PEORIA, Ill. – State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, is highlighting the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a winter heating assistance program that helps families pay for utility services.

“Even though we’re in the fall season, Illinoisans know winter is always just around the corner,” Gordon-Booth said. “Unfortunately, far too many local families cannot afford to adequately heat their homes when temperatures drop suddenly.”

LIHEAP assists eligible families by helping to subsidize winter heating bills in Illinois. The 2019-2020 application period is currently open, and applications are accepted until funding is exhausted. Gordon-Booth is encouraging area residents in need of home heating assistance to visit LIHEAPIllinois.com or to call the state’s toll-free LIHEAP hotline at 877-411-WARM (877-411-9276) for information on income eligibility and how to apply for assistance.

“Local families and seniors shouldn’t be forced to choose between staying warm in their homes and putting food on their tables,” Gordon-Booth said. “Thankfully for local families in need, they can use LIHEAP as a lifeline to help them stay warm during cold winter months.”

PEORIA, Ill. – In recognition of National Women’s Small Business Month this October, state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth is highlighting reforms to reduce taxes on small businesses and attract new businesses to Illinois.

“I am committed to building a stronger Illinois by building a stronger middle class and that means supporting the small businesses that are drivers of our economy,” Gordon-Booth said. “During National Women’s Small Business Month, it is important to highlight the tax reforms and opportunities available to small businesses in Illinois.”

Women own 42% of all businesses according to Business.com, compared to less than 5% in 1972. During the last five years, the number of small businesses owned by all women grew 21% and that rate was nearly double for women of color.

As Deputy Majority Leader in the Illinois House, Gordon-Booth helped spearhead negotiations with Republicans for a bipartisan, balanced budget that instituted a number of reforms to reduce taxes for small businesses and make it easier for the state to attract new businesses. Gordon-Booth backed:

• Senate Bill 689 to eliminate the burdensome corporate franchise tax, helping 300,000 small businesses, and increase tax credits for small businesses that employ workers in areas of high unemployment or underemployment
• Senate Bill 690 to allow a tax credit for workers on small business data center projects and to allow sales tax credits for data center businesses that invest in Illinois
• Senate Bill 1591 to invest in small businesses that invest in local jobs by creating tax credits for small businesses to train and employ apprentices

“Small businesses are the heart of our economy in Illinois and women-owned small businesses are a growing and critical part of building a stronger middle class in our state,” Gordon-Booth said. “Reducing taxes on small businesses and making it easier for them to hire and train workers will assist the growth of all small businesses, but will be particularly helpful for small businesses owned by women and women of color that historically were excluded from accessing business development programs and resources.”

PEORIA, Ill. – In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, is  drawing attention to the availability of free breast cancer screenings and treatment options for low-income women.

“Far too many women in Illinois are not aware that free screening options for breast cancer are available,” Gordon-Booth said. “No woman should have to suffer through the devastating effects of breast cancer because they could not afford screening or treatment.”

Gordon-Booth is highlighting the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP), operated by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), which provides free breast exams, mammograms, Pap tests and pelvic exams for low-income women. Patients enrolled in the program are also eligible for treatment benefits. The IBCCP is open to uninsured Illinois women between the ages of 35 and 64. Women can find out more about the program at IDPH’s breast cancer screening website, cancerscreening.illinois.gov or by calling the state’s Women’s Health Line toll-free at 888-522-1282.

“The Illinois Breast and Cervical Program allows women to receive breast cancer screening exams and treatment, regardless of their income,” Gordon-Booth. “This critical program can mean the difference between life and death for women who can’t otherwise afford health care services. During this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I encourage women to check their eligibility for free breast cancer screenings.”

PEORIA, Ill. – State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, is encouraging local residents to attend upcoming information sessions about the Workforce Equity Initiative, a statewide project that she negotiated to improve workforce inclusivity and wages for underrepresented populations in career and technical education programs and jobs where employers report a lack of available skilled workers.

“The modern workforce is demanding highly-skilled workers for jobs in a variety of industries including health care, manufacturing and technology. However, too many people in our local community have been left behind as the workforce shifts,” Gordon-Booth said. “The Workforce Equity Initiative is chance to help build a stronger middle class and move our community forward by providing the opportunity for a living wage in fields where there aren’t enough workers.”

The Workforce Equity Initiative, spearheaded by Gordon-Booth and the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, is a partnership of the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), community colleges across the state and is led by Illinois Central College (ICC) in order to increase workforce skills and boost the economies of African American populations who are underrepresented in fields where employers report a shortage of skilled workers. The program will train participants in a variety of high-need skillsets by partnering with regional employers for occupations including computer network administrators, emergency medical technicians, machinists, nurses and welders.

ICC is hosting multiple information sessions on the initiative on Wednesday, October 23 at its Peoria campus. The informational session times are 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 4:30 pm and 5:30 pm. ICC’s Peoria campus is located at 5407 N. University Street and sessions will take place in Student Center Room S220.

“This transformative initiative is being built and targeted directly at people in our community who have been too often left behind in career and technical training, particularly in African American communities,” Gordon-Booth said. “I encourage everyone who is underemployed, unemployed or is seeking a secure full-time career to attend an information session hosted by ICC in order to learn about the opportunities available for improved livelihoods in our community.”

PEORIA, Ill. – During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, is highlighting the importance of early detection for breast cancer and a new law that expands mammogram coverage in Illinois.

“Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death among women,” Gordon-Booth said. “We need to have frank and open conversations about the risk factors for breast cancer as well as raising awareness of recommended screening guidelines for early detection.”

American Cancer Society (ACS) recommendations state that women ages 40 to 44 should consult their regular physician about their personal risk factors for breast cancer, which can include aging, alcohol consumption, family history, an inactive lifestyle and obesity. For women ages 45 to 54, the ACS recommends receiving an annual mammogram and that women older than 55 switch to receiving mammograms every other year, unless a doctor recommends more frequent screening.

Gordon-Booth backed Senate Bill 162 to help expand health insurance coverage for mammograms. Health insurance companies in Illinois are now required to cover both screening and diagnostic mammograms as part of preventative care coverage. Previously, only screening mammograms were covered as part of preventative care and if a doctor saw or suspected an abnormality, a follow-up diagnostic mammogram procedure would be ordered, but not considered as part of preventative care. Under the new law backed by Gordon-Booth, diagnostic mammograms are considered part of preventive care and insurance companies are mandated to cover them with no co-pays, as mandated under the Affordable Care Act’s federal guidelines for preventative health care coverage.

“Early detection is critical for women who are at risk for breast cancer in order to provide proper treatment,” Gordon-Booth said. “During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I urge all women to consult with a doctor to understand their personal risk factors for breast cancer and to seek a mammogram if recommended.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, launched the Workforce Equity Initiative, a statewide project that she negotiated to improve workforce inclusivity and wages for populations underrepresented in skills gap jobs as well as career and technical education programs.

“Despite historically low unemployment rates, too many people in communities across Illinois are being left behind when it comes to the skills needed to thrive in the modern workforce,” Gordon-Booth. “Employment isn’t about simply having a job, it’s about having a career that provides a living wage, the opportunity for a middle-class life and dignity for one’s labor.”

The Workforce Equity Initiative is a partnership of the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), community colleges across the state, Gordon-Booth and the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus and is led by Illinois Central College in order to increase workforce skills and boost the economies of African American populations who are underrepresented in skills gap fields like like career and technical education programs. Partnering with regional employers, the program will train participants in a variety of skillsets for high-demand occupations, including computer network administrators, emergency medical technicians, machinists, nurses and welders. The nearly $20 million initiative will leverage existing funds and rely on established community based organizations to help identify program participants and case management. Furthermore, employers that hire successfully credentialed program participants will receive a tax credit.

“I’m proud that this transformative initiative will be targeted directly at populations that are too often left behind when it comes to career education and technical training, particularly in African American communities,” Gordon-Booth said. “I’m also proud that this program is being led by Illinois Central College, showcasing the ability of community colleges to help develop and implement innovative solutions that will lead directly to improved livelihoods for people across Illinois.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois House Deputy Majority Leader and lead negotiator of cannabis legalization, state Rep. Jehan-Gordon Booth, D-Peoria, issued the following statement after the end of the legislative session:

“This year, Illinois began to move beyond the failed tenure of former Governor Bruce Rauner to come together for historic criminal justice reforms to legalize adult-use recreational cannabis, provide civics education for incarcerated individuals to help reduce recidivism, and continue to work to improve police and community relations by preventing racial profiling. As a lead negotiator, we were also able to enact measures to increase economic opportunity by making sure minimum wage workers are paid a fair wage, women are paid equally for performing the work as men, and that lower-income families have access to banking services.”

“By legalizing adult-use recreational cannabis, Illinois can provide a model for the nation on how to put the needs of citizens ahead of big businesses and out-of-state interests, while also providing equity and economic opportunity to communities that have been harmed by the War on Drugs. Under this measure, state revenue from cannabis sales can fund a community renewal program for communities across Illinois that have historically faced disinvestment, particularly communities of color.”

Gordon-Booth created an equity workforce opportunity at community colleges across the state to help communities fill the local skills gap and provide people with head of household jobs with an equity centered focus.

Economic opportunity measures supported by Gordon-Booth included Senate Bill 1, an increase in wages for minimum wage workers combined with a tax credit for small businesses to help offset the cost of the wage increase. Gordon-Booth also sponsored House Bill 834, which significantly strengthens the state’s equal pay laws to ensure women are paid equally to men for performing the same work and making it unlawful for an employer to require a job applicant reveal their past wage or salary history during the application process. Additionally, Gordon-Booth sponsored the Illinois Bank On Initiative to help low-income families access banking services and build financial literacy. Together, these measures will help Illinois build a stronger middle class and lift up more families by expanding economic opportunity.

Gordon-Booth represents the 92nd District, which includes Bartonville, Bellevue, Peoria, Peoria Heights, and West Peoria.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois House Deputy Majority Leader Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, issued the following statement on the importance of passing a capital infrastructure plan:

“As too many roads and bridges across Illinois reach their usable lifespan and beyond, it is imperative that the state invest in rebuilding and renewing our infrastructure. As America’s central transportation hub, it is critical that our state have modern infrastructure in order to build a stronger economy and empower businesses to grow in Illinois. Without rebuilding our roads, bridges, and other infrastructure, Illinois will not be able to compete in the modern interconnected economy.

“But an infrastructure plan isn’t just about investing in roads and bridges, it’s also about investing in our state’s workers. With a strong capital infrastructure plan, Illinois has a unique opportunity to provide good, skilled jobs to workers and train new skilled workers from communities suffering high underemployment and unemployment. More than ever, Illinois needs an infrastructure plan to connect workers to jobs, power business growth, and help lift up communities across our state.”

Gordon-Booth represents the 92nd District, which includes Bartonville, Bellevue, Peoria, Peoria Heights, and West Peoria.

PEORIA, Ill. – State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, was recently named Deputy Majority Leader in the Illinois House of Representatives.

“We are in a historic moment in Illinois, and by working together we will transform the lives of people in our communities for generations to come,” Gordon-Booth said. “I am grateful to have the chance to serve the people of Illinois in this elevated leadership capacity. I look forward to bringing important resources to the Peoria community and other communities across the state, increasing opportunities for families and making our communities safer for the people of this state who have been forgotten and ignored for too long.”

Gordon-Booth is the highest ranked elected outside of the city of Chicago. She is also the first African-American woman to hold this position in the House of Representatives. Gordon-Booth served as Assistant Majority Leader since 2015.

“While I am honored to be able to take on this expanded leadership role, my number one priority will always be providing a voice for the Peoria community,” Gordon-Booth said. “I am eager to get to work on behalf of the people of Peoria and communities across this state.”

SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, released the following statement Wednesday after being sworn in for a new term:

“The past several years have been extremely difficult for people in Peoria and across the state. The next few weeks and months are our opportunity to begin to turn the page and get Illinois back on the right track.

“One of my goals for this session is to work on legislation that will bring economic development and good, high-paying jobs to the entire Peoria area by investing in our neighborhoods to make sure that no one in our community gets left behind. I also will be continuing my work to make expunging criminal records more accessible to people who are eligible and help give them a chance to build a better life for themselves and their family.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to continue serving as your state representative. I look forward to working with other Peoria-area legislators and the rest of my colleagues to strengthen our community and our state.”

For more information, please contact Gordon-Booth’s constituent services office at 309-681-1992 or e-mail her at repjgordon@gmail.com.