Illinois Cannabis Sales Set Record
Illinois set another record for recreational cannabis sales in 2023, with more than $1.63 billion in sales. While sales to out-of-state residents showed a significant drop as additional states joined Illinois in legalizing the adult use of cannabis, sales to Illinois residents increased by 14%. Overall, Illinois saw a 7% increase in retail cannabis sales, resulting in $417.6 […]
Sen. Harriss needs your help to create Valentine cards for area seniors
Her Annual “Valentines for Seniors” Card Drive is Now Underway As a way to honor area seniors, State Senator Erica Harriss is hosting her annual Valentines for Seniors Card Drive through February 5, 2024. “I often hear of people in the community looking for ways to help others. This is an opportunity people can show […]
Illinois recreational trail projects awarded $3.7 million
The local trails in your neighborhood could be getting a significant facelift, thanks to the recent announcement that $3.7 million will be awarded for various recreational trail development projects across the state. Under the program, local grant recipients can receive a reimbursement of up to 80 percent for the cost of trail projects. Grants may […]
Volunteer Emergency Worker Income Tax Credit
Volunteer firefighters and EMTs are getting financial help from the state to help them cover the costs of training and equipment. Eligible Illinois emergency volunteers may now receive a $500 non-refundable income tax credit starting next year. A volunteer emergency worker is defined as a person who serves as a member, other than on a […]
Navigating Holiday Decor Safety Tips from the National Fire Protection Association
As families across the state continue to deck the halls with seasonal décor for the holidays, the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshall is encouraging people to be cautious when decorating with candles and lights this holiday season. The Office offers the following tips to stay fire-safe with holiday decorations: • Make sure holiday decorations are either flame-retardant […]
Senator Harriss releases statement on potential sale of US Steel
State Senator Erica Harriss has released the below statement following the announcement and potential sale of US Steel to Nippon Steel Corporation: “For me, the question of whether this potential sale is good news or not, will come down to whether it will allow Granite City steelworkers to keep their jobs. Unfortunately, our community has […]
Senator Harriss announces new state library grant recipients
State Senator Erica Harriss is pleased to announce more than $22,000 in state-sponsored library grants have been approved for public school libraries across the 56th District. “Our school libraries are incredibly important for educational and research opportunities for our students,” said Senator Harriss. “I am thrilled to see schools across the 56th District receiving grant […]
Illinois Invests Additional $13 Million to Boost Job Training and Economic Development
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has unveiled an additional $13 million investment in the state’s Job Training and Economic Development Program (JTED). This initiative aims to provide workforce training and wrap-around services to help support equitable workforce recovery for Illinois residents facing challenges in securing meaningful employment. In the second round […]
New Form to Report Public Corruption
Have you witnessed public officials behaving badly? If so, you can now report suspected corruption directly to the Illinois State Police (ISP) with a new form. The form was created by ISP’s Special Investigations Unit, which is tasked with focusing on public corruption and conducting investigations into allegations of criminal misconduct committed by elected officials […]
New Back 2 Business Grants
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) recently announced the Illinois B2B NewBiz grant program that became available on November 30. This new program extends financial relief to businesses that started during the COVID-19 pandemic in industries that were most impacted by it. Grants are for businesses that have not been eligible for […]