Who likes Illinois? These businesses do
Illinois added 19,000 jobs - the second-highest state gain - between August and September. We've also seen a 2.5 percentage point drop in unemployment over the past year. That's the largest year-to-year change in the nation, down by nearly one-third. This week, three businesses announced almost 2,000 new jobs as part of new and expanding operations: Amazon, Cronus Chemicals and Coyote Logistics.
The numbers indicate that the economic comeback is gaining momentum in Illinois. In fact, several businesses are moving into and expanding in Illinois.
Building a better Illinois
Jacobs: Millions invested for I-74 Mississippi River bridge construction
JacobsSenator Mike Jacobs (D-Moline) announced a $10 million investment this week to construct the new I-74 Mississippi River bridge linking Illinois and Iowa in the Quad Cities.
"The region needs this type of investment not only for the good paying jobs it brings, but because the expansion and infrastructure upgrade will lead to economic growth that benefits everyone. I'm proud to advocate for this type of project," Sen. Jacobs said.
Manar announces new health center in Decatur
Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) announced an investment of $3 million from the state to build a new community health center in Decatur. The community health center is planned for the Wabash Crossing neighborhood and will provide greater access to health care for low-income and high-risk patients of Macon County.
"A major factor in successful communities is residents' access to quality and affordable health care," Manar said. "This investment not only improves the quality of life for residents who surround the facility, but it will have a positive impact on the entire city and region as a whole."
Haine praises $23.5 million construction investment for SIU Edwardsville
Senator Bill Haine (D-Alton) applauded a recently announced investment that allocates $23.5 million to construction projects on SIU Edwardsville's campus. The investment will help with renovation of an existing science building reconfiguring approximately 80,000 square feet of space, and will complete the construction of a new $81.3 million science center.
The project creates offices, classrooms and laboratories, including upgrading the climate control, mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems, as well as replacing existing windows with more energy-efficient designs. The finished project will be considered for a LEED Silver designation, a testament to its energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly design.
Senators to hold screenings on Nov. 14, World Diabetes Day
The International Diabetes Foundation is calling on people across the world to think about diabetes prevention on Nov. 14. Diabetes already affects more than 20 million people in the United States alone. If nothing changes, experts expect the worldwide total to climb to 592 million over the next 20 years. That's more than the current population of the United States.
More importantly, doctors believe that nearly half of the people living with diabetes are undiagnosed. Given that type 2 diabetes can be prevented, managed and sometimes even reversed through diet and exercise, diagnosis is vitally important.
Several Illinois senators are observing World Diabetes Day by partnering with local health care centers and hospitals to offer free diabetes screenings and information about the condition.
Also this week:
- Expanded outdoor recreation area to open in Fulton County
- Senate Democrats partner with AT&T to invest in Illinois communities
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