SOUTHERN ILLINOIS — Times are tough for many residents across Southern Illinois and all over the world as we continue to fight the COVID-19 virus spreading and infecting people on every corner of the globe. Some people are looking at what downstate will look like coming out of the pandemic.

State Senator Dale Fowler believes this crisis is teaching southern Illinoisans the importance of sticking together for the greater good.

Fowler is also teaming up with other southern Illinois lawmakers for the “Southern Illinois Strong” fundraising campaign. Residents can make a donation and receive an exclusive “Southern Illinois Strong” t-shirt, and the money raised will go towards grants to be given to small businesses facing hardships because of COVID-19. For more information on the campaign, visit their facebook page, Southern Illinois Strong.