In the wake of the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, my office is receiving many questions about the future of reproductive health care in Illinois. Please see the following resources for more information about how reproductive rights will be protected in our state.

• A Know Your Reproductive Rights Guide
• Guidance from the Attorney General to law enforcement partners emphasizing that abortion and other reproductive health care decisions are not crimes in Illinois

To help alleviate some of the economic challenges facing bars and restaurants due to COVID-19, the Department of Revenue will defer sales tax payments for more than 24,000 small- and medium-sized bars and restaurants.

This deferral is expected to provide relief to nearly 80% of bars and restaurants in Illinois. Find more information and check whether your business qualifies here.

To learn more about what measures the state is taking to help Illinoisans affected by COVID-19-- including offering disaster assistance loans, establishing dedicated shopping hours for seniors and expanding health care services-- read Gov. JB Pritzker's March 19 announcement here. 

SPRINGFIELD – People interested in a career in construction can receive training and other assistance through HIRE360, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) announced Tuesday.

“With Illinois unemployment at a record low, businesses are looking for qualified candidates to fill well-paying job positions,” said Fine. “Career training could help some people stand out to potential employers.”

Chicago developers, general contractors, local labor unions and the United Way of Metro Chicago partnered to create HIRE360, a program that empowers underrepresented individuals to pursue union careers.

The program offers test preparation, funds to buy needed supplies for apprenticeships, job referrals and more assistance to those interested in union construction careers.

Although HIRE360 currently only offers job services in the construction industry, the program plans to expand to other unionized fields, like manufacturing and hospitality sectors, in the coming months.

“Going through a career training program is the first step toward a great career,” said Fine. “This kind of help could put a union job within reach.”

Interested candidates can sign up for construction trades readiness training with HIRE360 here.

The 9th District encompasses part of northern Cook County and includes all or portions of Chicago, Evanston, Glencoe, Glenview, Golf, Kenilworth, Morton Grove, Niles, Northbrook, Northfield, Skokie, Wilmette and Winnetka.