CHICAGO — State legislators will continue their discussion on police reform during Thursday’s joint hearing of the Senate Criminal Law Committee and Senate Special Committee on Public Safety.

Senate Criminal Law Chair State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) and Senate Public Safety Special Committee Chair State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) will co-chair the joint hearing. State Representative Justin Slaughter (D-Chicago) of the House Judiciary-Criminal Law Committee and other members of the committees will participate as guests.

Discussions at the hearing will focus on the Uniform Peace Officers' Disciplinary Act, qualified immunity and officer liability.

It will be the eighth criminal justice reform hearing called by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus. Criminal justice reform is one of four pillars the caucus is using to guide their agenda to address systemic racism. The pillars include:

1. Criminal justice reform, violence reduction and police accountability
2. Education and workforce development
3. Economic access, equity and opportunity
4. Health care and human services

To watch the virtual committee, visit https://ilga.gov/senateaudvid.asp and click "Watch Live Virtual Committee Video." The link will become available when proceedings begin.

Who: Senate Criminal Law Committee and Senate Special Committee on Public Safety

What: Joint hearing on police reform

When: 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5

Where: Virtual hearing can be viewed here: https://ilga.gov/senateaudvid.asp#

Blue Room Stream, a subscription-based service, will also stream the hearing at https://livestream.com/blueroomstream/events/9326370.

CHICAGO – As local small businesses and not-for-profit groups take in more than half a million dollars in financial assistance in the form of Business Interruption Grants, State Senator Bill Cunningham is urging more to apply.

“This pandemic has been hard on everyone, but it’s been especially painful for small businesses and not-for-profit groups,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the southwest suburbs. “These grants can help keep businesses – and their employees – afloat while we try to get the spread of COVID-19 back under control.”

DANVILLE – As COVID-19 continues to spread, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) announced the Illinois Department of Public Health will operate a temporary COVID-19 testing site now through Sunday, Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day in the north parking lot of Danville Area Community College, located at 2000 E. Main St. in Danville.

“Along with wearing masks, testing is a critical tool that will help us defeat this virus,” Bennett said. “Whether you are exhibiting symptoms or not, I encourage residents to stop by DACC and get tested this week.”

PARK FOREST – With the holidays inching closer and businesses still struggling to stay afloat amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is urging residents to shop locally throughout the holiday season this year.

“Local businesses are the heart of our community, and the COVID-19 pandemic has put a major strain on them,” Joyce said. “As we continue the fight against COVID-19, we cannot leave these businesses behind. I encourage residents to support our small business community however they can to help them weather this storm.”

Joint Senate committee hearings continue, bettering workforce development for young Illinoisans

JOLIET – State Senators Pat McGuire (D-Joliet) and Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (D-Plainfield) will host a subject matter hearing Thursday to discuss improvements to workforce development and job opportunities for young people. This hearing continues efforts by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus to build an agenda ahead of the upcoming fall veto legislative session.

"It's been several decades since one could roll out of bed the day after high school graduation and get a lifetime job with good pay and benefits," McGuire said. "Tomorrow's hearing will explore what experiences we must provide to K-12 students so they can attain economic security in the tumultuous 21st century economy."

DANVILLE – With the holiday season fast approaching and the COVID-19 pandemic still ongoing, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is reminding residents to shop small and support local businesses whenever possible.

“Small businesses play a vital role in our economy, and it’s important that we promote and support them this holiday season,” Bennett said. “I encourage folks to think about the difference they can make in our community by supporting businesses where our friends and neighbors work.”

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is pleased to report that the Illinois Department of Transportation announced Friday that I-39 resurfacing and two other major projects that will enhance safety while helping to grow the regional economy are wrapping up.

The projects represent a total investment of more than $55 million in the region.

“These projects helped create jobs and set the Rockford region up for economic opportunity for years to come,” Stadelman said. “Maintaining our roads and bridges is vitally important.”

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded business assistance grants last week, and State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is hopeful this will help local businesses in need of a financial boost.

“It breaks my heart that business owners are still fighting this virus, physically and economically,” Hunter said. “I hope these grants provide some sort of relief. I will continue to advocate for financial support programs for businesses for as long as they are in need.”