Two Rebuild Illinois investments become a reality in Metro East
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EAST ST. LOUIS – As part of the historic $45 billion Rebuild Illinois Capital program backed by State Senator Christopher Belt, the Metro East area saw two major investments come to life– a new public safety center in Emerson Park Transit Center in East St. Louis and the new Southwestern Illinois College Manufacturing Training Apprenticeship Building in Belleville.
“These are the types of investments that will truly make a difference in our region,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “With the Rebuild Illinois program, we are able to make facilities like this become a reality.”
The 16,000-square-foot public safety center includes a 911 Emergency Dispatch Center, office space for St. Clair County MetroLink Sheriff’s Deputies and public restrooms. The $15 million project expands on efforts to address safety through early intervention with Chestnut Health Systems launching a program in partnership with the St. Clair County Transit District to help address mental health needs. Care teams already have been deployed to assist riders with mental health and housing needs, as well as providing recommendations for food and other assistance.
Read more: Two Rebuild Illinois investments become a reality in Metro East
Illinois bans ‘junk’ insurance plans thanks to Fine
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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) released the following statement after Governor JB Pritzker signed a package of health insurance reforms on Wednesday – including House Bill 2499 that bans short-term health insurance plans:
“As we strive to put Illinois at the forefront of health care, we cannot afford to leave out consumers who depend on their health insurance plans to meet their medical needs. Right now, many Illinoisans who choose short-term – or ‘junk’ insurance – plans for their health care coverage are left vulnerable to the high costs and low coverage.
“I have been a strong advocate for expanding access to affordable health care services, and this includes securing quality health care coverage so all Illinoisans can receive necessary medical treatment.
Read more: Illinois bans ‘junk’ insurance plans thanks to Fine
Villivalam hosts first subject matter hearing on the state of public transit
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CHICAGO - With public transit in the RTA region approaching a budget deficit in 2026, Senate Transportation Chair Ram Villivalam held a subject matter hearing on Tuesday regarding the state of public transit and how it supports the local economy.
“Today, we were able to have crucial and robust conversations about the current state of public transit and its relation to our economy,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Many key stakeholders, from the agencies to business and labor groups, were able to share their insights as to how we can maintain and improve service, and what we can do to underpin a vibrant economy.”
As heard from constituents, public transit riders are currently facing issues including delayed service, no routes or limited coordination of services between providers. This presents an issue for many, as they are left without reliable transportation to reach essential places or services such as health care appointments, jobs or education.
Read more: Villivalam hosts first subject matter hearing on the state of public transit
Faraci applauds $51 million investment to UIUC-led iFAB tech hub
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CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci and the U.S. Economic Development Administration announced approximately $51 million for the Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing Tech Hub.
“I am thrilled to see the iFAB Tech Hub receive this funding,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “This investment emphasizes the importance of promoting cutting-edge research and development in our state. We are paving the way for projects and services that will benefit our communities and economy for generations to come.”
The iFAB Tech Hub, led by the Integrated Bioprocessing Research Labortory at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, unites over 30 partners from academia, industry and government in Central Illinois to meet the growing demand for fermentation in biomanufacturing. Funding for the hub will be allocated through a Phase 2 Implementation grant to support infrastructure development and industry partnerships, positioning Illinois as a leader in precision fermentation.
Read more: Faraci applauds $51 million investment to UIUC-led iFAB tech hub
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