Harris celebrates completion of I-57 improvements in Chicago and the South Suburbs

CHICAGO – Thanks to State Senator Napoleon Harris’ support of the historic Rebuild Illinois capital program, a multi-year, $82.1 million project along I-57 has been completed – creating safety and ease for drivers in the South Suburbs.

"The I-57 corridor is not just crucial for south suburban families to get to school or work, but also to our nation's commerce," said Harris, (D-Harvey). "The south suburbs is where goods move across the country. Projects like these are allowing businesses small and large to get their products where they need to be on-time, safely, and efficiently."

I-57 was patched and resurfaced for nearly 20 miles, and two bridges were repaired along a vital commercial and residential corridor that connects multiple communities from Chicago’s South Side through the south suburbs.

Read more: Harris celebrates completion of I-57 improvements in Chicago and the South Suburbs

Porfirio encourages residents to write holiday letters for Illinois veterans

BURBANK — With support from State Senator Mike Porfirio, the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs launched the 2023 Operation Rising Spirit campaign to encourage service organizations, schools, communities and individuals to write letters of appreciation to former service members currently residing in veterans’ homes across the state.

“Writing letters for our veterans is a simple, yet meaningful way to honor their dedicated service and bring joy and comfort during the holiday season,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “These letters serve as a gesture of support, combating feelings of isolation that so many of our veterans experience during the holidays.”

Operation Rising Spirit initially launched in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to support residents who were unable to visit friends and family. The campaign was successful in encouraging veterans and facilitated their connection with the community. During the 2022 holiday season, IDVA distributed over 5,000 letters to veterans in the state’s care.

Read more: Porfirio encourages residents to write holiday letters for Illinois veterans

Koehler remembers devastating Washington tornado

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler is recognizing the 10^th anniversary of the devastating tornado that tore through Washington and Pekin communities — a solemn reminder of the importance of year-round weather preparedness.

"We still remember the events that occurred a decade ago that left these communities devastated,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “The people who lived in the communities hit by the tornado worked to clean up after the storms and help make their towns habitable again.”

In the early hours of Nov. 17, 2013, a devastating EF-4 tornado tore through the communities of Washington and Pekin, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. The storm caused extensive damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure, and resulted in the death of one individual.

Read more: Koehler remembers devastating Washington tornado

Gillespie law validates mental health referendums, ensures funding

SPRINGFIELD — Suburban township mental health boards approved by referendum last year will be able to collect the revenue needed to operate after legislation led by State Senator Ann Gillespie was signed into law Friday.

“I am grateful we were able to quickly advance legislation to amend an error within the referendums and allow our community mental health boards to provide vital services to those in need,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “Residents made their voices heard when they approved the boards, and it is fundamental to democracy that we uphold their decision.”

Community mental health boards, or 708 boards, are appointed panels that levy property taxes to fund local organizations and community mental health initiatives. Referendums approving 708 boards in several townships – including Addison, Elgin, Lisle, Naperville, Schaumburg and Wheeling townships – and Will County were deemed invalid because they did not include language about how the tax to fund the board would impact homeowners.

Senate Bill 690 guarantees the results of these referendums, allowing affected townships to levy the tax necessary to fund the boards without re-submitting the referendum in 2024.

Read more: Gillespie law validates mental health referendums, ensures funding