MARYVILLE —To offer support for working parents, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) is encouraging child care providers who have faced financial struggles due to COVID-19 to apply for the next round of the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program.

“When parents can count on their child care providers, they have one less thing to worry about when returning to work,” Crowe said. “Because several child care facilities are struggling to keep their doors open for essential workers, Illinois is offering an opportunity for financial assistance. I encourage all affected providers to apply.” 

More than $150 million was awarded to 4,686 child care providers across 95 counties during the first round of BIG funding earmarked for child care. Nearly half these funds went to providers in areas disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 crisis. 

Child care facilities have continued to face financial hardships in recent months, leading the state to open a second round of BIG grants specifically for child care providers. In this second wave of funding, $114 million will be available for child care centers and family child care homes that are licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services and currently open. 

Applications for Child Care Restoration Grants are available until Oct. 15 and can be found here.

All other businesses can apply for BIG grants here.

WOOD RIVER - To help residents stay warm as the seasons change, State Rep. Monica Bristow (D-Alton) and State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) are collecting gently used clothing to give to local organizations in need.

"As we head into colder weather, it is important that we remember those who may be less fortunate or dealing with a sudden loss of income in these uncertain times," Bristow said. "I encourage anyone who is able to give to join us in helping keep all members of our communities warm this year."

“With less sunshine during the day and lower temperatures at night, Rep. Bristow and I are asking for the public’s help to provide warm clothes for our less fortunate neighbors,” Crowe said. “Any and all donations are appreciated, but I encourage residents to be mindful when selecting seasonal clothing items.”

In addition to clothing, Crowe’s office is also collecting old cell phones for the nonprofit Cell Phones for Soldiers. 

The organization collects old, broken cell phones and tablets and sends them to be refurbished or recycled. Proceeds from those sales are used to send prepaid international calling cards to our troops and to provide emergency funding to veterans. All cell phone donations are tax deductible.

“As technology advances, this program provides a secure way to dispose of unwanted electronic devices while benefiting those who protect our freedom overseas,” said Crowe, a member of the Senate’s Veterans Affairs Committee. 

"A phone call with a loved one is a precious moment for both our service men and women overseas and their families," Bristow said. "This is a simple way to help turn a broken or outdated phone into a way to help thank our service men and women for all that they do to protect our freedom." 

Starting this Friday, Oct. 9, residents can drop off donations every Friday in October from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Sen. Crowe’s office in Wood River, located at 111 N. Wood River Ave., Suite A. 

MARYVILLE - In honor of National Women’s Small Business Month, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) is encouraging residents to nominate local female business owners to recognize for their leadership and service to residents.

“To celebrate our local female entrepreneurs, I hope to highlight their achievements during the month of October,” Crowe said. “These amazing women enrich our communities by not only offering high-quality products and services, but also expanding employment opportunities throughout the Metro East.”

Nominations can be submitted to Sen. Crowe’s office by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and providing a name, business title and reason for recognition.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is hosting a series of webinars specifically targeted to female small business owners to offer support and resources for success. For more information, visit DCEO’s website.

“As the holiday season approaches, I am taking every opportunity to encourage residents to shop local,” Crowe said. “Our small business community is hurting, and we can offer our support by buying gift cards, referring friends and engaging on social media.”

New tracking system will support, protect and empower sexual assault survivors throughout evidence collection and processing

MARYVILLE - As a former prosecutor with experience working with survivors of sexual assault, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) is gratified to announce the Illinois State Police Division of Forensic Services has launched a new electronic system to allow survivors to track their sexual assault kits.

“From my past professional experience as a prosecutor, I can attest to the importance of survivors having access to their case’s progress,” Crowe said. “Sexual assault cases are time-sensitive, complicated and emotional, and this new system will support survivors through the grueling process.”

Crowe sponsored Public Act 101-0377, formerly known as Senate Bill 1411, to require ISP to establish a secure, effective sexual assault evidence tracking system. The measure was signed into law in August of 2019.

Drawing on recommendations made by the 2018 Sexual Assault Evidence Tracking and Reporting Commission, the system will allow survivors of sexual assault to monitor the status of their evidence throughout the entire collection and analysis process.

 To ensure privacy, the system will use unique case numbers and passwords to limit access to survivors and law enforcement.

“With this new system, sexual assault survivors will have the ability to check the status of their evidence as it transitions from collection at the hospital, through the forensic lab and ultimately to the final results from their local state’s attorney’s office,” Crowe said. “This program will allow secure conversations for survivors to speak with law enforcement throughout the complex process, and it’s one more way we can empower survivors.”

The system can be found on the Illinois State Police website at https://paets.isp.illinois.gov/.