DCEO launching new grant opportunity for small businesses Aug. 18

ROXANA – The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced its Back to Business Grant Program, and State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) joined Metro East mayors and state agency heads to discuss its implementation throughout the region.

“With this critical investment in the B2B grant opportunity, our state is working to ensure businesses can operate safely, support opportunities for employees and boost our economy as we rebuild,” Crowe said. “I strongly urge members of the Metro East business community to connect with our government partners to stay informed on available grants and resources.”

The meeting was held on Thursday morning at Roxana Town Hall and also included law enforcement officials, community leaders and stakeholders to discuss upcoming capital projects and additional resources for economic development.

Totaling $250 million, the B2B grant program will assist small businesses financially affected by COVID-19 by awarding funds ranging from $5,000 to $150,000 for operating or staff costs.

The Greater Egypt Regional Planning and Development Commission, serving Jersey, Madison and St. Clair counties, and the National Main Street Inc., serving the Alton area, are available to facilitate technical assistance to small businesses wanting to apply.

“Through programs like our new Back to Business grants, ARPA allocation for non-entitlement units, and other upcoming recovery initiatives, the Pritzker administration is committed to mobilizing our share of federal recovery dollars quickly to help businesses and communities rebuild stronger in the wake of the pandemic,” said DCEO Acting Director Sylvia Garcia. “Our regional collaboration will be key as we aim to help people and businesses from every corner of the state to take advantage of these critical recovery dollars and rebuild stronger.”

Applications will be available starting Aug. 18. More information on B2B, how to apply and where to access small business assistance is available at www.illinois.gov/dceo.

MARYVILLE – With a week before the deadline, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) and State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) are encouraging students to participate in their Summer Book Clubs.

“Reading encourages healthy brain development and lifelong learning,” Belt said. “As we near the end of the summer, it’s important to start the school year off right. Turn in your book club forms so we can celebrate the beginning of a new school year.”

Both Summer Book Clubs require students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books, and return the form to Belt or Crowe’s office by Aug. 11. The senators will provide a prize to all students who complete the challenge.

“Reading encourages children to develop a lifelong interest in books while maintaining comprehension skills as they transition to the next grade level,” Crowe said. “Reading keeps young minds active, and I’m excited to incentivize students to stay engaged until class starts.”

Residents living in Sen. Belt’s district can visit his website to download the form, and residents living in Sen. Crowe’s district can also visit her website. Residents who aren’t sure which district they live in can download either form and return it to the respective district office. The senator’s office will contact each participant with prize information.

MARYVILLE – The Illinois State Police put a new twist on one of their classic patrol cars to celebrate the force’s centennial, and to her show support, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) hosted a showing of the car at her district office in Maryville.

“To pay tribute to the brave men and women who have taken the oath, worn the uniform and vigilantly protected our communities, this special vehicle reminds us of their personal sacrifices over the last 100 years,” Crowe said. “It was an honor to show my appreciation for the Illinois State Police by hosting this car in the Metro East and be joined by members of local law enforcement agencies.”

ISP's official 100th anniversary is April 1, 2022. To vote for Illinois’ entry in the 2021 Best Looking Cruiser Contest, visit the American Association of State Troopers’ website.

Pictured: Community members and local law enforcement advocates with the Illinois State Police car in Maryville on Thursday morning.

SPRINGFIELD – To give young people the tools to recognize and prevent opioid abuse, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) created a new law to educate students on the dangers of opioid addiction.

“Students may be prescribed opiates to relieve pain after injuries or surgeries before they can learn the effects of addiction or dependency,” Crowe said. “It’s important that children know the health consequences associated with opioid misuse before entering high school.”

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, 54 Illinois residents ages 15-24 fatally overdosed in 2019, with an additional 581 non-fatally overdosing. Crowe’s law would begin engaging students in age-appropriate discussions on opioid abuse from kindergarten to eighth grade.

Her law extends Illinois’ School Code to require instruction for grade school students to learn effective methods for drug abuse prevention and avoidance, including opioids and other substances.

“Our nation’s opioid crisis continues to devastate families across Illinois,” Crowe said. “The earlier we can talk to students about the dangers of opioids and substance abuse, the better chance we have at preventing addictions from taking form during a child’s developing years.”

House Bill 1162 is effective immediately and will begin with the 2021-2022 academic year.