Joyce, Bertino-Tarrant secure more than $600,000 to revitalize University Park

UNIVERSITY PARK – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has released a grant of more than $600,000 to Riegel Farm for infrastructure improvements, thanks to the efforts of Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant and State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex).

“Riegel Farm is an untapped resource in the heart of University Park,” Joyce said. “This investment will provide recreation and education to area residents as well as visitors, which will benefit our community for years to come. I look forward to seeing this project develop in the months ahead.”

The Reigel Farm Revitalization Project offers a truly unique educational and recreational opportunity. This once active farm offers access to softball fields, tennis courts and historic farm buildings, which once served as the home of University Park’s Parks and Recreation Department.

This department previously ran an educational petting zoo and educated area residents about historic farming practices. The community has long since desired the reactivation of this truly one-of-a-kind resource.

Read more: Joyce, Bertino-Tarrant secure more than $600,000 to revitalize University Park

Village of Palatine receives over $100,000 for broadband expansion

PALATINE – More than $100,000 is coming to Palatine to expand broadband access, thanks to efforts from State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights).

“Internet access has become increasingly important the past few years, so connecting our schools, workplaces and homes must be a priority,” said Gillespie. “Working from home and online schooling remains a challenge for people who lack quick, reliable access to broadband. Today, we change that for our neighbors in Palatine.” 

Read more: Village of Palatine receives over $100,000 for broadband expansion

Belt and Crowe celebrate over $200,000 in broadband grants for Metro East area

EAST ST. LOUIS – Over $200,000 in grant funding is coming to Madison and St. Clair Counties to enhance broadband accessibility for residents, thanks to support from State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) and State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D- Glen Carbon).

“The pandemic showed the need for an increase in broadband services through economic opportunity, remote learning and health care services,” Belt said. “These grants will bring resources toward the health, growth and education of our community through expanded accessibility.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced funding for 22 projects in every region of the state. The money is part of the second round of Connect Illinois to improve the lives of families, farmers, businesses, community institutions and other Illinoisans who rely on high-speed broadband for everything from education to healthcare access.

Read more: Belt and Crowe celebrate over $200,000 in broadband grants for Metro East area

Senator Bush continues to fight for ratification of Equal Rights Amendment

SPRINGFIELD – A longtime advocate for women’s rights, Senator Melinda Bush continues to fight for equal protection for women on what should have been the effective date of the Equal Rights Amendment.

“All states need to correct the shameful failure of our Constitution to ensure women are explicitly protected against discrimination,” said Bush (D-Grayslake). “Women deserve the same legal protections as men.”

Under the federal constitution, there is not a provision that expressly guarantees equality on the basis of sex. The proposed Equal Rights Amendment would grant such rights.

In 2018, Bush led efforts to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, making Illinois the 37^th state to do so. Under the U.S. Constitution, amendments become law once ratified by at least three-fourths of U.S. state legislatures — or 38 out of 50. Virginia became the 38^th state in January 2020. 

Read more: Senator Bush continues to fight for ratification of Equal Rights Amendment