Senator Fine generates support for local businesses during heightened mitigations

GLENVIEW – In response to increasing COVID-19 case counts and hospitalizations in the region, stricter mitigation measures took effect in suburban Cook County this week, prompting State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) to remind business owners to apply for available aid and encourage residents to patronize small businesses.

“I’m as frustrated as anyone to see our region taking a step back, but these mitigations are necessary to keep our community safe,” Fine said. “Higher rates of COVID-19 mean a higher risk for everyone, including the elderly, those with underlying conditions and our health care workers. We owe it to them to do what we can to stop the upward trend of infections.”

Region 10 experienced eight consecutive days of increases in test positivity and seven days of increased hospital admissions, surpassing warning levels in both categories and triggering enhanced mitigation measures under the state's Restore Illinois Resurgence Plan.

Under this framework, the Illinois Department of Public Health has imposed stricter rules on bars and restaurants, including:

• Bars and restaurants must close at 11 p.m. and may not serve patrons indoors.
• Patrons may not stand or congregate while waiting for a table or exiting.
• All tables should be 6 feet apart, and different parties may not be seated at the same table.
• Reservations are required for each party to assist with contact tracing.

Find the full list of resurgence mitigations here. These measures took effect in Region 10 starting at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28.

To help businesses cope with the negative impacts of the pandemic, Fine urges business owners to apply for a Business Interruption Grant, through which $220 million in aid is available to Illinois small businesses, with priority given to those in regions under increased mitigation measures.

Fine also encourages residents to support the local restaurants and businesses working hard to follow health and safety guidelines.

“In addition to state and federal aid, our businesses need support from the community,” said Fine. “Order delivery or carryout, purchase a gift card, refer a friend or even engage your favorite businesses on social media to lend them a helping hand.”

Senator Fine invites Northfield Township residents to safely dispose of household hazardous waste, unwanted prescription medications

NORTHBROOK – To give residents the opportunity to safely and responsibly dispose of unwanted household chemicals and other hazardous products, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) is partnering with the Northfield Township Road District to host a hazardous waste recycling event Saturday, Oct. 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 237 Melvin Drive in Northbrook.

“Keeping hazardous waste around the house can be unsafe for children and pets, but disposing of these products improperly can contaminate our water and pose dangers to residents and wildlife,” said Fine. “This free event provides residents the opportunity to make sure their waste is recycled, reused or safely destroyed.”

At the event, Northfield Township residents may dispose of household chemicals including antifreeze, household cleaning products, lighter fluid, insecticides and herbicides, drain cleaners, paint thinners, gasoline, and more. Medical waste, pool chemicals and photography chemicals will not be accepted.

Other products like batteries, small electronics and fluorescent lightbulbs can also be disposed of at the event. A full list of acceptable products is available here.

All staff members will observe COVID-19 safety measures. Residents will be responsible for removing items from their vehicles and placing them on Road District wagons.

As the event is taking place on National Prescription Drug Takeback Day, Fine will also be handing out medication disposal bags to allow people to dispose of unused, expired or unneeded medications.

“Household hazardous waste takes many forms, including prescription drugs,” said Fine. “Don’t throw old medications in the trash or flush them down the toilet. National Drug Takeback Day raises awareness about the importance of disposing of these drugs safely and responsibly.”

The event is only open to Northfield Township residents with identification showing they reside within the township. With questions or for additional information about the event, contact Fine’s office at 847-998-1717.

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.