SPRINGFIELD – To help municipalities, business owners and convention bureaus promote local tourist activities and attract visitors to all corners of Illinois, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz is leading a measure to create the Tourism Preservation and Sustainability District Act.

“Tourism and hospitality are top revenue-generating industries that drive our state forward,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), chair of the Senate Tourism and Hospitality Committee. “House Bill 268 will bring Illinois in line with 19 other states that utilize tourism preservation and sustainability districts to promote regional interests and bring visitors, revenue and jobs back to their state.”

House Bill 268 would allow hotel owners to petition a county, municipality or township to create a tourism preservation and sustainability district through ordinance. Hotel and lodging businesses within the district can opt to impose a 5% or less transaction fee on their room rates, to be collected by the local unit of government. These revenues would go to a state-certified Convention and Visitors Bureau or existing tourism nonprofit for marketing, sales efforts, events and other local promotional activities that enhance area tourism.

CHICAGO – Nearly $3 million in new funding is available to help counties, municipalities, non-profit organizations and promotional groups revitalize Illinois’ tourism industry by promoting events, destinations and tourist attractions, thanks to support from State Senator Sara Feigenholtz. 

The Illinois Travel and Tourism Grant Program will match up to $100,000 in project funds to drive tourism activity across the state by investing in marketing and promotional projects, including media production costs, billboards, trade shows, website development and more. 

“Illinois has a great story for visitors from around the country, we need to get out there and tell it,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “Marketing dollars available through DCEO will help convention and visitors' bureaus and local governments update their pitch and image so that Illinois is next on everyone's travel list.” 

CHICAGO – In recognition of International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day on Sept. 9, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz is applauding efforts by health care providers, parents, self-advocates and community organizations who work to support the FASD community, increase education and awareness, and bring evidence-based services to those living with FASD and their families.

“Today, I join advocates to recognize International FASD Awareness Day and take this time to lift up the increasing need for FASD-informed supports and services in Illinois and across the nation,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “This day is a reminder that, although we have made tremendous advancements in diagnostics and screenings for a multitude of other preventable disorders, we have much work left to do to bring informed services to the FASD community and integrate supports within our other health, education, justice and care systems.”

FASD is an umbrella term that describes the range of physical, behavioral and intellectual disabilities than can occur when someone has been exposed to alcohol before birth. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders have been dubbed ‘the hidden epidemic’ because of the lack of supports, diagnostics and treatment services available to pregnant women, new mothers and their families.

“People with FASD and their families need accessible, affordable and competent systems of care that are evidence-based and fully funded,” said Feigenholtz. “I am proud to stand with my constituents, Bonnie and Michelle, today to highlight this critical need.”

CHICAGO – To help community members prevent identity fraud and protect their personal information, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz is joining 44^th Ward Alderman Tom Tunney and State Representative Margaret Croke to host a paper shredding event on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 9 a.m. to noon at the 44th Ward Office, located at 3323 N. Sheffield Avenue in Chicago.

“Document shredding is a great way for residents to clear out clutter in their homes, keep their personal information safe and protect the environment,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “I encourage residents to take advantage of this free and convenient service that will keep sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands.”

Shredding services will accept any residential paper documents that contain personal or private information, such as bank statements, invoices, outdated medical records, pay stubs, receipts, credit card offers and tax returns older than seven years. Non-paper items and materials from businesses will not be accepted.