Press Releases

GRAYSLAKE – Price gouging scams have run rampant across the State of Illinois and across the country taking advantage of the present situation. To combat these scams State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) is urging Illinois residents to report any unfair pricing practices associated with the coronavirus pandemic to the Office of the Attorney General.  

“The coronavirus outbreak is frightening enough without the additional fear of being cheated out of a fair price,” Bush said. “I am confident in the attorney general’s ability to protect consumers and put a stop to these unfair practices.” 

Governor Pritzker earlier issued an executive order prohibiting price gouging and handed Attorney General Kwame Raoul the authority to enforce it. The Office of the Attorney General has so far directed businesses to maintain fair pricing, especially on items recommended by public health agencies to help prevent the spread of the virus. 

The Office of the Attorney General has also been monitoring products sold online through retail giants such as Amazon, eBay, and Facebook. 

“If you have been a victim of a price gouging scam or if you have seen anything suspicious, please file a complaint with the attorney general immediately,” Bush said. 

For questions or additional information concerning price gouging scams, please visit illinoisattorneygeneral.gov. 

GRAYSLAKE – State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) released the following statement in response to the United States House resolution condemning the Chinese government’s handling of the novel coronavirus response:

“There is no doubt the Chinese government’s initial downplaying of the novel coronavirus exacerbated its spread. But this resolution puts Americans in danger. The virus doesn’t have a zip code or borders and pinning the blame on a specific country or geographical location only spreads animosity and hatred. The attacks on Asian Americans in recent weeks related to COVID-19 are unpatriotic and un-American. This is not who we are. 

“Even as feelings of fear and anxiety run high, we need to pull together as a country and show the world the best of who we are. I condemn all anti-Asian American hate crimes and I urge my colleagues and fellow Americans to stand with me in support of the Asian American community here in Illinois, around the county, and the world.” 

House Resolution 907 can be read on congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-resolution/907?s=4&r=1. 

GRAYSLAKE – In light of the current situation, State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) is asking people to donate food to local food pantries to help address increased need.

“With schools and businesses across the state closed, people have lost jobs or seen their incomes reduced. Some are now struggling to put food on the table,” Bush said. “Food pantries are struggling to keep up with higher demand and have no idea how long this will last, so it’s important that we help each other out during this troubling time.”

Bush is urging people who are able to donate to local food pantries in northern Lake County. 

The following food pantries are accepting donations: 

Wauconda Food Pantry
505 W Bonner Rd. Wauconda, IL 60084
Drop off is from 4-6 p.m., Thursdays or call (224) 430-4338 to schedule drop off.
Items needed: nonperishable unopened food, canned food, toiletries, etc.

Warren Township Food Pantry
17801 W Washington St., Gurnee, IL 60031
Call (847) 244-1101 ext. 101 or visit https://www.warrentownship.net/services/food-pantry/
Donation/ Assistance available 1-3 p.m. Friday, March 20 and 27.
Items needed: canned veggies, laundry detergent, boxed mashed potatoes.

Avon Community Food Pantry
433 E Washington St. Round Lake Park, IL 60073
Call (847) 546-1476
10 people at a time will be served, all others will be asked to wait in their cars.
Donations to the donation box located outside township office door or call number provided.
Items needed: unopened nonperishable food, disinfectant spray, toilet paper, sanitary napkins, hand sanitizer, diapers, bleach, pine cleaner, bread, toothpaste, mouth wash.

Open Arms Mission
1548 Main St., Antioch, IL 60002
Call (847) 395-0309
For Donations open Tuesday and Wednesday morning. Pull up to warehouse door with donations. Cash donations are accepted online at https://www.openarmsmission.org
For assistance Tuesday through Thursday, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., drive through to pick up food.
Items needed: Bar soap, toilet paper, and cash donations.

SPRINGFIELD – Frustrated by the lack of women in government and politics, State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) passed a measure out of the Senate allowing political campaign funds to be used for child-care expenses.

“Highly qualified and experienced women and other young parents are being locked out of politics because of the cost of child care,” Bush said. “This legislation will allow talented people to run for office, work in politics, and volunteer their time without worrying about finding affordable child care.”

Senate Bill 33 would allow campaign funds to cover child-care expenses incurred by candidates, officeholders, campaign staff, and volunteers, as long as it is necessary for the fulfillment of political or governmental purposes.

“It’s high time for women to be proportionally represented in government,” Bush said. “Though the situation is slowly changing, women are still the primary providers of child care, so the cost of babysitters and daycare is a huge barrier to getting more women involved.”

Senate Bill 33 recently passed in the Illinois Senate and has moved to the House for consideration.