Dear friend,

2020 will go down in history as one of the hardest years. As almost never before in our history, we’ve been confronted by the challenges we face as a nation. A deadly pandemic claimed its first victim in Illinois within the 16th District. My efforts to secure regular COVID-19 testing here in Auburn Gresham took months of pressure. As this was going on, people took to the streets in outrage over the death of George Floyd and the innumerable other Black people who have lost their lives as a result of police action.

Whether it was a sobering reminder that we have still seen inaction on the part of the City of Chicago in preventing wrongful police raids that terrorize citizens, or that access to home lending and other financial tools that build generational wealth looks as unequal now as it did 50 years ago, this year has made it clear that we have so much to do.

Through all of that, I want to wish you a happy and safe holiday, and send you my wishes that 2021 will be a year where we mourn the losses and celebrate the joys of 2020 together and with the resolve to be the change we want to see. As a state-of-the-art vaccine begins to be deployed, I ask that you gather virtually when you can, that you keep that mask on and your hands washed, and that you maintain social distancing.

Here is a look back at some of what we accomplished in 2020.

A banner year for economic development

Read more ...

Dear friend,

Be aware that this coming weekend, a COVID-19 testing site run by the Illinois Dept. of Public Health will operate out of the Alpha Temple Baptist Church. Details below:

Date: Sunday, Dec. 20

Location: Alpha Temple Baptist Church

Address: 6701 S. Emerald Ave, Chicago

Time: Noon to 4 p.m.

IDPH has asked community members who wish to and are able to support the IDPH mobile workers by bringing them breakfast, coffee, and even lunch, individually packaged for health and safety. IDPH workers are outside in the cold all day, and tokens of appreciation are always welcome.

This testing site is free, and no insurance, referrals, or symptoms are necessary for you to get tested. Please spread the word!

Sincerely,

Jacqueline Collins
State Senator, 16th Illinois Senate District

Dear Friend,

With many Illinois families working and learning remotely, a reliable internet connection is more important than ever before.

To ensure every resident can participate in the classroom, take advantage of telehealth services and stay productive from home, the State of Illinois has launched three grant programs open to nonprofits, local governments, hospitals, libraries, schools, senior citizen homes and other organizations connecting Illinoisans with quality, high-speed internet service.

If you’re interested in learning more about these programs, I’ve included application deadlines, grant amounts and other important details below.

If you know of an organization that might be eligible to apply, please feel free to forward this information to them or direct them to my office. We are ready to answer any questions you may have about these programs or other issues facing our community – contact us at https://senatorjacquelinecollins.com/contact-us.

Sincerely,

Jacqueline Collins
State Senator, 16th Illinois Senate District

Connect Illinois Broadband Grant Program

Starting Dec. 1, internet service providers, rural cooperatives, nonprofits and local governments are encouraged to apply for the second round of funding through Connect Illinois. These funds may be used to match investments in expanding broadband connections in new communities across the state, with special consideration for economically distressed communities hit hardest by the pandemic. A total of $50 million is available, with up to $5 million awarded per project. Learn more and apply at https://bit.ly/ILBroadbandApp by March 1, 2021.

Broadband Regional Engagement for Adoption and Digital Equity (READY)

Broadband READY grants are intended to identify current digital inequities across the state and help create a roadmap to bridge these gaps. Public hospitals, libraries, park districts, and schools, as well as senior citizen homes, and other for-profit and nonprofit agencies and organizations are encouraged to apply. A total of $250 million is available, with up to $50,000 awarded per project. Learn more and apply here by Dec. 23 at 5 p.m. 

Illinois Connected Community Digital Navigator Program 

Local governments, libraries, schools, churches, colleges and universities, and other nonprofits serving communities with low broadband adoption can apply for membership in the Illinois Connected Community Digital Navigator Program. A Digital Navigator is a volunteer or cross-trained staff member who will offer guidance to address the digital inclusion process, assess residents’ needs, and connect communities with resources that match their households’ lifestyles, including home connectivity, devices and digital skills. Learn more and apply here by Jan. 11, 2021.

I would like you to know about a free Thanksgiving food giveaway happening now at 2745 W. 63rd Street. PPE, masks, and face shields will also be made available. I'm proud to sponsor this event alongside Social Change and numerous other groups. The event begins at 1 p.m. You can find more information below.

Sincerely,

Jacqueline Collins
State Senator, 16th Illinois Senate District