SPRINGFIELD – The Senate Higher Education Committee held a hearing Monday on the progress of SHIELD Illinois, the system which administers University of Illinois’ state-of-the-art rapid COVID-19 test, which uses saliva rather than the common nasal swab and is intended to be made available to all of the state’s public universities.

"Everyone at the U of I involved in developing and utilizing the saliva test deserves our thanks," said Senator McGuire, Chair of the Higher Education Committee. "Our next task is to implement the test at our eight other public universities so they can resume in-person learning next semester."

According to Tim Killeen, president of the U of I System, the university is organizing a testing program and infrastructure to deploy the innovative test across the state. This plan includes a prototype lab on wheels that will allow testing to take place where it is needed most.

“SHIELD is launching a network of high-capacity labs across the state to process test samples and provide fast, accurate results,” Killeen said. “This groundbreaking technology has attracted global attention, and we are working to expand the reach across Illinois and beyond.”

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JOLIET – State Senator Pat McGuire (D-Joliet) issued the following statement today after Gov. JB Pritzker announced Illinois’ Region 7, which includes the Joliet area, will institute Tier 2 coronavirus mitigations following days of elevated numbers of positive cases.

Those seeking more information on what Tier 2 mitigations entail for the Joliet area can read more here: https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/restore-illinois-mitigation-plan

Resurgence Mitigation Economic Assistance for Employers and Employees

October 30, 2020

Hello,

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has awarded Business Interruption Grant (BIG) funding to 30 businesses and non-profit organizations in Senate District 43 to help offset revenue lost due to efforts to stop the COVID-19 pandemic. These grants range from $5,000 to $150,000.

The application period for BIG funds remains open and is explained below. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis.

I encourage business owners and non-profit leaders to utilize the state and federal resources explained in this letter. I encourage laid-off employees to utilize state unemployment insurance. I ask everyone please to wear a mask, frequently wash their hands, maintain six feet of social distance, and observe all other preventive measures.

Please call (815) 207-4445 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Pat McGuire

State Senator, District 43

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JOLIET – State Senator Pat McGuire (D-Joliet) encourages businesses and nonprofit organizations to utilize state and federal economic assistance as a COVID-19 surge threatens Illinois residents and hospitals.

“We all must sacrifice to protect one another,” McGuire said. “The price of sacrifice varies. It costs next to nothing to don a mask, wash one’s hands frequently and maintain six feet of social distancing. But for impacted businesses and nonprofits, including bars and restaurants, the sacrifice is considerable. Yesterday 30 businesses and nonprofit groups in Senate District 43 were awarded state Business Interruption Grants ranging from $5,000 to $150,000. BIG funding is awarded on a rolling basis. It’s not too late to apply.”

Step-by-step guides to apply for state and federal economic assistance as well as unemployment insurance are available at McGuire's website at this link.

McGuire has emailed the same information to District 43 chambers of commerce and local units of government. McGuire’s district office can be reached at (815) 207-4445 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..