SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To boost the economic recovery of small businesses in his district, state Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, is highlighting the announcement of the Back to Business Grants that will help rebuild small businesses from the devastating impact of the pandemic. 

“The severe damage to small business in the past year cannot be understated,” said Yingling. “We must ensure that struggling small businesses have a chance to bounce back from the loss of income, resources, operating costs, and much more. The Back to Businesses grants are essential to bring our economy back on track. ”

Yingling has made it a priority to protect and revitalize small businesses. He has helped to pass numerous measures that create avenues of support for small businesses, including expanding tax credits and voting to enact financial relief programs.

The Back to Business Grants are a follow-up to the last year’s Business Interruption Grants and will provide small businesses across the state with access to crucial resources they need to recuperate. For more information or to apply, please visit the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website at illinois.gov/dceo/SmallBizAssistance/Pages/B2B.aspx 

“As someone who grew up working for my parent’s local restaurant, it is important to provide relief to small business owners who are struggling to make ends meet,” said Yingling. “We cannot turn our back on them during this difficult time, and I will continue to work in Springfield to ensure that they have the resources they need to get through this pandemic and back on their feet.”

GURNEE, Ill. – Continuing her fight against climate change by growing renewable energy in Illinois, State Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, co-sponsored legislation recently signed into law to help people in a homeowners association install solar panels on their house.

“Solar panels are a great way for homeowners to do their part in the switch to renewable energy as we continue to fight climate change,” said Mason. “As more and more people are considering placing solar panels on their homes, it is important that systems are in place to protect the interests of everyone involved.”

Mason co-sponsored House Bill 644 recently signed into law by Governor Pritzker. The Mason backed bill helps determine how groups such as home owners associations can work with home owners as they add solar panels to their house. The new law allows associations to create a policy regarding the location of solar panels as long as it does not interfere with their effectiveness. The Mason backed legislation passed both houses of the Illinois General Assembly with bipartisan support along with the support of the Illinois Environmental Council.

“Homeowners should not be prevented from installing solar panels on their property or be forced place them in a less optimal spot,” said Mason. “This law helps protect the rights of homeowners to have effective solar energy for their home.”

WAUKEGAN, Ill. – A new law spearheaded by state Rep. Rita Mayfield, D-Waukegan, will prohibit local governments from signing contracts with the federal government to detain immigrants and will institute protections for immigrants to ensure law enforcement personnel and resources are not being deputized by the federal government for immigration enforcement.

“Local sheriffs and police should be focused on their community, not engaging in work for federal immigration authorities,” Mayfield said. “I am proud to see Illinois take another step in becoming a state that treats immigrants as people and rejects the costly and inhumane detention apparatus operated by ICE.”

The Mayfield-backed Senate Bill 667 builds on the TRUST and VOICES Acts to protect immigrant families by prohibiting state and local law enforcement from inquiring about or investigating the citizenship or immigration status of an individual in police custody. The bill also prevents state and local law enforcement from entering into or renewing agreements to house people charged with federal immigration violations. Additionally, the new law empowers the Attorney General to conduct investigations into violations of the state’s guidelines related to immigration. 

Mayfield served as one of the lead sponsors of the legislation, which was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker this month.

“Too often in recent years we have seen politicians inflict hardship and suffering amongst immigrant families to score cheap political points,” Mayfield said. “Illinois is stronger because of its immigrant population, and I am grateful for the continued work from advocates to ensure we are creating communities that respect all residents regardless of background.” 

GURNEE, Ill. – State Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, is partnering with the Citizen’s Utility Board (CUB) to host a virtual Utility Bill Clinic on Wednesday, July 21 from 6 to 8 p.m.

“This is a free opportunity for Lake County residents to check to make sure they are not overpaying on their utility bills,” said Mason. “Even though the General Assembly is not in session, I am continuing my mission to help area residents by hosting free events that can give them some immediate financial relief.”  

Beginning at 6 p.m. on July 21, Mason is hosting a virtual Utility Bill Clinic with experts from CUB to review gas, electric, water and phone bills to explain possible hidden charges or offer suggestion on ways consumers can lower their bills. Residents can register for a 30-minute one-on-one appointment by going online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/one-on-one-utility-bill-consultation-with-representative-joyce-mason-tickets-158786638109 or by contacting Mason’s constituent office at 847-485-9986. Participants will be sent call login information upon registering and will be asked to provide current utility bills to show the CUB expert.

“I encourage residents to register for an online appointment so they can speak one-on-one with CUB from the comfort of their home about ways they can save on their energy and other utility bills,” said Mason. “In addition to cost saving tips, people can learn about different ways they can be more sustainable with their home energy consumption.”

LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Mary Edly-Allen. D-Libertyville, partnered with local law enforcement and healthcare experts to host an informational town hall meeting on the dangers of vaping devices and e-cigarettes.

“As a former teacher, education and protecting the health of our youth is extremely important to me,” said Edly-Allen. “This town hall meeting on the dangers of vaping gave families and parents an opportunity to learn from the experts and understand the increase in vaping and its potential side effects.”

Edly-Allen’s town hall meeting featured expert panelists including Lake County State’s Attorney Michael Nerheim, Mundelein Chief of Police Eric Guenther, and representatives from the Respiratory Health Association and Lake County Public Health Department. Edly-Allen intends to support legislation to increase regulations on vaping devices, which have come under scrutiny lately for their ties to respiratory illnesses in young people.

ROUND LAKE BEACH, Ill. – To provide beneficial services to his constituents, state Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, will be hosting a Jobs Fair in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) on Oct. 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the University Center of Lake County, Room 142, located at 1200 University Center Dr. in Grayslake. Job seekers will be able to connect with employers, network with hiring managers, and receive information about resources for the unemployed and underemployed.

“Hard-working people deserve to have access to good-paying jobs that they can support their families with,” Yingling said. “My jobs fair is a fantastic opportunity for those who are looking for employment to see what’s available to them in the local market.”

For more information, please contact Yingling’s full-time constituent office at 847-231-6262 or email repsamyingling@gmail.com.

Who:               State Rep. Sam Yingling

                        IDES

What:             Job Fair

When:            Thursday, October 24, 2019

Where:           University Center of Lake County

                        Room 142

                        1200 University Center Dr.

                        Grayslake, IL

LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Mary Edly-Allen, D-Libertyville, recently served as principal for the day at Rockland Elementary School in Libertyville.

“As a former teacher, I love being able to come into a school and interact with students, and I know how important it is for them to speak face-to-face with their representatives in government,” said Edly-Allen. “Now as a legislator, I feel a responsibility to help teach children about the legislative process. I want children to know they are the future and can achieve anything they put their mind to.”

As principal for the day, Edly-Allen met with school faculty and staff to discuss ways in which the state can support local schools, and visited with students. Rep. Edly-Allen explained how a bill becomes a law and answered student questions about state government and working in the state Capitol.

ROUND LAKE BEACH, Ill. – As part of his efforts to be an open and accessible legislator, state Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, will be holding a Coffee with Sam event on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Main Street Café, located at 202 E. Main Street in Round Lake Park. At the event, attendees will be able to talk with Yingling while enjoying a complimentary cup of coffee.

“With all the new laws being passed over the last session, I am looking for feedback from my constituents now more than ever,” Yingling said. “I am looking forward to sitting down with members of the community and hearing what they would like for me to work on going forward.”

Since the end of the legislative session, Yingling has made it a priority to hear the thoughts and opinions from people and organizations throughout his district. In addition to previous Coffee with Sam events, Yingling also hosts town halls and seminars to interact with constituents on a variety of topics. Yingling also has visited libraries, hospitals, park districts and businesses throughout the district in an effort to get as much feedback and hear as many voices as possible.

“Hearing from those around my district helps me craft my legislative agenda more than anything,” Yingling said. “Thank you to everyone who has reached out to my office or me and voiced their ideas about what they would like to see from their state government.”

For any questions or to RSVP, please contact Yingling’s constituent service office at 847-231-6262 or repsamyingling@gmail.com.

ROUND LAKE BEACH, Ill. – State Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, is reminding residents that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. With thousands of women in Illinois being diagnosed with breast cancer each year, Yingling wants community members to be aware of the issue and learn how they can take steps to reduce the risks that come with breast cancer.

“As someone whose parent is fighting a battle with cancer, I understand the toll that cancer can cause on individuals and families,” said Yingling. “Learning about breast cancer prevention is a key component of reducing the harm breast cancer can cause, and I implore everyone to take the time this month to learn how they can best protect themselves against this terrible disease.”

Over the past few years, Yingling has worked to protect Illinoisans against breast cancer in a variety of ways. During the budget impasse, Yingling fought tirelessly to pass a budget, citing the essential services that the state helps provide when it comes to preventative breast cancer care, including mammograms and other services. Recently, Yingling has been working to ban the use of ethylene oxide, a dangerous chemical that is linked to breast cancer.

“Our health and the health of our families is not something we can take for granted,” said Yingling. “While I work in Springfield to pass legislation to keep our communities as safe and healthy as possible, I hope that everyone can take a few minutes out of their day to learn about the steps they can take to keep themselves and their families healthy.”

ROUND LAKE BEACH, Ill. – Students and their families had the opportunity to learn more about the college financial aid process at the College Affordability and FAFSA Seminar, sponsored by state Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, on Monday, Oct. 7. Yingling partnered with experts from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) to help high school students and parents understand the basics of the financial aid process, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application, scholarships and grant information.

“We need to do everything we can to keep our best and brightest in Illinois,” Yingling said. “Just understanding the college financial aid process can prevent students from leaving for out-of-state universities.”

Yingling also welcomed a representative from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to talk about the Illinois Commitment Program, which provides scholarships and grants that cover tuition and campus fees for families whose household income is $61,000 or less.

This spring, Yingling worked to build a stronger Illinois for working families and young people by supporting a bipartisan, balanced budget that increases funding for the Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grant, which makes college more affordable for middle and lower-income students.

“Not knowing what resources are available to help students is sometimes the biggest blockade from them accomplishing their goals,” said Yingling. “I will continue to do my best to ensure that our students have resources to help them be as successful as they aspire to be.”

For more information, please contact Yingling’s constituent office at 847-231-6262 or email repsamyingling@gmail.com.