Morrison congratulates small businesses receiving financial assistance

DEERFIELD — As small businesses continue to face financial hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is pleased more than 50 businesses throughout her district have received nearly $900,000 in combined assistance through the Business Interruption Grant Program.

“The small business community and its hardworking owners hold a special place in my heart, and I’m happy they will receive much-deserved assistance,” Morrison said. “Between being shut down for weeks and the extra cost that comes with keeping employees and customers safe and healthy, these business owners need as much help as we can possibly provide them.”

A total of 53 business in the district Morrison represents received a combined $870,000. Each business received between $10,000 and $20,000 to be used to help with working capital expenses, including payroll costs, rent and utilities. The funds may also be used to cover pandemic-related expenses, such as personal protective equipment, training and new technology.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded a total of $46 million to 2,655 small businesses in the first round of BIG funding. The BIG program offers grants to Illinois restaurants and bars, barbershops and salons, and fitness centers that have suffered pandemic-related losses, with a focus on businesses in the hardest-hit areas of the state.

The BIG program is the largest state-run economic support program formed in response to the COVID-19 economic downturn. The full list of grant recipients is available here.

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Morrison announces local schools will receive grants to support future educators

DEERFIELD —As the state continues to experience a teacher shortage, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) applauds the Illinois State Board of Education for allocating funds to nine area high schools to help encourage students to become future educators.

“Teachers serve as not only educators to students, but also as mentors,” Morrison said. “The grants will make investments in our bright, young talents, who will shape the future for years to come.”

 The Northwest Education Council for Student Success was awarded $249,000 through the Education Career Pathways Grants. The money will be distributed to nine schools within the north suburbs to prepare students for careers in education by developing Career and Technical Education programs.

CTE programs help students develop technical and employability skills while strengthening their core academic abilities to enable them to pursue higher education opportunities and succeed in the workforce. Students in CTE programs also have the opportunity to earn dual credit or credentials and certifications from partner institutions prior to high school graduation.

The programs will place a special focus on recruiting underrepresented students into education careers to help meet the high demand for teachers of color across Illinois.

“More diverse classroom settings will teach some students the importance of diversity, while allowing other students to relate to their teachers on a deeper level,” Morrison said. “Investing in the students of today is an investment in the students of tomorrow.”

The following schools were awarded a grant:

• Barrington District 220
• Wheeling High School
• Elk Grove High School
• Rolling Meadows High School
• Buffalo Grove High School
• Conant High School
• Schaumberg High School
• Palatine High School
• Hoffman Estates High School

Morrison announces job creation for underserved youth

DEERFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is highlighting the Illinois Department of Human Services’ COVID-19 Summer Youth Employment Program, which created 100 summer jobs for Lake County teens.

“So many teens rely on summer work — especially those who live in low-income households,” Morrison said. “The current pandemic made finding jobs more difficult. However, thanks to the program, dozens of teens will be able to earn money while learning skills they can put to use both now and for years to come.”

Lake County-based Employee Connections was one of 30 youth employment providers to receive $500,000 to employ 100 youth between June and August. The program will provide a total of $9.3 million to support dozens of projects across counties hardest hit by the pandemic, which in turn will employ thousands of teens. 

Many people — both teens and adults — have struggled to find work during the COVID-19 health crisis. The program will curb those struggles by putting Lake County teens to work while helping complete projects in the community. 

“The program will allow teens to kick start their careers by learning the skills they need to succeed in the future,” Morrison said. “This is a great opportunity for young adults to receive career training that will shape them into community leaders for years to come.”