SRpoliceSPRINGFIELD – To honor the men and women who keep our communities safe, Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) supported a proposal to make the week of May 15-21, 2022 Police Appreciation Week in Illinois that was adopted by the Senate.

“As a former Chicago police officer, I understand the oath that these men and women take when they put on the badge,” Munoz said. “It is an honor to support this resolution as police officers put their lives on the line daily, and law enforcement families need to know we have their backs.”

Senate Resolution 914 recognizes the dedication and sacrifice of local, state and federal police officers and their service to the state. Additionally, the families of the state’s law enforcement officers deserve to be duly recognized for their endless sacrifices, commitment to keeping our neighborhoods safe and ensuring the general welfare of society.

Senate Resolution 914 passed the Senate with bipartisan support.

Senator MunozSPRINGFIELD – Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) spearheaded a measure through the Senate that would require people to keep record of the sale of catalytic converters.

“Catalytic converter thefts have skyrocketed,” Munoz said. “Too often innocent people come to find parts missing from their car, leaving them without transportation and affecting their bottom line. We have to find a way to end these senseless crimes.”

House Bill 107 would add catalytic converters to the definition of recyclable metal, requiring record keeping on the purchase of catalytic converters. The license plate number of the vehicle, photographs or video of the seller, a verified name and address of the seller, and a signed declaration by the seller stating that the catalytic converter was not stolen would be required.

In addition, the measure would prohibit a recyclable metal dealer from purchasing a catalytic converter with a value over $100 with cash.

According to a recent ABC report, Illinois ranks third in the nation for catalytic converter thefts with over a 300% increase since 2019.

“This measure tightens the law that many find a way around,” Munoz said.

House Bill 107 passed the Senate and now heads to the governor’s desk.

Senator MunozSPRINGFIELD – In response to an event that stopped traffic on Eisenhower Expressway, Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) lead a measure through the Senate Tuesday that would prohibit a street sideshow on any street or highway that causes traffic to slow or stop.

“People should not be allowed to stop traffic for their own entertainment, especially on a busy, fast expressway,” Munoz said. “Situations like these put residents in unneeded danger. It’s important that we work with law enforcement officials to ensure they are able to protect people in any situation.”

According to a CBS report, Eisenhower Expressway was shut down in December 2021 with drivers blocking the on- and off-ramps and every lane while a group of people engaged in dangerous stunts, such as doing donuts with their cars and dancing on the expressway.

House Bill 5439 defines a street sideshow as any event in which one or more cars block or impede traffic to perform unauthorized motor vehicle stunts, motor vehicle speed contests, or motor vehicle exhibitions of speed. Munoz’ measure would prohibit a street sideshow on any street or highway in Illinois and a person may not knowingly cause the movement of traffic to slow or stop for the purpose of facilitating street racing or a street sideshow. Under current law, people cannot be arrested for blocking a street or highway.

The measure would penalize the impediment of traffic for a street sideshow or street racing in the same manner as the act of street racing. The first violation is considered a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a determinate sentence of less than one year and a minimum fine of $250. A second or subsequent violation is considered a Class 4 felony punishable by a sentence of one to three years and a minimum fine of $500.

“As a former Chicago police officer, I know law enforcement’s number one job is to protect people,” Munoz said. “Without this measure, drivers could be put in an unsafe situation and police officers can’t do anything to protect them.”

House Bill 5439 passed the Senate and now heads to the House for concurrence.

CHICAGO – Local businesses in the 1st Senate District were awarded more than $10 million in funding from the Back to Business program thanks to advocacy and support from Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago).Open

“Small business owners have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Munoz said. “The Back to Business grant program has had a great impact on local businesses by allowing many to keep their doors open and keep customers coming in.”

The B2B grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget.

So far – thanks to strong support from Senator Munoz – DCEO has provided $200 million in B2B grants to small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on disproportionately impacted areas. With nearly $50 million left to go, more businesses will have the opportunity to get a share of the relief funds.

Grants will continue to be awarded on a rolling basis. Visit the DCEO website for more information on the B2B program or check the status of an existing application by logging into the portal.

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