CHICAGO – With $50 million in funding available through the Connect Illinois broadband expansion program starting Dec. 1, 2020, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) urged small businesses and residents to see if they qualify for help with their internet.

“With more of our lives taking place online during the pandemic, reliable Internet access is more important than ever,” Villanueva said. “I encourage small business owners, students and all community members to take advantage of this opportunity to get connected.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) is encouraging uninsured and underinsured Illinoisans to visit the Affordable Care Act Marketplace during the open enrollment period, which runs from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15.

“Everyone needs and deserves health insurance,” Villanueva said. “This is the time of year when you can go to the ACA Marketplace and find or change insurance if you don’t have an employer-sponsored plan and you don’t qualify for Medicaid.”

This year, Illinoisans will be able to choose from 179 plans from eight insurance providers. There are also tax credits available to help lower-income residents reduce their monthly payments and find affordable coverage.

Last year, more than 240,000 people received tax credits, and after credits were applied, the average monthly payment was $153.

CHICAGO – Nearly a dozen local businesses in the district State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) represents was awarded financial relief through the state’s Business Interruption Grant program. Now, she’s urging even more businesses to apply.

“I am pleased many businesses in the district took advantage of the assistance, and hope more will continue to do so,” Villanueva said. “These grants will go a long way to help struggling businesses keep their doors open.”

Eleven businesses in the district Villanueva represents received a combined $360,000. Each business received between $5,000 and $150,000 to be used to help cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have experienced interruptions due to the pandemic.

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) is encouraging local businesses and non-profits to apply for newly available Connect Illinois grants to help expand broadband to underserved communities.

“You have to have reliable, affordable internet access to participate in the world we live in today – whether it’s for work, to apply for government assistance, or even to access education or health care,” Villanueva said. “These grants can help make internet more affordable for low-income families who need it to help improve their situations.”

The first round of Connect Illinois grants jumpstarted the process of providing improved access to high-speed internet for approximately 26,000 businesses, households, and other institutions throughout the state.

The second round of Connect Illinois grants will allow for up to $5 million per project and calls for a matching component, which requires companies, non-profits, and local governments that apply to dedicate funding that will accelerate the delivery of broadband investments.