GRAYSLAKE – To show support to local businesses that have faced struggles and uncertainty due to the ongoing public health crisis, State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) highlighted independently-owned business each day of December.

“Local businesses are the backbone of our community, and due to the ongoing pandemic, need our help more than ever,” Bush said. “I am urging everyone to support small this holiday season and beyond. From picking up gifts at a small boutique for your friends to getting carry out at a local restaurant — every decision to frequent our main streets helps our communities.”

Senator Bush recognized a variety of businesses from across the 31^st District. Each day, Senator Bush publicized the businesses on her Twitter and Facebook.

The business featured so far include:

• The Shanty in Wadsworth
• Brainstorm in Lindenhurst
• Stevens’ Steakhouse in Gurnee
• Hannah’s in Antioch
• Wine Knows in Grayslake
• Qu’s Place in Zion
• La Luz Bakery in Round Lake
• Grayslake Feed Sales in Grayslake
• Zion Cyclery in Zion
• Threads Boutique in Wauconda
• Closet Traders in Grayslake
• Wadsworth Feed and Saddlery in Wadsworth
• Ajua Mexican Restaurant in Round Lake
• It’s All Good Coffee & Espresso in Zion
• Antioch Florist in Antioch
• Beer Bazaar in Hainesville
• Kesh & Kay's Desserts in Waukegan
• CJ's Coffee House in Zion
• Polson's Natural Foods in Antioch
• Something's Brewing in Grayslake
• My Sister's Cottage in Gurnee
• Something Sweet in Antioch
• Barron Jewelers in Grayslake
• Bliss Wine & Gifts in Wauconda
• Rustic & Reclaimed Market in Antioch
• The Vine in Grayslake
• This Old Book in Grayslake
• Word of Mouth Resale in Wauconda
• All Tails Pet Grooming in Zion
• Vantage Art and Findings Wauconda
• Light the Lamp in Grayslake

GRAYSLAKE – Illinoisans with diabetes will receive relief from skyrocketing insulin prices at the turn of the year thanks to a measure co-sponsored by State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake). 

“No person should be forced to skip a meal or default on their mortgage just to be able to afford a medication they need to live,” Bush said. “The cap on rising insulin costs will protect people with diabetes and their families.”

Senate Bill 667 — which takes effect Jan. 1 — caps patients’ out-of-pocket costs for prescription insulin at $100 for a 30-day supply.

More than 30 million Americans have diabetes, and 7.4 million Americans require prescription insulin every day to survive, according to the American Diabetes Association. However, the price of insulin has risen sharply in recent years, driving many patients to give up other daily needs to pay for insulin or to ration their supply.

“People will no longer have to take shortcuts or seek out other ways to get their hands on insulin,” Bush said. “The days of prescription drug companies prioritizing profit over people must come to an end — and that starts with this new law.” 

The measure makes Illinois the second state to cap prescription insulin co-payments.

GRAYSLAKE – Following the announcement that Region 9 – which makes up Lake and McHenry Counties – will see increased COVID-19 restrictions, State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) is reminding everyone the importance of the three Ws: wear a mask, wash your hands and watch your distance.

“Slowing the spread of COVID-19 is something we, as Illinoisans and Lake County residents, are familiar with and know how to do,” Bush said. “It’s important to continue our efforts to mask up, participate in common hygiene practices and not gather in large groups.”

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced Wednesday that resurgence mitigation measures will be put into place at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31. Mitigation measures include no indoor service at bars and restaurants, required reservations for each party, and social gatherings limited to 25 people or 25% of overall room capacity.

Bush is reminding Lake County residents that loosening those restrictions in the near future is as simple as following the guidelines set forth by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during the summer months.

Additionally, she urges anyone – regardless of symptom or exposure – to take advantage of a number of additional free COVID-19 testing sites coming to the area, including two this weekend. People can get tested Saturday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Libertyville High School, located at 708 W. Park Ave. or Sunday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Deerfield High School, located at 1959 Waukegan Rd.

“It is important to keep doing what we do best in Lake County, and that’s putting our neighbors and loved ones first,” Bush said. “Together, we can stop the spread of COVID-19.”

GRAYSLAKE – State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) is urging Lake County residents to shop small this holiday season to support local businesses that have been struggling throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Small businesses are a part of our communities. They invest in our economy, employ our friends and neighbors and support local events,” Bush said. “It’s now our turn to support them and invest in all they have to offer.”

As people begin their holiday shopping, Bush is reminding them frequent to small businesses throughout the area. For every dollar spent at a small business, 67 cents stays in the community.

Bush has talked to many small business owners, who say they need the community’s help now more than ever. Supporting small, however, doesn’t just mean going to brick and mortar stores. Residents can support small businesses through online sales, ordering carry out from a locally owned restaurant or buying a gift card for a friend.

Additionally, if money is tight due to the pandemic, people can still support local businesses by following their social media, recommending to friends and leaving positive reviews.

“I encourage you to support small businesses in any way you can,” Bush said. “The pandemic has been especially tough on them, and as cases continue to rise, we must show them that the community is there to help.”

Bush would also like to remind struggling small business that the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has launched the second round of the Business Interruption Grant program, which will distribute $220 million to small businesses hit hardest by the ongoing pandemic, including movie theaters, event venues, hotels and more. Learn more and apply on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website.