GLENVIEW – To recognize older adults who have contributed to their communities through service, education, the workforce or the arts, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) invites residents to submit their nominations to the Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame.

“Especially during this challenging time, it’s important to lift up those special individuals making a difference in our communities,” said Fine. “If you have an older friend, family member or neighbor who deserves recognition for their efforts, I encourage you to nominate them.”

The Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame celebrates outstanding accomplishments in community service, education, the labor force and the arts. Each year, four candidates—one from each category—are inducted.

Eligibility is based on an individual’s past and present accomplishments, and the candidate must be a current Illinois citizen or a former citizen for most of their life. Posthumous nominees are also considered.

Since its creation in 1994, 121 people have been inducted into the Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, many older adults have been stuck in their homes, but that hasn’t stopped them from making an impact on our lives,” said Fine. “Nominating a friend or loved one to the Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame is a great way to show them you care.”

The Illinois Dept. on Aging has extended the submission deadline through Monday, Aug. 31. Nominations may be submitted online or by calling the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966.

GLENVIEW – To ensure survivors of sexual assault have access to treatment even during a pandemic, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) is drawing attention to a new law that would allow any federally qualified health center to administer medical forensic exams, also known as rape kits, during a public health crisis like the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Hospitals are crowded and risky areas right now, which may deter people from seeking care after they have experienced sexual assault,” Fine said. “This law enables survivors to seek justice quickly and safely, even during a public health crisis.”

Senate Bill 557 allows approved federally qualified health centers to perform rape kit examinations and collection during public health emergencies like COVID-19.

“It’s important that we give survivors a safe place to get help,” Fine said. “Expanding treatment options ensures anyone can access the care they need, when they need it.”

The bill was signed into law Friday and took effect immediately.

SPRINGFIELD – As Illinois continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) hopes the state’s most vulnerable populations will see relief under a state budget that increases funding to human services agencies providing food, financial assistance and other aid.

“The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t been easy on anyone, but our seniors and people with disabilities have been hit particularly hard,” said Fine. “I’m pleased to see a budget that prioritizes the human services agencies supporting people through these difficult times.”

The budget includes $86.8 million for the Illinois Department on Aging to provide home-delivered meal services to older adults, who may be unable to access food during the pandemic without significant risk to their health. The budget also increases funding to the Community Care Program by nearly $28 million to help people who might otherwise need to go to an assisted living facility to stay in their homes.

To provide relief to the many people with disabilities who have found themselves ill or isolated from friends and family during this crisis, the budget increases funding to help care for people with developmental disabilities by approximately $90 million. It also increases funding for the Home Services Program, which helps people with disabilities live independent lives in their own homes, by more than $110 million.

“As a result of the virus, supportive government services are needed more now than ever before,” said Fine. “I’m glad to see a state budget that acknowledges the need for the government to step up and provide aid to those hurting.”

The budget is contained in Senate Bill 264. The governor signed it into law Wednesday, and it takes effect July 1.

GLENVIEW – A free online job training program could help millions of out-of-work Illinoisans prepare for a new career in the information technology industry, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) announced.

“Information technology is one of the fastest growing industries, and skilled workers are in high demand,” said Fine. “The Workforce Recovery Initiative could give Illinoisans a leg up when starting a career in the field.”

Partnering with Coursera, an online learning platform, Illinois is one of the first states to make online job training courses free to residents through their Workforce Recovery Initiative. Now through September residents can apply online to enroll in over 3,800 industry-certified courses offered by accredited institutions. To receive credit, all courses must be completed by Dec. 31.

The state is also partnering with P33 and Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) to launch another training program, TechReady Illinois. This program will provide training for in-demand fields in the information technology industry. Upon completion, enrollees will be certified in data and analytics, cloud computing, cybersecurity or software development. Residents can apply online for the TechReady program here. TechReady Illinois is not a free program like Coursera, but DPI is working secure discounts for enrollees.

If you are interested in career opportunities outside the information technology industry, Get Hired Illinois is an online job portal that has over 60,000 listings available in a variety of industries.