Ellman, Glowiak Hilton drop off over 325 purses full of supplies for survivors of domestic violence

DOWNERS GROVE – Following a month-long donation drive, State Senators Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) and Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) dropped off more than 325 purses full of personal care items to the Downers Grove Community Center.

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all the members of our community who took the time to make a donation in support of our neighbors in need,” Ellman said. “Especially around the holidays, it’s important to remind survivors of domestic abuse that there’s a whole community behind them.”

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Crowe holds first meeting as chair of Illinois’ Child Sexual and Physical Abuse Task Force

SPRINGFIELD – Members of Illinois’ Child Sexual and Physical Abuse Task Force met virtually for the first time Friday to discuss changes to the state’s Sexual Assault Survivor’s Emergency Treatment Act, under the leadership of State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon).

“Child sexual abuse cases differ from adults due to disclosure delays and lack of findings in exams,” Crowe said. “Children who brave the conversation to disclose sexual abuse deserve a robust medical system ready to offer them protection, comfort and support in their time of need. Members of this task force will use their expertise to update the response to child sexual assault cases, and I take my responsibility to lead this process seriously.”

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State invests in replacing troubled West Grand rail crossing in Elmwood Park

An Elmwood Park rail crossing that was the site of the horrific, day-before-Thanksgiving 2005 Metra crash will get $3.1 million to continue planning its eventual replacement, state officials announced.

More than a dozen people were injured in that 2005 collision when a Metra train travelling nearly 70 mph plowed into vehicles on the tracks at West Grand Avenue sending them careening into surrounding traffic.

“To this day I remain amazed and thankful that no one was killed in that horrific 2005 crash,” said Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, who represents the area. “This investment is a long time coming and vital to the safety of the thousands of people who make this crossing daily by car and train. This investment will make our community safer.”

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Stadelman: $4.5 million in state funding invested in the Rockford Airport

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) announced a $4.5 million investment in state funding to help maintain and upgrade the Rockford Airport on Wednesday.

“The Rockford Airport is a strong economic driver of our region that provides hundreds of jobs to our community,” Stadelman said. “The funding to help maintain and upgrade sections of the airport is an investment in our residents to help our area thrive after such a tough year.”

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