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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CHICAGO – State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) announced over $1 million in investments for pre-apprenticeship programs on the West Side through the Illinois Works program.

“With this investment, local organizations will create jobs and wealth for the community at large,” Van Pelt said. “I am happy that West Side pre-apprenticeship programs will receive much needed backing for training and wraparound supportive services.”

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CHICAGO – State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) is excited to announce that West Humboldt Park Development Council will receive $300,000 for corridor enhancements.

“Like any other neighborhood, the West Side community has been through a lot in the past few years, however, West Humboldt Park was already at a systemic disadvantage before the pandemic,” Van Pelt said. “This grant will help the developmental council to rebuild the community’s corridors, as well as its sentiment.”

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