CHIICAGO – Blood drives across the state have been cancelled to prevent the spread of COVID-19, prompting State Senator Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) to put out a call for African American blood donations to help treat sickle cell patients. 

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, the state’s blood supply has gotten dangerously low, which means sickle cell patients may not be able to get life-saving transfusions,” Jones said. “African American communities have already been suffering from limited resources during the pandemic—they need support from their neighbors now more than ever. I encourage everyone to lend a hand to address this shortage.” 

Read more: Jones encourages African American blood donors to step up for sickle cell patients in need of...

CHICAGO – Understanding many residents may have not received a stimulus check, State Senator Emil Jones, III announced Chicago residents who were excluded from federal stimulus aid can apply for assistance from the City of Chicago. 

“Many residents may not have possessed all the requirements to be able to receive a stimulus check from the federal government,” Jones (D-Chicago) said. “The harsh economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and the widespread shutdowns has left many families in a finical burden and if they do not receive a stimulus check it will be made worse. This money will hopefully ease some of their financial burden.” 

Read more: Jones announces $1,000 to Chicagoans excluded from federal COVID-19 aid

CHICAGO – In response to the senseless murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, State Senator Emil Jones, III (D-Chicago) released the following statement: 

"It is sickening that we have to continuously address the racial biases the criminal justice system has against Black Americans. It's evident how much racial disparity is prevalent throughout the justice system and how much officers believe we are so much of a threat to the country that we helped build. 

 "The whole situation is just tiring, and a change is more than overdue. Even if you're not a part of the problem, you must be well aware of the harassment that blacks receive daily and how the media would rather paint a bad picture of us than be a part of the solution.  

"We cannot solve this problem on our own. We profess no easy answers. It's obvious that real change will only happen when all of America believes Black Lives Matter."

CHICAGO – The state budget for the next fiscal year will increase funding to senior services to help some of the most vulnerable Illinoisans cope during the COVID-19 crisis, State Senator Emil Jones, III (D-Chicago) announced Wednesday.

“This pandemic has affected senior citizens harder than any other age group,” Jones said. “They are at more risk of contracting the disease and family members have had to limit in-person visits to decrease risk of exposure. This budget provides additional funding to ensure seniors have the services they need and to try to make social isolation a litter easier for them.”

To offer much-needed assistance to struggling seniors during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the budget provides $201.7 million in additional funding to the Illinois Department on Aging. 

Read more: Jones highlights senior services in this year’s state budget