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Collins commemorates opening of COVID-19 memorial in Illinois Medical District
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CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins joined community leaders and health care professionals Tuesday to commemorate the unveiling of a new COVID-19 memorial in the Illinois Medical District, honoring the lives lost during the pandemic and the sacrifices made by frontline workers who served their communities during the public health crisis.
“As a former health care worker, I know firsthand the sacrifices our frontline workers made to keep our communities safe during and after the pandemic,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “This memorial is an opportunity to honor those who lost their lives, recognize the extraordinary dedication of our health care professionals and create a lasting space for our community to come together and heal.”
Located at the intersection of Damen Avenue, Polk Street and Ogden Avenue, the memorial serves as the centerpiece of a new public park in the Illinois Medical District. The $4.95 million project is supported by state funding Collins secured to help transform the space into a community destination dedicated to remembrance, reflection and wellness.
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Collins: Erasing medical debt provides financial freedom for Illinois families
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CHICAGO – As Illinois reaches a new milestone in eliminating medical debt, State Senator Lakesia Collins is highlighting the impact of the state’s Medical Debt Relief Program, which has erased $1.4 billion in medical debt for nearly 700,000 residents.
“Too many families have experienced the stress of unexpected medical bills that make it harder to keep up with everyday expenses,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Access to necessary health care should never come at the expense of a family’s financial security. By lifting this burden, we are helping Illinois residents regain stability and giving them an opportunity to focus on their futures.”
Established in 2024, Illinois’ Medical Debt Relief Program is operated in partnership with a national nonprofit organization that purchases and eliminates medical debt for residents experiencing financial hardship. Eligible residents receive relief automatically through the program.
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Collins: Applications are open for energy bill assistance
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CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins is encouraging residents and eligible families in the 5th District to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to combat rising energy prices.
“Every family deserves to feel secure in their home without worrying about whether they can afford to keep the heat on,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “LIHEAP provides critical assistance to households struggling with energy costs, and I encourage eligible residents to apply and take advantage of this important resource.”
The LIHEAP program – which opens Oct. 1 – utilizes a priority application system to ensure that families most in need can apply first. All families who meet the qualifications and provide proper documentation will receive support until funding is exhausted. Families who earn up to two times the federal poverty level are eligible to receive support through LIHEAP. A chart with the eligible income thresholds can be found here.
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Collins secures strong investment to expand workforce training opportunities
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CHICAGO – In an effort to expand workforce training, State Senator Lakesia Collins helped secure $555,000 to connect workers with the skills and resources they need to enter in-demand careers while helping employers build the qualified workforce they need to grow.
“Everyone deserves the opportunity to build a lasting career, and these investments ensure residents can pursue stable, rewarding careers here in Illinois,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “These investments will expand access to training and development programs that help people enter the workforce, advance their careers and create a better future for themselves, their families and our communities.”
More than $11 million in funding was awarded to 23 organizations across Illinois through the Job Training and Economic Development Program, aimed at expanding workforce training, career pathways and support services for Illinoisans facing barriers to employment. JTED addresses the economic impacts experienced by employers and individuals who are underemployed, unemployed or underrepresented, including youth who have one or more barriers to employment.
Read more: Collins secures strong investment to expand workforce training opportunities
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