Castro receives legislative award for work expanding access to adult education

WASHINGTON, D.C. – State Senator Cristina Castro’s support for adult education is being recognized with a 2022 Legislative Champion Award from the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE). The Coalition announced the award this week as part of its efforts to raise awareness leading up to national Adult Education and Family Literacy Week which begins Sept. 19.

Senator Castro has sponsored legislation in the Illinois Senate to help erase the stigma of a high school equivalency diploma versus a high school diploma and to reduce the cost of GED®  exams for adult learners, both essential to adult education programs in Illinois.

Read more: Castro receives legislative award for work expanding access to adult education

Harris brings equity to his childhood street

HARVEY – State Senator Napoleon Harris III is proud to announce the rehabilitation of Wood Street in the South Suburbs through the state’s multi-year infrastructure plan.

“It is a bittersweet feeling to be one of the reasons why a street I grew up on is going to be restored,” said Harris (D-Harvey). “I lived right on Wood Street, and I am proud to see that our infrastructure plan is rebuilding communities and creating an equitable transportation system for all.” 

Read more: Harris brings equity to his childhood street

Feigenholtz recognizes Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day

CHICAGO – In recognition of International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day on Sept. 9, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz is applauding efforts by health care providers, parents, self-advocates and community organizations who work to support the FASD community, increase education and awareness, and bring evidence-based services to those living with FASD and their families.

“Today, I join advocates to recognize International FASD Awareness Day and take this time to lift up the increasing need for FASD-informed supports and services in Illinois and across the nation,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “This day is a reminder that, although we have made tremendous advancements in diagnostics and screenings for a multitude of other preventable disorders, we have much work left to do to bring informed services to the FASD community and integrate supports within our other health, education, justice and care systems.”

FASD is an umbrella term that describes the range of physical, behavioral and intellectual disabilities than can occur when someone has been exposed to alcohol before birth. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders have been dubbed ‘the hidden epidemic’ because of the lack of supports, diagnostics and treatment services available to pregnant women, new mothers and their families.

“People with FASD and their families need accessible, affordable and competent systems of care that are evidence-based and fully funded,” said Feigenholtz. “I am proud to stand with my constituents, Bonnie and Michelle, today to highlight this critical need.”

Read more: Feigenholtz recognizes Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day

Decatur and Springfield set to receive more than $20 million in transit assistance

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is excited to see Decatur and Springfield transit systems receive more than $20 million in federal assistance to increase efficiency and gas emissions of their buses.

The United States Department of Transportation awarded $1.7 billion in grants for low- and no-emission buses and bus facilities programs – and Illinois transit systems received $71.1 million of the funding.

“Decatur and Springfield’s public transit systems help residents get to work, access medical care and connect our communities,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “This assistance will help upgrade local buses, decrease vehicle emissions and train staff to operate and maintain these new vehicles.”

Read more: Decatur and Springfield set to receive more than $20 million in transit assistance