MARYVILLE – As the spring legislative session approaches, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) is encouraging Metro East residents to share their ideas for potential new laws.

“The pandemic has posed countless new challenges to our families and communities over the past year,” Crowe said. “As an elected official, it’s my job to listen to residents to learn more about these challenges and develop smart, comprehensive solutions.”

Ahead of the beginning of the 102nd General Assembly, Crowe is encouraging residents to send in ideas for new bills that could help improve the state of Illinois. Bill ideas can be submitted via email to Crowe’s office using the contact form at SenatorCrowe.com.

“When we work together, we can make our community better,” Crowe said. “If there’s something about Illinois or the Metro East that you think could be improved, I encourage you to contact my office to tell us your ideas.”

Crowe represents the 56^th Senate District along the Illinois-Missouri border, known commonly as the Metro East, including parts of Jersey, Madison and St. Clair counties.

SPRINGFIELD – To bolster affordable housing opportunities across the state, $10 million in revitalization grant funding is available for municipalities through the Illinois Housing Development Authority Board.

Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus championed the program during negotiations for the Rebuild Illinois construction plan.

CHAMPAIGN – With the 2020 holiday season occurring during a global health pandemic, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is reminding residents to celebrate safely over the coming weeks.

“This has been a year of sacrifice to protect those we care about from COVID-19,” Bennett said. “We can’t let our guard down now with the holidays approaching. There is still time to downsize your plans so we can keep folks safe and healthy.”  

The Illinois Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control still recommend avoiding large groups and staying at home as often as you can, and wearing masks and practicing social distancing if you must go out.

“We all have to do our part during this critical time, and the safest way to spend the holiday is with those in our immediate households,” Bennett said. “Please take this seriously so we can create new memories with all of our loved ones in the New Year.”

WOOD RIVER – To brighten the holiday season for families in need, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) and Wood River City Councilman Mike Anderson are partnering to host a food drive in an effort to replenish the stock at food banks in Wood River.

“Although the holidays are some of the most joyful times of the year, many families are struggling,” Crowe said. “While there are many ways to help our friends and neighbors through the pandemic, I strongly encourage anyone able to donate to this food drive.”

Nonperishable food items will be accepted starting Jan. 1, 2021 in donation boxes at two locations in Wood River:

• Crowe’s Office, 111 N. Wood River Ave. Ste. A
• Russell’s Corner Café, 84 E. Ferguson Ave.

“Thank you in advance to our community for helping each other in this time of uncertainty,” Anderson said. “This is a great opportunity to start the new year helping local people in need.”

For more information, call Mira at (618) 401-4165 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Munoz missing person law to take effect Jan. 1

SPRINGFIELD — Law enforcement agencies can face roadblocks with collecting DNA samples when trying to locate missing people, but now that process will be a bit easier thanks to a measure passed by Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago).

“DNA testing can help reunite missing people with their families,” Munoz said. “If a family member of yours is missing, you can now provide DNA samples to law enforcement to help find them.”

Read more.

New law by Glowiak Hilton to protect sexual assault survivors effective Jan. 1

OAKBROOK TERRACE — Beginning Jan. 1, 2021, Illinois survivors of sexual assault will be able to keep their home addresses confidential, thanks to legislation championed by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs).

Glowiak Hilton sponsored House Bill 2818, which passed with bipartisan support, to empower the attorney general's office to help keep survivors’ home addresses private from their attackers and stalkers.

Read more.

Senate committee discusses expansion of U of I's rapid COVID-19 testing

SPRINGFIELD — The Senate Higher Education Committee held a hearing last week on the progress of SHIELD Illinois, the system which administers University of Illinois’ state-of-the-art rapid COVID-19 test, which uses saliva rather than the common nasal swab and is intended to be made available to all of the state’s public universities.

"Everyone at the U of I involved in developing and utilizing the saliva test deserves our thanks," said Senator Pat McGuire, chair of the Higher Education Committee. "Our next task is to implement the test at our eight other public universities so they can resume in-person learning next semester."

Read more.

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ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) announced the City of Rockford and the Northern Illinois Land Bank Authority will receive a combined total of $475,000 revitalization grant to support affordable housing and revitalization across the city.

“There are thousands of vacant lots across the state. Sadly, this includes hundreds in Rockford,” Stadelman said. “General maintenance on these properties cost the state and city millions of dollars each year. The money granted to Rockford and Winnebago County will give us a much needed opportunity to revitalize our community.”

The grants where made available after the Illinois Housing Development Authority Board approved $10 million in funding for the initiative. Awarded under the new Strong Communities Program (SCP), the initiative will provide the city of Rockford with funding for the attainment, maintenance, restoration and demolition of abandoned residential properties.

The program – which began in August –  awards grants of up to $250,000 to local governments to return vacant residential properties to productive use. A total of $30 million in grant funding will eventually be awarded through multiple funding rounds.

SCP Funding will reimburse municipalities for acquisition, rehabilitation, maintenance and other costs related to returning abandoned properties to a useable state. Program funds may also be used for demolition in cases where properties are beyond repair and negatively impacting neighboring residences.

“When money is spent to address properties like these, the value of homes in the surrounding area go up,” Stadelman said. “As a result, the program will help increase property values, create jobs, reduce crime and generate additional tax revenue.”

DANVILLE – Especially during the winter months, socks are among the most sought-after articles of clothing by people experiencing homelessness, leading State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) to launch a donation drive collecting new socks for shelters across Danville.

“The ongoing pandemic has impacted our community in so many ways and has increased the demand for charitable services,” Bennett said. “With temperatures dropping, I am asking for your help to provide warm socks for our less fortunate neighbors.”

Worn-out or ragged socks put people at serious risk of foot disease and, during the winter months, in severe danger from the cold. As a result, new socks are greatly needed by those experiencing homelessness—but they are the least donated clothing item at homeless shelters.

From Dec. 21 to Jan. 15, community members are encouraged to donate new socks for men, women and children at the collection locations below:

• Scott Bennett’s District Office
  • 201 N. Vermilion St., Suite 323, Danville
    • Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Robinson Chiropractic:
    • 3595 N. Vermilion St., Danville
      • Mon, Wed, Fri: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
      • Tues and Thurs: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    • 830 S. Dixie Hwy., Hoopeston
      • Mon-Fri: 8 to 12 p.m.; 1:30 to 6 p.m.
    • 111 N. State St., Suite C, Westville
      • Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.; 1:30 to 6 p.m.
      • Tues: 1:30 to 6 p.m.

Bennett reminds those donating to wear a mask in the building and practice social distancing. Collection boxes will be located outside of each office.

Donations will benefit Crosspoint at the Y Homeless Program, Danville Rescue Mission, and Fair Hope Children’s Ministry.

For questions or additional information, contact Sen. Bennett’s office at 217-442-5252 or Robinson Chiropractic at 217-442-2273.

CHICAGO – State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) is partnering with Board of Review Commissioner Michael Cabonargi to host an Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment webinar Dec. 22 and is encouraging everyone who needs assistance to participate.

“Property taxes are expensive, and the assessment process is confusing,” Martwick said. “We’re offering this free webinar to help people understand more about the taxes they’re paying and to answer questions about how to appeal.”

This free online webinar will explain the property tax appeal process and help people appeal. The commissioner and Sen. Martwick will be giving a brief presentation on the subject, and an analyst will be available to answer questions.

Residents can visit www.cookcountyboardofreview.com/vabonargi to register for the webinar or file an appeal. Appeals are currently open in Jefferson Township.

Anyone who needs an appeal form mailed to them can contact Martwick’s district office at (773) 286-1115 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..