Turner celebrates groundbreaking on EV Innovation Hub in Decatur

DECATUR – State Senator Doris Turner joined state and local officials and leaders at a press conference Wednesday to break ground on TCCI’s new Electric Vehicle Innovation Hub in Decatur.

“By investing in TCCI’s Innovation Hub, we are investing in our community, boosting our local economy and bringing jobs to Decatur,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Central Illinois will be a leader in the industry by expanding EV manufacturing and working with Richland Community College to prepare students for the workforce. This is a huge win for our community.”

Over $21 million was invested to build the first-of-its kind Climatic Center for Innovation and Research and the EV + Energy Workforce Training Academy through the Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois incentive package that supports the manufacturing facility expansion.

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Full-day kindergarten to be offered across the state thanks to Leader Lightford

SPRINGFIELD – All Illinois children will now have equal access to full-day kindergarten thanks to a new law championed by Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford.

“Kindergarten is pivotal for children’s learning journey,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “Full-day kindergarten classes across the state will ensure equal access to early learning opportunities for all our families.”

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Senator Holmes’ paint recycling program becomes law for Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – Homeowners throughout Illinois have something in their basement or garage that should be discarded, but until now, there hasn’t been a means to get rid of it safely: unused household paint. Legislation sponsored by State Senator Linda Holmes that establishes a program to dispose of household paint was signed into law by the governor Friday.

The Paint Stewardship Act creates a process for consumers to dispose of household paint in Illinois. No state resources are in place today to deal with this waste. Under this law, manufacturers of architectural paint will create and submit a plan to the Illinois EPA to establish the program.

“It is exciting to offer this service to Illinoisans with old paint taking up space in their homes,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “To get rid of it in an environmentally safe manner will give us an opportunity to make our state’s soil and water cleaner for our children and to safely produce our crops to feed the state and nation.”

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Glowiak Hilton law ensures families of fallen heroes receive accurate benefits

SPRINGFIELD – A new law sponsored by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton will help families of our fallen heroes in securing survivor benefits.

“Our nation’s military families have made life-changing sacrifices to serve our communities,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “This new law will create clarity to ensure the families of these fallen heroes will be given the financial support they are entitled to.”

House Bill 2856 will require vital records to list contributing factors behind a veteran’s death. This requirement would ensure survivor benefits and other rights are distributed if the death was caused by a service-related injury.

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