Senator Fine joins legislators, clean energy experts to discuss a greener future

GLENVIEW – To help North Shore residents find ways to benefit the planet while saving money on their utility bills, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) is joining fellow legislators and energy policy experts for a virtual Clean Energy Town Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m.

“Climate change threatens our natural spaces, food sources, air and water quality, physical health, and more,” said Fine. “It’s past time to make a change, and I’m looking forward to discussing ways to ‘go green,’ both on a statewide level and within our own households.”

Fine will be joined by State Representatives Robyn Gabel and Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, as well as representatives from the Illinois Environmental Council, the Citizens Utility Board, the Sierra Club Illinois Chapter, and Blacks in Green.

Panelists will discuss utility consumer protections, green energy alternatives and the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA), a piece of comprehensive clean energy legislation proposed in 2019.

CEJA aims to reduce Illinois’ environmental footprint in a way that supports workers, families and communities. The bill would transition the state to 100% renewable energy by 2050, make investments in electric transportation technology, and promote economic opportunity, especially in communities of color.

“We must address the urgent climate crisis our planet is facing. Illinois has the potential to lead the charge,” said Fine. “I urge anyone interested in environmental justice and climate change to join the conversation and learn more about CEJA and other initiatives.”

Registration is requested, but not required. View the livestream here.

Senator Fine celebrates National Women’s Small Business Month, urges women business owners to explore available grants

GLENVIEW – To celebrate National Women’s Small Business Month and support the North Shore small business community, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) invites women small business owners to join “All in for Women,” a series of webinars from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) about navigating the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program.

“The BIG program is a great resource to help small businesses bounce back from pandemic-related losses,” said Fine. “In honor of National Women’s Small Business Month, I want to offer our women-owned businesses the assistance they need to take advantage of this recovery opportunity.”

At the “All in for Women” webinars, business owners will be able to connect with DCEO officials to learn more about the BIG program, eligibility requirements and the application process. Technical assistance support will also be provided for the last 30 minutes of every session.

The Business Interruption Grant program is a $636 million program created to provide economic relief for small businesses hit hardest by COVID-19.

In the second round of grants, $220 million will be allocated to provide relief for all types of small businesses, including women-owned small businesses. Funding can be used to help businesses with working capital expenses, including payroll costs, rent, utilities and other operational costs.

The webinar will be offered in four sessions, and registration is required:

• Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 2 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 10 at 10 a.m.
• Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 2 p.m.
• Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 2 p.m.

Other resources, including webinars geared toward women in manufacturing, Latina business owners and more, are available on the DCEO Office of Minority Economic Empowerment website.

Senator Fine hopes to boost census response rates in hard-to-count areas of the North Shore

GLENVIEW – With the Census Bureau set to end its counting efforts a month earlier than scheduled, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) is urging residents to fill out their census forms as soon as possible.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll on our community, but your participation in the 2020 Census can help us recover,” said Fine. “The census is the best tool we have to protect after-school programs, health care services, food assistance and the other vital community resources we rely on.”

The census is safe, secure and confidential. It takes less than 10 minutes and can easily be done from the comfort of one’s home online, by phone or by mail. It determines congressional representation, helps determine how federal funds flow into states and provides information that will impact communities for the next decade.

Some areas of the North Shore are reporting low response rates. In parts of downtown Evanston, as little as 61.5% of residents have responded to the census. Without a 100% response rate, schools, roads, hospitals and other critical community services in these areas could be affected.

“If you have already filled out the census, thank you for doing your part to ensure a full and complete count,” said Fine. “Help us spread the word by calling a friend or neighbor to make sure they get counted, too.”

Residents can complete the census for their household at https://my2020census.gov.

Senator Fine invites residents to keep Evanston healthy, safe and beautiful at beach cleanup event

Attention: Due to inclement weather, the beach cleanup event has been rescheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26 at 1 p.m.

EVANSTON – In celebration of the 35th anniversary of the International Coastal Cleanup, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) and State Representative Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston) are hosting an Adopt-a-Beach cleanup event in partnership with the Alliance for the Great Lakes this Saturday, Sept. 12 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Evanston South Boulevard Beach.

“Our gorgeous beaches provide a beautiful place to exercise, relax and spend time with friends and loved ones. It’s up to us to keep them healthy and clean,” said Fine. “This cleanup event is a great way to enjoy the scenery while making a difference for your community.”

The Alliance for the Great Lakes’ Adopt-a-Beach program mobilizes thousands of volunteers who give back to their local beaches each year. In 2019, Adopt-a-Beach volunteers cleaned up over 53,843 pounds of trash.

About 90% of litter picked up from Great Lakes beaches is plastic. Once in the water, plastic can break down into smaller pieces called microplastics, toxic particles which can be mistaken for food by small fish and wildlife and make their way into drinking water.

“I’m thrilled to be sponsoring this beach cleanup,” said Gabel. “It’s great to give citizens an opportunity to help clean up the environment and beautify the lakefront.”

Volunteers should meet at the South Beach entrance. To keep all team members safe, masks and social distancing will be required. Find more information and register to join the cleanup here.