Senator Martinez represents the following Wards in Chicago: 1, 26, 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, 36, 38, 39, and 45. The Honorable Iris Y. Martinez was sworn into her first term in the Illinois State Senate on January 8, 2003 to represent the people of Illinois’ 20th Legislative District.
(34)
Her election marked the first time a Hispanic woman had been elected to the State Senate in Illinois history. She made history once again by serving as Assistant Majority Leader from 2007-2008, a position never before held by a Latina. she was named Majority Caucus Whip in 2013. Senator Martinez has used her position as a State Senator to be an advocate for affordable housing and a strong voice for Illinois’ children. Senator Martinez’s position as Champion of Affordable Housing and Homeownership for the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) has made her a leading voice for affordable housing in the Illinois Senate. She has passed legislation providing incentives to school districts providing to safe, affordable housing near schools. In addition, she has fought to help individuals residing in low-income housing to cope with rising energy costs by allowing landlords to capture LIHEAP credits on behalf of their renters, ensuring energy bills are paid on time. During tough economic times, Senator Martinez has fought to protect renters from becoming victims of foreclosure by requiring that tenants are given timely notice if their building is in foreclosure. The legislation states that renters must be given a minimum of 30 days notice in the event of an eviction. Prior to the passage of the legislation, many renters found themselves homeless or living in poor conditions as a result of not being given notice that their buildings were in foreclosure. Senator Martinez has also been a tireless promoter of programs to improve the quality of education for youth in Illinois, including the Grow Your Own Teacher Initiative, an effort to place 1,000 teachers in low-income, hard-to-staff Illinois public schools by offering forgivable student loans to paraprofessionals, parents and other community leaders who wish to become teachers. She has also worked to support the Golden Apple Scholar Program, which seeks to place highly qualified teachers in the State’s hard-to-staff schools. Senator Martinez currently serves as chair of the Special Committee on State and Pension Fund Investments. She is also a member of the Commerce, Education, Energy, Executive, Government Accountability/Pensions, Revenue and Transportation committees. Martinez was born and raised in Chicago’s West Town community. She resides in the city’s Albany Park neighborhood and has a daughter, Jacklyn Nicole. Her district includes some of Chicago’s most diverse neighborhoods including Albany Park, Avondale, Belmont, Cragin, Hermosa, Humboldt Park, Logan Square, and Portage Park.
Operating as usual
With many families and communities facing new and difficult challenges, #GivingTuesday is especially meaningful this year. Take part in this global generosity movement by donating your time, your dollars or your voice to a cause you care about.
Shopping small is particularly important right now, when many businesses are struggling due to the pandemic. Dine and shop local this #SmallBusinessSaturday and throughout the holiday season!
Wishing you happiness and good health this #Thanksgiving. May we all feel the warmth of togetherness, even from a distance.
Upcoming testing site details for this weekend below.
It was a fabulous day to handout turkeys. Thank you State Representative Will Guzzardi and Alderman La Spata 1st Ward for organizing a wonderful event for our seniors.
Please take a look at this timeline on how COVID can spread
Governor JB Pritzker
Today is the first day of our statewide Tier 3 mitigation efforts. It's pretty simple: stay home as much as possible and avoid unnecessary activity so we can reduce the spread of the virus and give our healthcare workers some relief. Let's go all in for them. #allinillinois
Senator Iris Y. Martinez
COVID-19 testing site information for this Friday.
Prieto’s Coronavirus Testing Site Being Moved To Prosser
Prosser's testing site will have the same hours. It will be open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday at 2148 N. Long Ave.
Kelly Bauer
@BauerJournalism
[email protected]
CHICAGO — The city is moving its Belmont Cragin coronavirus testing site — but the new spot isn’t far away.
Starting Monday, the testing site at Prieto Math and Science Academy will be relocated to Prosser Career Academy, 2148 N. Long Ave. The buildings are nearby, with just Hanson Park between them.
Prosser’s testing site will have the same hours as Prieto did. It will be open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday at 2148 N. Long Ave.
The Prieto site has been the busiest out of the city’s static, community-based testing sites.
How To Get A Test
The Chicago Department of Public Health first recommends people call their doctor or primary health care provider to see if they can provide a test or recommend a testing site.
If that’s not an option, people can go to a federally qualified health center or community clinic for a test. There’s a map online of clinics in Chicago. The Illinois Department of Public Health also has an online map of testing sites and clinics.
If people don’t have insurance or can’t get a test elsewhere, they can go to one of the city’s mobile or static sites.
Who Should Get A Test
The Chicago Department of Public Health recommends COVID-19 testing for these people:
People who have symptoms of COVID-19, like fever or chills, cough, difficult breathing, sore throat, muscle or body aches, loss of taste or smell, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea.
People who have been in contact with someone who is ill, especially if it’s someone they live with, a friend or a worker.
People who have recently participate in a high-risk activity, like attending a large gathering or being in a crowded place.
Chicago Testing Sites
Starting Monday, here is the information for the city’s testing sites:
Prosser Career Academy: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday at 2148 N. Long Ave.
Midway Airport: noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays at Parking Lot B, 5738 W. 55th St.
Saucedo Scholastic Academy: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday at 2850 W. 24th Blvd.
Gately Park: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 744 E. 103rd St.
Information about the city’s mobile sites is available online and is updated weekly.
COVID-19 testing site information for this Friday.
Free to go Thanksgiving Meals
Milwaukee Avenue Alliance
And so it begins. The businesses on our stretch of Milwaukee are doing their part to slow down the latest Covid surge. Please do what you can to support them at what should be their busiest time of year.
Repost from @monarch_thriftshop
•
Dear Friends,
As we all do our part during this current stay at home advisory, Monarch Thrift Shop will operate with safety as our first priority.
Our mission to rebuild lives, break cycles of youth homelessness, and reduce recidivism continues to propel us forward in new and creative ways to meet the ever growing needs that are more important now than ever.
We thank you for your continued support. Swipe left to view the changes we will be making through the next 30 days.
.
.
.
.
.
#supportsmallbusiness #curbsidepickup #logansquare #chicagothrift #chicagosocialenterprise #oneheartonesoul #thriftstorefinds #holidayguide #stayhomeorder #shoponline #pickupinstore #retail #shopmonarch #avondale #virtualreality
CDC
Wearing a mask is not hard. Breathing on a ventilator is. COVID-19 cases are rising fast across the U.S., and if we don’t act together NOW and do what we can to slow the spread, thousands more could die. Stay home when possible. If you go out, be sure to
• Wear a mask over your mouth AND nose.
• Stay at least 6 feet apart from people who do not live in your household and avoid crowds.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Get the facts: https://bit.ly/3bGvO6p.
Photos from Senator Iris Y. Martinez's post
SNAP SUPPLEMENTS
The Illinois Department of Human Services has announced that the federal government has issued approval for continued Emergency Allotments through November for all Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households. These allotments ensure that families receive maximum SNAP funds for their household size during the pandemic. No action is required by the customer and allotments will be distributed soon. To apply for or manage SNAP benefits, please visit abe.illinois.gov.
State of Illinois | Application for Benefits Eligibility
The Utility Billing Relief Program (UBR) is a City of Chicago program intended to make water and sewer bills more affordable for qualifying Chicago residents.
How does it help?
No shut off, penalties, or debt collection on past due City of Chicago utility bill debt.No shut off, penalties, or debt collection on past due City of Chicago utility bill debt.
50% rate reduction for water charges, sewer charges, and water-sewer tax.50% rate reduction for water charges, sewer charges, and water-sewer tax.
Debt forgiveness of previous unpaid balance after successfully completing 1-year in the program.Debt forgiveness of previous unpaid balance after successfully completing 1-year in the program.
https://chicago.docugateway.com/main/guest/billing_relief/
Questions about the Business Interruption Grant program? Ask Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity! Learn more about eligibility, program details and the BIG application process at a webinar geared toward Latinx business owners this Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. Register: https://bit.ly/Webinar1118
Jesse White Announces Closure of Driver Services Facilities from Nov. 17 until Dec. 7, 2020, Due to Worsening COVID-19 Pandemic
Driver’s licenses and ID card expirations will be extended until June 1, 2021
White encourages online renewal options
CDL facilities remain open for truck drivers
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is announcing Driver Services facilities statewide will be closed to the public for in person transactions effective Tuesday, Nov. 17 and will reopen on Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, due to the worsening COVID-19 pandemic. White is encouraging the public to take advantage of online services.
In addition, White announced that expiration dates for driver’s licenses and ID cards will be extended until June 1, 2021. This June 1, 2021 extension also includes those who have February, March, April and May 2021 expiration dates. As a result, expired driver’s licenses and ID cards will remain valid until June 1, 2021. CDL (Commercial Driver License) holders and commercial permit holders are excluded from this extension due to federal requirements.
“After careful consideration, we have decided to close all Driver Services facilities until December 7, 2020, due to the worsening COVID-19 pandemic,” said White. “The health and safety of employees and the public remains paramount and face-to-face transactions potentially increase the further spread of the virus. We have extended expiration dates to assist people during this difficult time. I am also encouraging customers to consider using online services which are available for many office transactions.”
As White noted, many transactions with the Secretary of State’s office may be conducted online at www.cyberdriveillinois.com, some of which include:
· Renewing a license plate sticker;
· Renewing a valid driver’s license for qualifying drivers;
· Renewing a valid ID card for those age 22-64 (seniors 65 and older have free, non-expiring IDs);
· Obtaining a driver record abstract;
· Filing Business Services documents, such as incorporations and annual reports; and
· Customers with issues involving administrative hearings may contact [email protected].
Those who are eligible for online driver’s license renewal will receive a letter from the Secretary of State’s office with a PIN necessary for online renewal. Those whose driver’s licenses or ID cards expired between Feb. 1, 2020 and Jan. 31, 2021, who qualify for online renewal should receive their PIN letter in December 2020 or January 2021. Those whose driver’s licenses or ID cards expire after Feb. 1, 2021, will receive their PIN letter approximately 90 days before their expiration date.
White noted that 19 CDL (Commercial Driver License) facilities will remain open for CDL written and road exams. These CDL facilities are:
Belleville, 400 W. Main St.; Bradley, 1111 Blatt St.; Charleston, 1010 E. St.; Danville/Tilton, #5 Southgate; DeKalb, 1360 Oakwood St.; Elk Grove Village, 650 Roppolo Dr.; Marion, Mascoutah, 9221 Beller Dr.;
1905 Rendleman St.; Moline/Silvis, 2001 Fifth St., Ste. #10; Olney, 1302 S. West St.; Peoria, 3311 N. Sterling Ave., #12; Princeton, 225 Backbone Rd. East; Quincy, 2512 Locust St.; Rantoul, 421 S. Murray Rd.; Rockford, 4734 Baxter Rd.; Salem, 1375 W. Whittaker St.; South Holland, 41 W. 162nd St.; Springfield, 2701 S. Dirksen Pkwy.; and West Chicago, 1280 Powis Rd.
“Commercial truck drivers provide essential services by ensuring goods can be transported safely and efficiently throughout the state and country during this pandemic,” White said.
CDL driving tests are by appointment only by calling 217-785-3013.
Lastly, White announced that seven facilities will be offering drive-through services for license plate sticker transactions ONLY. These facilities were selected due to the configuration of the buildings which allowed for drive-through transactions. The seven drive-through facilities are: Chicago North, 5401 N. Elston Ave.; Chicago West, 5301 W. Lexington St.; Rockford-Central, 3720 E. State St.; Macomb, 466 Deer Rd.; Springfield, Dirksen 2701 S. Dirksen Parkway; Tilton, #5 Southgate Dr. and Chicago South (opens Nov. 19), 9901 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been the only government agency open statewide offering in-person transactions,” said White. “We have remained committed to serving the public. Protecting the health and safety of our residents is my top priority, and this is the guiding principle of our decision-making.”
All other Secretary of State departments are open to serve the public. Check www.cyberdriveillinois.com for more information.
Office of the Illinois Secretary of State, Illinois Secretary of State, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White
Send an uplifting text to a friend, give someone a compliment or treat a stranger to a cup of coffee-- join me this #WorldKindnessDay to #MakeKindnessTheNorm.
As customers face hardship from COVID-19, ComEd is continuing the suspension of service disconnections for low-income customers and those who express a financial hardship through March 31, 2021. For other customers, it’s important that they continue to stay current to avoid higher past-due balances into the spring that will be harder to address.
ComEd also offers a number of bill-assistance programs, including flexible payment options, financial assistance for past-due balances and usage alerts for current bills. Any customer who is experiencing a hardship or difficulty with their electric bill should call ComEd immediately at 1-800-334-7661 (1-800-EDISON-1), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to learn more and enroll in a program.
We’re committed to helping families and communities recover from today’s economic challenges. Learn about financial assistance options available to help those struggling to pay their energy bills. Learn more here.
ComEd announced a new program- Helping Hand. For a limited time, this financial-assistance program provides an additional one-time grant of up to $300 to help low- income residential customers, and those who express financial hardship, to reduce past-due balances.
Program Details
The Helping Hand program will provide our most in-need customers a one-time grant of up to $300 towards a past due balance. The program is available until funds are exhausted.
Eligibility
Combined household income for the 30 days prior to application (gross income for all household members, before taxes are deducted) is at or below 250% of the federal poverty level and one of the following concerns is expressed:
Unexpected loss of income or reduction in income (including job loss or furlough)
Sudden illness to you or family member
Other stated COVID-19 impacts
Apply Now
To apply for the one-time bill assistance, please fill out your information below or call 1-800-EDISION-1 (1-800-334-7661) and mention the Helping Hand program.
When applying online, please attach proof of last 30 days of income (check stub, unemployment letter, disability letter, furlough letter, or another document that validates your income) and the number of household members you have to your online application.
We’re committed to helping families and communities recover from today’s economic challenges. Learn about financial assistance options available to help those struggling to pay their energy bills. Learn more here.
Veterans are the most active volunteers working daily to improve communities across our country. Service goes beyond the uniform. This #VeteransDay, we honor the men and women who have worn their uniform and continue to serve our country.
Albany Park Community Center
The City of Chicago has announced the launch of its Chicago Hospitality Grant Program. This grant allows independent bars and restaurants with revenues of $3M or less to apply for $10,000 in grant funds to support their business if adversely impacted by COVID-19.
The application is open until November 23rd. APPLY TODAY!
chicago.gov/hospitalityfund
Rincon Family Services
FREE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES PROGRAM - Getting a job is not always easy. We can help you! (773) 564-9070
We provide free employment services, preparation for job interviews, job-seeking skills, application assistance, and referrals for unemployed and under-employed low-income individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
#EmploymentServices #InThisTogether
***
PROGRAMA DE SERVICIOS BILINGÜES PARA EL EMPLEO SIN COSTO - Conseguir un trabajo no siempre es fácil. ¡Nosotros te podemos ayudar! (773) 564-9070
Brindamos servicios de empleo gratuitos, preparación para entrevistas de trabajo, habilidades para la búsqueda de empleo, asistencia con la solicitud y referencias para personas de bajos ingresos desempleadas y subempleadas afectadas por la pandemia de COVID-19.
#ServiciosParaElEmpleo #EnEstoJuntos
Eddy Borrayo Ruben David Feliciano Youth Service Project Raul Tinoco G
Thank you Hispanic Star and Fair Shot Chicago for helping us pass out 1000 bags of of household goods to families last night. Jaime Andrade
COVID-19 Chicago: Mayor Lori Lightfoot announces grant program for restaurants, bars
Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced a $10 million grant program for restaurants, bars and their employees that have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Business Interruption Grants Program (BIG) Second Round
The Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program is a $636 million program developed by Governor Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly to provide economic relief for small businesses hit hardest by COVID-19. BIG leverages federal funding provided by the CARES Act to help offset COVID-19 related losses for Illinois small businesses.
BIG is the largest program of its kind in the nation – leveraging federal CARES Act funds to establish economic recovery programs: over $270 million for small businesses, and another $270 million exclusively for childcare providers, administered jointly by DCEO and IDHS.
Funding may be used to help businesses with working capital expenses, including payroll costs; rent; utilities; and other operational costs as defined in the eligible cost list found below.
11/12 Statewide Latinx Business Webinar (in Spanish)
Thursday, November 12, 2020 at 2:00 pm
Event address for attendees: https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=e2612384b5f8aa67285180d54bf270c78
11/13 Southern, Southeast, West Central, Northwest Latinx Business Webinars
Friday, November 13, 2020 at 2:00 pm
Event address for attendees: https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=ebb13829c6d6e952373df1c01c4407343
11/18 Central, Southwest, North Central, Northern Stateline Latinx Business Webinars
Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at 2:00 pm
Event address for attendees: https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=e37eb8dc52a5959809e4c807beccef0b7
11/20 Northeast, East Central Latinx Business Webinars
Friday, November 20, 2020 at 10:00 am
Event address for attendees: https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=e61023b575106ad6fbb1797a21fea744c
12/9 OMEE Latinx Women Owned Business BIG Webinar
Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at 2:00 pm
Event address for attendees: https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=e6a253a0aabf18163a7d14bd488432ec5
11/9 Veteran-owned, woman-owned, and minority-owned business certification (DBE) webinar
Monday November 9, 2020 at 4:00 pm
Event address for attendees: https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=e3950756caf044ada038eb5470c8bd199
2921 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL
60618
We seek to accommodate free expression. We will report posts we deem violent, abusive, inflammatory, campaign-related, off-topic for the post or otherwise inappropriate. District Office: 2921 N. Milwaukee Avenue Chicago, Il 60618 Phone: (773) 278-2020 Website: www.senatoririsymartinez.com
| Monday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Senator Iris Y. Martinez posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Three minutes til we start distributing
Back in October, I recognized Melissa Boratyn on the Senate floor to show my appreciation for her strength and contributions to breast cancer awareness through her film Ginger the movie. Today, Governor JB Pritzker and I met with her and her husband Jimmy to express our gratitude in person. Thank you both for your advocacy.
It's not quite a cause for celebration, but November 20 is Latina Equal Pay Day, which marks the point in 2019 at which the average Latina's wages at last equal what a white, non-Hispanic man earned in 2018. We still have have a very long way to go in terms of pay equity, and Latinas experience the widest gap. Join me in bringing awareness to this vast inequality. #LatinaEqualPay #Trabajadoras #DemandMore
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I shared the compelling strength of Melissa Boratyn who is 8 years into her battle with breast cancer. Instead of letting her cancer control her, she and her husband used it as an opportunity to educate and spread awareness through their movie "Ginger." #GingerTheMovie
We had a fantastic time at our annual Family Wellness & Back to School Fair last week! Thank you to everyone who came out and to all of our sponsors and partners. Let's get ready for a great school year!
“Worker cooperatives are a proven model that provide living wage jobs, especially for workers in communities of color, who often work in the low-wage economy where wage theft and discrimination are extremely common.”
My legislation prohibiting the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation from denying professional licenses to qualified applicants based only on their immigration status is awaiting action in the House.
I am sponsoring legislation, Senate Bill 1408, that will request funding for the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to fund community grants to ensure we get an accurate count in Illinois in the 2020 census.
The 2020 Census officially starts in just under a year. We must make sure every Illinoisan is counted
We have a home birth care crisis in our state. Women who give birth at home must have access to safe health care for themselves and their babies.
The governor's budget address today shows that he is ready to work with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle so that, even when we disagree, we can have discussions and make sure we pass a balanced budget by May 31.
This Hispanic Heritage Month, I am reflecting on the kindness and caring that Puerto Ricans constantly show to those around them, especially in times of need.
It’s always an honor to be introduced by Reverend Zook!!! Thank you Reverend!! #Concordiaribboncuttingceremony
I was proud to join Illinois Network of Charter Schools yesterday to share my support for charter schools. We need equitable funding for everyone!
Fear has no place in our schools. I was proud to stand with my colleagues and students across the country on #NationalWalkoutDay #ENOUGH
The governor has failed our state for three years by refusing to work with legislators and he failed us again with his State of the State address yesterday.
Ana Belaval hosting tonight’s benefit for Puerto Rico
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! We are celebrating the many amazing contributions Latinos have made to our country.
On Tuesday, I urged the governor to put politics aside and sign the responsible, balanced budget that includes many things he asked for. Unfortunately, he vetoed the bipartisan budget. But the Senate overrode his veto and ensured that vital human services across the state remain funded.
Welcome to the youth from Bikes and Roses cycling team, who just completed a three-day, 210-mile ride from Chicago to Springfield to call on Governor Rauner to pass a budget investing in education, after school programs and youth jobs. http://senatoririsymartinez.com/news/in-the-news
At today's press conference, where I spoke out against Secretary of Education Beth Purvis' refusal to stand up for the children in Chicago Public Schools.
Listen to Senator Martinez talk about the important services offered at today's Family Wellness and Back to School Fair.
From today's press conference, where I fought for adequately funding the Child Care Assistance Program.
These students from ASPIRA Haugan Middle School just took my breath away! Very talented.
Logan Square Neighborhood Association
2840 N Milwaukee AveLittle Achievers Learning Center
3801 w Diversey AveAvondale Park Advisory Council
3516 W School StLaw Office of Christine Contreras
3058 W Belmont AveLatin American Chamber of Commerce
3512 W. Fullerton AvenueLogan Square Chamber of Commerce
2808 N. Milwaukee Av.Chicago Army Recruiting Company
2943 W. Addison St
State Rep. Nicholas "Nick" Smith
113 E. 95th Street Suite A
State Representative Aarón M. Ortíz
4374 S. Archer Ave
State Senator Patricia Van Pelt
2312 W. Harrison Street
Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin
121 N. LaSalle Street | Room 106
State Representative Marcus C. Evans, Jr.
8500 S. Stony Island Avenue