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.

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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."

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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.”

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HOFFMAN 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.

PLAINFIELD – 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.

CHICAGO — 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.

DEERFIELD – 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.

CHICAGO – 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. 

KANKAKEE – This Labor Day weekend, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is echoing law enforcement to spread the word of the dangers of drinking and driving.

“There is no excuse to drive under the influence,” Joyce said. “This Labor Day holiday, and every day, I would encourage you to think twice before getting behind the wheel. Please make it a point to drive sober, use a rideshare service or call a designated driver.” 

The high-visibility “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign runs from Aug. 20 through the early morning hours of Sept. 8. During this period, motorists in Kankakee, Chicago Heights and across the state can expect to see stepped-up impaired driving patrols and seat belt enforcement, particularly at night, when seat belt usage rates are at their lowest. Speeders and distracted drivers should also be aware. 

“Impaired driving is illegal, and it puts lives at risk,” Joyce said. “Our community is counting on you to keep our roads safe this holiday weekend by wearing a seatbelt, watching your speed and never driving under the influence.”

The Labor Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is made possible by federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation. 

PROSPECT HEIGHTS – To help address the widespread blood shortage that continues during this time of abundant need, State Senator Julie Morrison and State Representative Jonathon Carroll will host a blood drive Sept. 15.

“Blood donations have been critically low during a time when they are needed more than ever,” Morrison (D-Lake Forest) said. “If you are able, I encourage you to donate – it could save a life.”

The blood drive, in partnership with Versiti, will be held Sept. 15 from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Prospect Heights fire protection building, located at 10 E. Camp McDonald Road. All successful blood donations will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies. Researchers said blood containing these antibodies can 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.

“Now more than ever we need to be good neighbors to each other,” Carroll  (D-Northbrook) said. “This is an excellent opportunity for all of us to do our part and make sure we have a good supply of blood.”

To schedule a blood donation, people can click here. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins can be seen if slots are open.

To ensure the safety of all staff and donors, masks will be required. The group also encourages donors to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before donating.