation Blessing in Wood River and Community Hope Center in Cottage Hills. The clothing drive could not have been a success without the support from members of the Metro East community.”

PICTURED: (Left) Executive Director of Operation Blessing- Karen Wilson 

(Right) Executive Director of Community Hope Center- Paul Militzer

NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is congratulating the DuPage Children's Museum and the Naperville Heritage Society for receiving nearly $1 million in combined grants to improve their facilities and develop new exhibits.

“Part of being an Illinoisan is understanding where our history began and where it’s going and as Illinoisan we’re always looking toward the future,” Ellman said. “Both of these organization are reaching out to people where they are creating a framework on how to move forward. They’re recognizing the needs of the community and are creatively meeting those needs while also moving us forward.”

The Illinois Public Museum Capital Grants Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources through the state’s multi-year capital program, is open to any museum operated by local government or located on municipally-owned land. The maximum grant award for the projects announced Wednesday was $750,000 and matching funds are required in many cases based on museum attendance levels.

“The Children’s Museum and the Heritage Society attract thousands of visitors each year,” Ellman said. “This program is investing in the 21^st district, which in return creates new economic growth in our community.”

More information on the Illinois Public Museum Capital Grants Program is available on the IDNR website at https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/grants/Pages/Museum-Capital-Grants.aspx.

PARK FOREST – While Thanksgiving celebrations may be smaller this year, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) joins the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office in sharing tips to ensure families stay safe in the kitchen.

“With many families changing their plans and staying home this Thanksgiving, they could be preparing this traditional meal for the first time,” Joyce said. “It’s important for families to take precautions to avoid fire hazards while cooking to prevent an accident.”

OAK PARK, Ill. – Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) announced Pleasant Home in Oak Park will receive a $421,500 grant for its geothermal project.

“Pleasant Home is a beautiful piece of living history in our community and a shining example of the stunning architectural landmarks in Oak Park,” Harmon said. “Investments in our cultural institutions will help preserve these gems for years to come.”

Pleasant Home will use the funds to install a geothermal system that will provide much-needed air conditioning to the 123-year-old National Historic Landmark.