AURORA – After Gov. JB Pritzker’s State of the State Address and Budget Proposal on Wednesday, State Senate Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) released her reactions to several of the governor’s planned 2023 budget strategies.

“Overall, I heard the governor lay out some aggressive proposals to help Illinois stay the course of steady improvement in recent years,” Holmes said. “Funding our schools, money for our communities, resources for our police and tax relief for homeowners and motorists. There's a lot to like in Governor Pritzker's budget plan and it could be a big win locally.”

AURORA – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) has secured $22,288.00 for the Aurora Public Library District through Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White.

“I’m really excited to be directing funds to libraries that are focused on responding directly to the COVID-19 pandemic by modifying services, transforming spaces and developing resources for their local recovering workforce,” Holmes said.

Statewide, Sec. White has awarded nearly $6 million to libraries through the funding to allow these libraries to expand access to their patrons.

Winter socks are the most needed clothing item by homeless shelters, and the need continues after the holidays.To help our neighbors, Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) is holding a sock drive for area shelters until Feb. 4. Shelters need new socks for men, women and children.

Donated items will benefit Hesed House. Please call Sen. Holmes' office if you have questions.

AURORA –Aurora will receive $1.2 million in funds to boost the local business community, thanks to Assistant Senate Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora).

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will provide grants to enhance and revitalize local businesses, made possible by Illinois’ historic Rebuild Illinois Capital Program, legislation supported by Holmes in 2019.

“This funding will assist our city in creating new jobs and growing our economy,” Holmes said. “Like many cities, Aurora and its business community need resources to address not only further recovery and services from the pandemic, but also public safety issues.”