CHICAGO – In order to combat the opioid epidemic, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus are supporting the 2022 State of Illinois Overdose Action Plan, a comprehensive, equity-centric outline to change how Illinois deals with overdoses.

This plan prioritizes outreach to and engagement with individuals who are at risk for both fatal and non-fatal overdose due to drugs like synthetic opioids, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and other substances.

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CHICAGO – Thanks to support from State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago), Garfield Park Conservatory will receive $749,500 for its Child Wild Nature Exploration Garden.

“The Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest, most beautiful botanical conservatories not just in Chicago, but in America,” Van Pelt said. “I am pleased that it is receiving the maximum amount in funding in order to support its facilities and exhibitions.”

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) issued the following statement in response to Gov. JB Pritzker’s State of the State address:

“It is imperative that we fund further initiatives to keep our communities safe, as many Illinoisans are living in fear due to gang violence and carjackings. I am glad that, finally, the Gang Crime Witness Protection Program I sponsored will be receiving $20 million in funding. This program is crucial to ensure that we can keep Illinoisans safe from the violence that plagues our communities.

“I will continue to advocate for an end to the violence that interferes with the safety of our most vulnerable populations, and for increased investment in violence prevention initiatives.

“In addition, I will continue to support COVID-19 recovery for our communities and frontline workers. We must do everything necessary to combat this virus, which is why I am pleased that this plan includes the proper funding to health care organizations as well as resources for frontline workers to support pandemic safety and recovery.”

CHICAGO – Thanks to support from State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) over $4 million in Back to Business grants were awarded to local businesses throughout the 5th District.

“As the pandemic continues, businesses are still in need of essential aid to keep them going,” Van Pelt said. “Businesses such as hotels, museums and restaurants have been some of the hardest hit by the effects of COVID-19.”

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