PEORIA – To continue expanding access to quality broadband in rural areas, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) announced $50 million in funding are available through the Connect Illinois broadband expansion program’s second round of grants today.

“In order to participate in the 21st Century economy, people need reliable, affordable internet access,” Koehler said. “By setting aside money in the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois statewide construction plan to improve our broadband infrastructure, Downstate businesses, schools, farmers and health care providers will have the opportunity to flourish on a whole new level.”

EAST ST. LOUIS - To expand high-speed internet access to more households and businesses in the Metro East, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) announced $50 million in matching grants is now available in the second round of the Connect Illinois program.

"Connect Illinois is the largest broadband expansion grant program in the country, and it has the potential to make a huge difference to our community," Belt said. "Roughly 177 Metro East households will receive internet access thanks to the first round of grants. I urge eligible applicants to apply for this second round to expand the number of homes and businesses that can benefit from this historic program.”

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department on Aging recently announced the 2020 Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame inductees, and State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) is sending his congratulations to Vivian Mitchel of Morton Grove.

“Inductees like Vivian Mitchel have made important contributions to our communities,” Villivalam said. “I want to congratulate Vivian for being this year’s Labor Force inductee and I want to thank her for her hard work and dedication to uplifting the spirits of those at the North Shore Senior Center by planning fun and engaging activities for everyone.”

CHAMPAIGN – To help reduce the spread of flu this winter, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is hosting drive-up flu shot clinics in Champaign, Danville and Rantoul.

“This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s extremely important to protect yourself from the flu,” Bennett said. “These clinics will give residents of the 52nd District the opportunity to safely and conveniently get their flu shot.”

MARYVILLE - State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) is celebrating East Alton’s powerlifter Shirley Webb as one of the Illinois Department of Aging’s four inductees into 2020 Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame

“An inspiration to many, Shirley Webb exemplifies the vitality of staying active and living a healthy lifestyle,” Crowe said. “Recognizing her hard work, commitment and dedication, I commend Shirley on this recognition and wish her the best in her future.”

STAUNTON – State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) was joined by Governor JB Pritzker at Madison Communications in Staunton to announce $50 million in funding through the Connect Illinois broadband expansion program’s second round today.

“Lack of reliable access to quality internet service affects every facet of life in Downstate Illinois, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only widened the existing gap between us and the rest of the state,” Manar said. “We continue to prioritize broadband expansion in the state budget, because it is the starting point for effective remote learning, dependable telehealth care services, and growing small businesses to revitalize the downstate economy. I want to thank Governor Pritzker for his steadfast partnership in continuing to push this important issue in Springfield."

CHICAGO – To discuss the disparities in access to health care across racial and socioeconomic lines, Senate Public Health Chair Patricia Van Pelt, Executive Chair Mattie Hunter and Health and Human Services Chair Julie Morrison will lead a joint Senate committee hearing tomorrow morning.

“Everyone deserves equal access to health care,” Van Pelt said. “Too often we see that Black and Brown people’s options for quality health care are few and far between. It’s just another way they feel their lives don’t matter in this country, and we need to fix that.”

“Your health care options depend greatly on where you live,” Hunter said. “Predominately Black and Brown neighborhoods often suffer from health and trauma deserts, especially in light of recent hospital closures. Everyone deserves health care that’s accessible and affordable.”

Elgin — State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) joined Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Human Services to announce $30 million in state funding for Immigrant Welcoming Centers across Illinois to support members of immigrant communities facing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The funding will allocate $18 million in funding will go to housing and utility assistance, $4.5 million will be used to support employment and job training services, and $4 million will be used to provide health care education. The remaining $2 million will go to a multilingual effort to reach Illinois residents eligible to receive support, and $1.5 million will be used for technical assistance.