Toro applauds federal grant supporting women in trades

CHICAGO — State Senator Natalie Toro is celebrating Wednesday’s news of a $1.3 million federal grant to the Illinois Department of Labor in support of women in the construction industry.  

“The skilled trades are a male-dominated industry, with women making up only a small percentage of the workforce — this is especially true for women of color,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “This funding will support programs to train the next generation of tradeswomen and set them up for high-paying apprenticeships and careers.”

The U.S. Department of Labor awarded $1.3 million to IDOL and Chicago Women in Trades to support the creation of equity plans and increase women’s inclusion in construction industry jobs. The grant is funded through the federal bipartisan infrastructure bill passed in 2021.

• Federal Grants
• Women in Trades
• Construction
• Department of Labor
• Employment

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Toro celebrates $860,000 in Back to Business grants coming to the 20th District

CHICAGO — With support from State Senator Natalie Toro, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity recently announced the latest round of Back to Business grants awarded to businesses in the restaurant industry. 

“Small businesses are essential to our economy and our communities,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “These grants give them the opportunity to rebuild after setbacks from COVID-19.”

The Back to Business grant program provides recovery grants for small businesses throughout the state, with an emphasis on businesses in the hardest-hit industries. Through the Back to Business and Business Interruption Grant programs, DCEO has provided more than $535 million to more than 15,000 businesses since the start of the pandemic.

Twenty one restaurants in Toro’s district will receive a combined total of $860,000 through this round of Back to Business grants.

“The Back to Business grants have been essential in keeping our local restaurants open after facing so much uncertainty during the pandemic,” said Toro. “I am glad this program is continuing to support local businesses and business owners, and I applaud the uniqueness and innovation of these restaurants.”

For more information about B2B grants visit DCEO’s website.

Senator Toro supports Supreme Court decision to uphold assault weapons ban

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Natalie Toro released the following statement after the Illinois Supreme Court upheld the General Assembly’s assault weapons ban:

 "As a kindergarten teacher, I am horrified each time I see my 5-year-old students have mass shooter drills and when I see the worry on their parents' faces because school shootings carried out with assault weapons have become commonplace in our country. Assault weapons are designed for military use to inflict mass casualties and have absolutely no place in our neighborhoods. I'm encouraged that the Illinois Supreme Court also recognizes the dangers these weapons pose to our communities and has agreed with the legislature’s ban. This senseless gun violence must end.”

Toro announces over $58 million in infrastructure investments for the 20th District

CHICAGO – Senator Natalie Toro and the Illinois Department of Transportation announced a $58 million investment in road and bridge improvement projects for the 20^th District.

“Our state’s aging infrastructure can cause disruptions for commuters and delays for cyclists or pedestrian travelers if roads are not accessible,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “These investments will ensure our community’s pathways are improved and maintained to make commuting through the district more convenient for our neighbors.” 

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Toro represents will see eight infrastructure projects totaling $58,281,000 over the next six years.

Some of the most vital projects coming to the area include:

• Standard overlay on Milwaukee Avenue from Logan Boulevard to Armitage Avenue
• Bridge preservation along the Kennedy Expressway from the Edens Expressway junction to Hubbard Street
• Sign maintenance and pavement patching along the Kennedy Expressway from the Edens Expressway junction to Hubbard Street

These projects are part of IDOT’s Multi-Year Plan, a $40 billion investment in construction projects for the next six fiscal years. The project invests in all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, as well as bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

“Infrastructure is essential to keeping us connected to our community and beyond,” said Toro. “Ensuring it is upgraded and enhanced will make traveling around our neighborhood more efficient and enjoyable.”

To find a full list of projects slated for the 20^th Senate District, visit IDOT’s website.

• Transportation
• Infrastructure
• 20th District