CHICAGO –  State Senator Ram Villivalam –  a longtime public transit advocate, and chair of the Senate Transportation Committee – will host a number of hearings throughout the coming months to discuss the state of public transit, ranging from how it positively impacts our economic and public health system to the service improvements that need to take place to better serve our communities.

“In order to provide a public transit system that works for our people, we have to collaboratively discuss how it can better serve our communities,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “These hearings will serve as a place for these conversations to occur, and ensure we are working toward the common goal of providing safe, reliable, accessible, economically impactful, and environmentally conscious transportation for all.”

SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to State Senator Steve Stadelman, a new law is on the books that aims to stimulate economic development through incentives for cutting-edge technology and clean energy manufacturing, with a particular focus on job creation in the Rockford area.

“This is a major step forward for our state’s economy,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “By incentivizing high-tech and clean-energy industries, we are not only paving the way for innovative developments but also ensuring the creation of good-paying jobs for our residents.”

The new incentives will build on the 2021 Stadelman-sponsored Reimaging Energy and Vehicles Act, which positioned Illinois as a hub for electric vehicle and battery production. Last year, automaker Stellantis announced a $5 billion investment that includes a new EV product for the Belvidere Assembly plant, a battery production facility and a parts distribution center. Stadelman’s law will further advance zero-carbon technologies in Illinois by offering incentives for green steel manufacturing and electric and hybrid aircraft production.

CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins has secured $3.4 million for construction of the first African American-led data center development in Illinois. Located in the Illinois Medical District, the IMD1 data center project will help secure Illinois’ data locally and will create opportunities for local youth to learn about technology and computing.

“The IMD1 project will bring so many opportunities to our community here in the 5^th District,” Collins (D-Chicago) said. “With this grant funding we can keep Illinois technology data within our state, instead of sending it off to another state or another country, and gain millions in tax revenue that can go back to support the Black and Brown neighborhoods, businesses and youth.”

Groundbreaking for the project is expected by early next year. The project includes a five-story, 184,700-square-foot data center that will be built on a two-acre site at 14th and Damen in Chicago, located in the Illinois Medical District. The first phase of work will include LEED-certified engineering plans, electrical upgrades and equipment purchases, and sewer and site improvements. The project also includes scholarships and training programs for local youth to participate in technology and earn future employment at data centers. Funding for the project is included in the state’s Fiscal Year 2025 Rebuild Illinois capital plan.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois is just a few months away from having a new state agency to streamline the administration of early childhood education care programs and services thanks to Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford.

“The foundation of a child’s success and well-being is built starting the moment they are born,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “As a state, it is our duty to provide the necessary support and resources to build such stability. The creation of this unique agency will break ground on our transition to a whole, trauma-informed approach to meeting children’s diverse needs.”

The Department of Early Childhood – which will begin its creation July 1, 2024 – will focus on administering early childhood education programs. The new agency will be dedicated to making access to such state programs easier for parents and providers to navigate.

Belt applauds plan to buy out flood-damaged properties

EAST ST. LOUIS — With the support of State Senator Christopher Belt, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will provide nearly $2.6 million to the City of East St. Louis to buy out 39 properties that have experienced repeated flooding and flood damage.

“Flooding has been a persistent and devastating issue for many families in East St. Louis,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “The support of IDNR will provide a lifeline for residents who have faced repeated losses and help ensure their safety and well-being moving forward. I commend IDNR for recognizing the urgent need for this intervention and allocating the necessary resources to address it.”

Read more.

Morrison, Villanueva respond to U.S. Supreme Court ruling

SPRINGFIELD — State Senators Julie Morrison and Celina Villanueva responded Friday to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that upheld a federal law restricting firearm possession for domestic violence abusers.

“This decision reinforces the intent behind laws like Illinois’ Firearms Restraining Order Act, which I championed to prevent tragedies by keeping guns out of the hands of people who demonstrate threatening behavior,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest).

“Domestic violence situations can escalate quickly when firearms are involved, and these restrictions are a vital component in the effort to reduce and prevent domestic violence-related homicides,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago).

Read more.

Edly-Allen, Treasurer Frerichs announce $500,000 life insurance policy to go to widowed Lake County veteran

CHICAGO — State Senator Mary Edly-Allen, alongside Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, announced at a press conference last week that a resident in the 31st Senate District will receive $500,000 from a life insurance policy through the I-CASH program.

“My constituent was shocked when he learned that his wife had taken out a life insurance policy that added up to such a life-changing amount of money,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “However, far too often constituents are hesitant to believe my office when we call them about unclaimed property due to fear of fraud. It often takes my staff several contacts to gain trust.”

Read more.

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SPRINGFIELD — State Senators Julie Morrison and Celina Villanueva responded Friday to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that upheld a federal law restricting firearm possession for domestic violence abusers.

“This decision reinforces the intent behind laws like Illinois’ Firearms Restraining Order Act, which I championed to prevent tragedies by keeping guns out of the hands of people who demonstrate threatening behavior,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “When a credible threat to the physical safety of another person is identified, it is imperative that action is taken swiftly — the consequences of not intervening are too great. I commend the U.S. Supreme Court for upholding these lifesaving protections, and I remain committed to advocating for tangible solutions to keep our communities safe.”

“Domestic violence situations can escalate quickly when firearms are involved, and these restrictions are a vital component in the effort to reduce and prevent domestic violence-related homicides,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “There is still more work to do when it comes to protecting survivors and their families in Illinois, but I am glad to see these restrictions upheld at the federal level. I am hopeful that this will continue, on a state level, for us to move forward with Karina’s Law.”

Read the U.S. Supreme Court’s opinion here.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS — Five local chambers of commerce have been awarded grants to help businesses bounce back from the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to support from State Senator Mark Walker.

“Small businesses drive job creation throughout our state, but many continue to face challenges in adapting to changing consumer habits in the wake of the pandemic,” said Walker (D-Arlington Heights). “These grants will give our chambers of commerce the tools they need to foster a strong economic environment where residents and local businesses can succeed.”

Administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, grants through the Back to Business Local Chambers program will be used by chambers to market and develop localities, provide small businesses with professional development and support small businesses and entrepreneurs while bolstering economic development.

EAST ST. LOUIS – With the support of State Senator Christopher Belt, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will provide nearly $2.6 million to the City of East St. Louis to buy out 39 properties that have experienced repeated flooding and flood damage.

“Flooding has been a persistent and devastating issue for many families in East St. Louis,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “The support of IDNR will provide a lifeline for residents who have faced repeated losses and help ensure their safety and well-being moving forward. I commend IDNR for recognizing the urgent need for this intervention and allocating the necessary resources to address it.”

The funding — through IDNR’s Flood Hazard Mitigation Program — will be used to reimburse the city for approved costs associated with acquiring homes on 39 lots, plus one vacant lot. This project includes up to $22,500 in additional funds to assist homeowners who resided in the flooded structures in purchasing a home.