Governor Pritzker Press Release: Joliet Township Awarded 8.6 Million To Provide Direct Support to Asylum Seekers
A press release from the office of Illinois Governor Pritzker has been updated to reflect that Joliet Township, not the City of Joliet, has applied for and been selected to receive 8.6 million dollars from the State of Illinois. According to the press release the funds: "will make it possible for municipalities to provide direct services to migrants who have fled their homes to escape violence and other threats. The funds will be used for shelter and housing support, food, wraparound services, legal support, and health care." The award to Joliet Township was discussed at the October 2nd Joliet City Council Pre-Council meeting. Joliet Mayor D'Arcy and Council members stated they had no knowledge of the grant application and questioned how the Township would carry out grant activities without coordination with the City and its departments, such as the Joliet Fire Department. The Mayor asked Joliet Township Supervisor Angel Contreras to withdraw the grant. A recordin