Jones celebrates passage of monumental transit plan

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Emil Jones III released a statement following the passage of Senate Bill 2111, legislation to reform Chicago’s patchwork transit network and make transformational investments to address the public transit fiscal cliff:

“We have been working to transform Chicago’s transit system for years. Today, we prioritized people. This isn’t just a quick budget fix – this is a comprehensive, long-term solution.

“Residents asked for reliable, affordable, safe and accessible public transit and that’s exactly what we did.”

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Jones calls for immediate bipartisan action to prevent delay on SNAP benefits

CHICAGO – State Senator Emil Jones III is urging federal lawmakers to resolve the ongoing government shutdown to prevent the cessation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits, come Nov. 1. Nearly two million Illinois residents rely on SNAP to provide basic nutrition for themselves and their families.

"Political gridlock has a price and our families are paying for it," said Jones (D-Chicago). “The federal administration and Congress must come together in order to stave off further consequences.”

SNAP provides critical support for children, seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities, offering the nutrition they need to live healthy, productive lives. The federal government shutdown threatens to halt these benefits immediately, putting millions at risk of food insecurity – including the 56,554 people in the district Jones represents who rely on SNAP benefits.

Jones stresses that a long-term solution requires immediate federal intervention.

"Numbers and stats don’t tell the full story," said Jones. “Families are struggling to make ends meet now more than ever, even before the shutdown. The only path forward is swift and decisive action at the federal level."

Jones is coordinating with state officials and community organizations to prepare for potential disruptions and to ensure vulnerable populations have access to emergency food assistance.

Jones secures over $63 million for local infrastructure projects

CHICAGO – State Senator Emil Jones III secured over $63 million to build and repair infrastructure across the 14^th Senate District.

“With this significant funding, we are investing in the future of our communities,” said Jones (D-Chicago). “Improving our state’s aging infrastructure will increase safety while bringing good-paying jobs to our neighborhoods.”

The largest multi-year program to build and repair infrastructure in state history will invest $50.6 billion over six years, continuing an unprecedented investment in safety, mobility and quality of life made possible by the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. The Illinois Department of Transportation’s new multi-year program is both comprehensive and multimodal, with investments in roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations touching every Illinois county.

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Jones represents will see infrastructure projects totaling more than $63 million next year.

A full list of projects in the 14th District can be found here.