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. 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Emil Jones, III (D-Chicago) released the following statement after supporting a budget that addresses families that have suffered the most from COVID-19:

“One budget is not going to provide all the recovery we need, but this is a good start. Some families entered the Stay at Home order in already difficult economic positions that have only worsened as employees were let go from their jobs as a result of the pandemic.

“This budget addresses challenges with the unemployment system, helping ensure our laid off workers can get help. Additionally, we expanded resources at the Department of Children and Family Services to protect our most vulnerable children better than we have in the past.”