Ventura measure to lower emissions signed into law
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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois is now leading the way toward a cleaner, greener future thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Rachel Ventura that will require state-owned vehicles to be zero emission.
“To tackle the ongoing climate crisis, Illinois needs to be a frontrunner in clean energy investments,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “One such way to help is by investing in zero emission vehicles to deliver big gains for both our environment and our economy.”
Senate Bill 1769 will require passenger vehicles purchased or leased by the state to either be a manufactured zero-emission vehicle or converted into a zero-emission vehicle by 2030. Exceptions will be made for law enforcement and IDOT vehicles.
Read more: Ventura measure to lower emissions signed into law
Senate Democrats applaud $13 million investment in Job Training and Economic Development Program
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CHICAGO – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus celebrated the recent announcement of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s additional $13 million investment in the Job Training and Economic Development Program for workforce training and wrap-around services.
“After the great success of the first round of the JTED program, I’m thrilled to encourage eligible entities to apply to serve as community partners to help uplift working families,” said Senate Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora). “The community partnerships created through JTED are essential to boosting an equitable workforce recovery in every corner of Illinois.”
In the second round of the program, JTED will address the economic impacts experienced by employers and individuals who are underemployed, unemployed, or underrepresented, including youth who have one or more barriers to employment which are identified as risk factors. Priority populations include immigrants and refugees, justice-involved individuals, and rural residents.
Morrison: Drivers can now disclose medical condition that impedes communication
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SPRINGFIELD – Drivers with autism or other communication disabilities can now have better experiences during routine traffic stops, thanks to State Senator Julie Morrison.
“A routine traffic stop sparks anxiety for anyone – now imagine you are a driver who has autism or another medical condition that makes processing social cues and responding to commands difficult,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “That can quickly lead to a stressful situation for both the driver and the police officer. It’s why it was so pertinent we ensured people can effectively communicate their medical conditions.”
Drivers now have the ability to easily disclose a medical condition or disability that could impede effective communication with a police officer. People can visit the Illinois Secretary of State’s website to access a form to disclose their health condition. The information will then be printed on the person’s vehicle registration associated with their license plate and be put in the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System.
Read more: Morrison: Drivers can now disclose medical condition that impedes communication
Halpin announces completion of I-280 Bridge
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ROCK ISLAND — State Senator Mike Halpin joined State Representative Gregg Johnson and the Illinois Department of Transportation on Wednesday to announce the completion of the I-280 bridge over the Mississippi River in Rock Island.
“I am grateful for the leaders that prioritized this funding and helped make this bridge a reality,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “But I want to offer a special 'thank you' to the skilled tradesmen and women that built this bridge from the riverbed up. We are lucky to have an amazing workforce in Illinois and we are a better state because of it.”
The $49.7 million project began in 2021 with the demolition and replacement of the I-280 westbound bridge deck, followed by the eastbound bridge deck in 2022. The final stage of the project, which patched and resurfaced I-280 from the bridge to the Illinois 92 interchange, was combined with another $16 million improvement that extended the work from the Illinois 92 interchange to east of the Milan Beltway. Additional work included bridge painting and lighting upgrades at Illinois 92.
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