ISDC
  • Home
  • Senators
    • Alphabetical
    • Committees
    • Leadership
    • Find My Senator
  • Caucus News
    • ILBC Committee Roundup
    • Subscribe
    • Majority Report
  • Issues
    • Agriculture
    • Budget
    • Business
    • Criminal Law
    • Diabetes
    • Economic Development
    • Education
    • Environment
    • Ethics
    • Health
    • Higher Education
    • Law Enforcement
    • Seniors
    • Transportation
    • Veterans
  • Multimedia
    • Monthly Minute
    • Photo of the Day
    • Sound of the State
  • Resources
    • Bills / Resolutions
    • Fact Sheets
    • For Educators
    • I Like Illinois
    • Illinois Compiled Statutes
    • Illinois General Assembly
    • Internships
    • Media Guidelines
    • NCSL
    • Senate Schedule
  • About the Senate
  • Contact Us
    • How to contact a Senator
    • Employment
    • Submit Feedback
  • ILBC Pillars
    • Pillar 1
    • Pillar 2
    • Pillar 3
    • Pillar 4
  • COVID-19

Senator Fine invites residents to keep Evanston healthy, safe and beautiful at beach cleanup event

Details
Category: Senator Laura Fine News
Tuesday, September 08, 2020 11:20 AM
  • Fine
  • Beach Cleanup
  • Evanston

beach 090820EVANSTON – In celebration of the 35th anniversary of the International Coastal Cleanup, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) and State Representative Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston) are hosting an Adopt-a-Beach cleanup event in partnership with the Alliance for the Great Lakes this Saturday, Sept. 12 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Evanston South Boulevard Beach.

“Our gorgeous beaches provide a beautiful place to exercise, relax and spend time with friends and loved ones. It’s up to us to keep them healthy and clean,” said Fine. “This cleanup event is a great way to enjoy the scenery while making a difference for your community.”

The Alliance for the Great Lakes’ Adopt-a-Beach program mobilizes thousands of volunteers who give back to their local beaches each year. In 2019, Adopt-a-Beach volunteers cleaned up over 53,843 pounds of trash.

About 90% of litter picked up from Great Lakes beaches is plastic. Once in the water, plastic can break down into smaller pieces called microplastics, toxic particles which can be mistaken for food by small fish and wildlife and make their way into drinking water.

“I’m thrilled to be sponsoring this beach cleanup,” said Gabel. “It’s great to give citizens an opportunity to help clean up the environment and beautify the lakefront.”

Volunteers should meet at the South Beach entrance. To keep all team members safe, masks and social distancing will be required. Find more information and register to join the cleanup here.

Crowe: $36 million in opioid crisis aid will save lives

Details
Category: Senator Rachelle Crowe News
Tuesday, September 08, 2020 11:04 AM
  • Crowe
  • Opioid Abuse
  • Opioid Addiction

opioids 2 090820MARYVILLE – As overdoses rise across the nation, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) is grateful for $36.7 million in federal funds to fight back against the opioid crisis in Illinois.

“Swelled by the COVID-19 pandemic, the growing opioid epidemic continues to devastate families across Illinois,” Crowe said. “Putting funds directly into communities that have suffered so much as a result of opioid addiction will save lives and put us on a road to recovery.”

The State Opioid Response federal grant will be used to support the following initiatives:

  • Expand access to Medication Assisted Recovery (MAR) services for residents with opioid use disorders, including those in the criminal justice system;
  • Hospital screenings and strengthening links to community treatment programs for patients;
  • Supportive housing and digital resources for persons in recovery from opioid use disorder;
  • Access to medication-assisted recovery for patients at federally qualified health centers;
  • Recovery support services for pregnant and postpartum women with opioid use disorders;
  • Mentoring and coaching for medical professionals prescribing medications for opioid use disorder;
  • A toll-free Helpline for opioids and other substances;
  • Expanded treatment for residents with stimulant use disorder, in response to rising rates of methamphetamine and cocaine use.

This grant was awarded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Anyone experiencing problems with substance use disorder can call the state’s Helpline for Opioids and other Substances at 1-833-234-6343, text “HELP” to 833234 or visit HelplineIL.org.

The Majority Report 09/08/20 - A plan to overcome oppression, a new IDOT diversity initiative and more

Details
Category: Majority Report
Tuesday, September 08, 2020 10:59 AM
  • Lightford
  • Crowe
  • Majority Report
  • Hunter
  • IDOT
  • ILBC
  • COVID-19
  • Small Business Tour
  • Racial Disparity

ILBC Presser

Black Caucus seeks to develop agenda to overcome centuries of oppression

CHICAGO — The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus presented four pillars of policy through which they are building out an agenda for veto session to help Black communities in Illinois overcome centuries of oppression.

Recent events, including the COVID-19 pandemic and persistent police killings, have highlighted staggering disparities that have made it clear that comprehensive reform is crucial to end systemic racism.

ILBC Chairman Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) says the caucus seeks to bring justice to Black Illinoisans.

Read more.

 

Sen. Mattie Hunter

Hunter applauds new IDOT diversity initiative

CHICAGO — After a Senate hearing Thursday about transparency and equity at the Illinois Department of Transportation, IDOT and other members of the Mid-America Association of State Transportation Agencies voted to establish a diversity committee. State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) praised the decision in the following statement:

“For years, we’ve heard serious complaints about acts of discrimination at IDOT. We gave Secretary Omer Osman the opportunity to respond to these allegations, and I’m happy to see that he’s taken them seriously."

Read more.

 

Sen. Rachelle Crowe

Crowe completes first round of small business tour in Metro East

MARYVILLE — To highlight individual social-distancing efforts and give business owners an opportunity to voice concerns, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) has completed the first round of her small business tour, visiting nine locally-owned businesses within the Metro East region.

“From visiting retail employees to optometrists, every business owner I had the pleasure of meeting with is taking the pandemic seriously and imposing mask requirements, social distancing and deep sanitizing,” Crowe said. “My goal with this tour was to highlight their efforts, while also offering a casual conversation in order to have a better understanding of the effects of the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Read more.

 

members in the news

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin): Midwestern states form transportation diversity committee | Chronicle

Senators Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) and Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign): Cover Crop Premium Discount Program Returns for 2020 | MyRadioLink

Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago): Census delays could take toll on states | CBS News

 

Copyright 2020 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

Murphy offers free COVID-19 antibody testing at upcoming blood drive

Details
Category: Senator Laura Murphy News
Tuesday, September 08, 2020 10:38 AM
  • Murphy
  • COVID-19
  • Blood Drive
  • Antibodies

antibodies 090820HOFFMAN ESTATES – To combat the nationwide shortage of donated blood and potentially help develop a treatment for COVID-19, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is hosting a blood drive Wednesday, Sept. 30 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Vernon A. Laubenstein Town Hall, located at 1 Illinois Blvd. in Hoffman Estates.

“When the pandemic began in March, blood donations dropped significantly, but the need persisted,” said Murphy. “Now, with researchers looking into plasma therapy as a potential COVID-19 treatment, donated blood is in especially high demand.”

All successful blood donations will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies. Researchers hope blood containing antibodies—also known as convalescent plasma—may help treat people with severe COVID-19 by boosting their ability to fight the virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates about 17.2 million units of blood are used in transfusions every year for accident victims, cancer patients, hemophiliacs, surgery patients and more. In March, the CDC issued a statement encouraging healthy people to donate blood at blood centers that adhere to public health and safety guidelines.

Murphy has partnered with Versiti Blood Center of Illinois to host the event. To ensure the safety of all staff and donors, masks will be required.

Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins may be accommodated if there are open slots. To schedule an appointment to donate, visit http://bit.ly/BloodDrive-9-30.

Bertino-Tarrant reminds people of driver’s license extensions

Details
Category: Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant News
Tuesday, September 08, 2020 10:20 AM
  • Bertino-Tarrant
  • Drivers License
  • Driver Services
  • Older Drivers

senior driver 082720PLAINFIELD – To keep people from crowding at local secretary of state’s offices, State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (D-Shorewood) is reminding people of the many extensions offered by the office, as well as what services can be completed online.

“COVID-19 has created greater risks for people to go out in public – especially older adults,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “I am pleased to see expiration dates have been extended so people can avoid going out and not have to rush to get them renewed.”

To ensure elderly drivers stay safe from both COVID-19 and heatstroke, drivers over the age of 75 received an automatic one-year extension on expired or expiring driver’s licenses and state IDs. Eligible drivers should soon receive a letter from the secretary of state as proof that they qualify for the extension.

Additionally, Bertino-Tarrant would like to remind other drivers that expiration dates for driver’s licenses and license plate stickers have been extended until Nov. 1. Expired documents will remain valid until that day, so customers under the age of 75 also do not need to head to a driver services facility immediately.

The secretary of state offers a variety of online services, including sticker renewals, to allow Illinoisans to steer clear of crowded facilities and long lines. For transactions that must be made in person, people can pre-register from their computer or smartphone to speed up the process.

Visit cyberdriveillinois.com for more information and to explore online service options.

Hunter hopeful new federal funding will help residents combat opioid crisis

Details
Category: Senator Mattie Hunter News
Tuesday, September 08, 2020 10:05 AM
  • Hunter
  • Opioid Abuse
  • Opioid Addiction

opioids 090820CHICAGO — Illinois is seeing a surge in opioid-related deaths in 2020, already doubling last year’s amounts in Cook County. The state received more than $36 million in federal funding in order to fight the opioid crisis Friday, and State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is hopeful these new funds will help equip Illinoisans with the resources to fight substance abuse.

“Many people don’t understand that drug abuse and drug addictions are a disease,” Hunter said. “It’s important to take all the necessary steps to prevent addiction early. There are people battling the global health crisis, racism, and opioid addictions all at the same time. Now more than ever, people need help fighting the disease of addiction, just as they would need help fighting cancer or any other disease.”

The funding awarded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration will expand abuse prevention and response initiatives. Further, critical services will be implemented to help people with opioid use disorders, assist those on a path to recovery, and provide lifesaving medication and support across the state.

In Cook County alone, approximately two-thirds of opioid overdose deaths have been Black and Latino people — the same groups of people dying most from COVID-19.

“I am working with city health managers to establish a Southside Opioid Committee,” Hunter said. “We meet monthly and are inviting alcohol and drug programs to get involved. We hope to apply for federal funding to operate the Southside initiative, as they are doing on the Westside.”

The following initiatives will receive funds:

  • Expanded access to Medication Assisted Recovery services for people with opioid use disorders, including those in the criminal justice system;
    • Hospital screenings and linkage to community treatment programs for their patients; supportive housing and digital resources for people in recovery from opioid use disorder;
    • Access to medication-assisted recovery for patients at federally qualified health centers;
    • Recovery support services for pregnant and postpartum women with opioid use disorders; mentoring and coaching for medical professionals prescribing medications for opioid use disorder; and a toll-free Helpline for opioids and other substances, and
    • Expanded treatment of people with stimulant use disorder, in response to rising rates of methamphetamine and cocaine use.

People experiencing problems with substance use disorder should call the state’s Helpline for Opioids and other Substances at 1-833-2FINDHELP (1-833-234-6343), text “HELP” to 833234 or visit HelplineIL.org.

Morrison: Fill out the census today

Details
Category: Senator Julie A. Morrison News
Friday, September 04, 2020 03:28 PM
  • Morrison
  • 2020 Census

census 082820DEERFIELD – As the deadline to complete the census nears, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is urging people to fill out their 2020 census immediately.

“The census has never been easier to finish, and you can do it without having to meet a census taker in person,” Morrison said. “The answers provided will help support our community.”

The census is safe, secure and confidential. It takes less than 10 minutes, and can easily be done from the comfort of one’s home online, by phone or mail.

The census determines congressional representation, helps determine how federal funds flow into states and provides information that will impact communities for the next decade.

Morrison is urging everyone to take the time to fill it out. Some areas in Cook and Lake Counties are reporting low response rates. Without a 100% response rate, schools, roads, hospitals and other critical community services could be impacted.

Currently, only 75.7% of all Lake County residents have completed the Census. Additionally, just 62.8% of Waukegan residents and 54.1% of North Chicago residents have filled out the form this year.

“Please take time today to help shape the future. Every response matters,” Morrison said.

Residents can complete the census for their household at https://my2020census.gov.

Jones encourages people to apply for IDOT snow-and-ice removal positions

Details
Category: Senator Emil Jones III News
Friday, September 04, 2020 01:56 PM
  • Jones
  • IDOT
  • Snowplow Driver

snowplow2 090420CHICAGO – To help unemployed workers find jobs, State Senator Emil Jones (D-Chicago) is encouraging people to apply for the Illinois Department of Transportation’s seasonal snow-and-ice removal positions.

“The pandemic has left many workers unemployed and it has been hard for them to find other jobs,” Jones said. “IDOT’s snow removal positions are a great chance for people to seek employment through the agency. These snow removal jobs are critical in keeping our roads safe and could last beyond the winter season.” 

Through the department’s annual “snowbird” program, temporary snowplow drivers are hired every year on a full-time and on-call basis. To be considered, applicants must have a commercial driver’s license. A pre-employment physical, vision test, and drug and alcohol screening are also required. 

Applicants will be selected based on availability, job-related experience and qualifications. Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. 

For additional information, including positions and the application process in specific districts, details on pay and the potential for benefits, please click here. 

More Articles …

  1. Joyce urges residents to drive sober this Labor Day weekend
  2. Morrison, Carroll blood drive to feature COVID-19 antibody testing
  3. Cullerton urges qualified residents to apply to be snowplow drivers this winter
  4. Bertino-Tarrant, McGuire, Connor and Manley host blood drive
  • 604
  • 605
  • 606
  • 607
  • 608
  • 609
  • 610
  • 611
  • 612
  • 613

Page 609 of 743

Follow ILSenDems

Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube

Sign up for the Majority Report

Laws Going Into Effect 2025

Employment Opportunities

Find Your Senator

Senate Schedule

Bills & Resolutions

SPRINGFIELD OFFICE

phone(217) 782-2728

phone309 State House
Springfield, IL 62706

Senate Floor, Illinois State Capitol, Springfield, IL

Senate President Don Harmon © 2025 Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus
FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTube
CHICAGO OFFICE

phone(312) 814-2075

phone160 N. LaSalle St., Ste. 720
Chicago, IL 60601