ARLINGTON HEIGHTS — Five local chambers of commerce have been awarded grants to help businesses bounce back from the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to support from State Senator Mark Walker.

“Small businesses drive job creation throughout our state, but many continue to face challenges in adapting to changing consumer habits in the wake of the pandemic,” said Walker (D-Arlington Heights). “These grants will give our chambers of commerce the tools they need to foster a strong economic environment where residents and local businesses can succeed.”

Administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, grants through the Back to Business Local Chambers program will be used by chambers to market and develop localities, provide small businesses with professional development and support small businesses and entrepreneurs while bolstering economic development.

The grants – which were introduced through Walker-sponsored legislation in the House – were awarded to chambers of commerce dedicated to improving business development in their communities, particularly those that suffered negative economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 151 chambers were selected, including the following within the 27th District:

• Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce, $50,000
• Mount Prospect Chamber of Commerce, $50,000
• Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce, $ 49,827
• Rolling Meadows Chamber of Commerce, $ 50,000
• The Buffalo Grove Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, $50,000

A full list of grantees can be found here. For more information about the B2B Local Chambers program, visit DCEO’s website.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) issued the following statement after the Senate passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget:

“This budget reflects our unwavering commitment to the people of Illinois, prioritizing their well-being and the prosperity of our great state. Through collaboration and a fiscally responsible approach, we have a plan that will foster a strong foundation for our future.

“Every child deserves access to a quality education that sets them up for success. Through funding for our schools and financial relief for students, we are unlocking the potential of our youth, allowing them to pursue knowledge and develop the skills needed to fuel our state’s economic growth.

SPRINGFIELD — Taking a significant step toward correcting a historic wrong, legislation that would return ancestral lands to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation cleared the Senate on Sunday. The initiative, led by State Senator Mark Walker, would transfer state-owned lands comprising Shabbona Lake and State Park in DeKalb County to the tribe.

“This is an opportunity to right a past injustice and honor the sovereignty of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation,” said Walker (D-Arlington Heights). “By supporting the creation of the tribe’s reservation, we are making strides toward reconciliation while fostering a partnership with Indigenous communities.”

Senate Bill 867 would authorize the state to transfer approximately 1,500 acres of land that is now Shabbona Lake and State Park to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources would enter into a land-management agreement with the Potawatomi regarding how the park would be managed in the future.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS — Mark L. Walker was sworn in as the new state senator for the 27th District on Saturday.

Walker, who represented the 53rd House District since 2019, replaces Ann Gillespie who resigned her seat to become director of the Illinois Department of Insurance.

“I’m deeply honored to have been appointed as the new state senator for the 27th District,” said Walker (D-Arlington Heights). “Former Senator Gillespie leaves behind a huge legacy, but I’m excited to represent the residents of the 27th District, advocating for a better Illinois for all.”

While in the House, Walker served many of the communities within the 27th Senate District, bringing to this role continuity for the residents of the Northwest Suburbs.

A Vietnam veteran, Walker sits on the Senate Veterans Committee, as well as the Early Childhood Education, Financial Institutions and Revenue Committees.