Cards for Cooper: Senator Morrison collects cards for 8-year-old wounded in 4th of July mass shooting

HIGHLAND PARK – Cooper Roberts went to the Highland Park Fourth of July parade with his family, excited to celebrate the day. However, after a gunman opened fire on the parade – shooting 8-year-old Cooper in the chest – he was left paralyzed from the waist down.

To show Cooper the community supports him and is cheering him on throughout his recovery process, Senator Morrison is collecting store bought and handmade cards that she will then deliver to Cooper’s family.

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Lightford continues to promote equity for working families through promotion of sales tax holiday

BROADVIEW – As a champion of education and equity, Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood), Illinois Senate Majority Leader, joined Governor JB Pritzker Thursday to promote the state’s sales tax holiday on school supplies and clothing that will take place from Aug. 5 to Aug. 14.

“As the cost-of-living rises, the School Sales Tax Holiday will give students the opportunity they deserve to be well-prepared for a successful school year,” Lightford said.  “Back to school time can be stressful enough for disadvantaged families, and this year Illinois is assisting all residents with some financial relief for the betterment of our students’ educational careers.” 

Senate Bill 157 lowers the state tax rate on clothes and school supplies by 5% for 10 days. The 10-day for the tax relief will begin on Aug. 5 and end on Aug. 14. Qualifying purchases include certain school supplies, clothing, and footwear with a retail selling price of less than $125 per item.

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Tharp applauds Tyson for creating hundreds of jobs in expanded, $180 million Caseyville project

MARYVILLE – State Senator Kris Tharp joined leaders Wednesday to announce a new expansion of Tyson’s Caseyville facility, and the plan to create an estimated 250 jobs in the Metro East region.

“I am proud that Tyson has recognized Illinois’ world-class manufacturing capabilities and, as a result, has continued their significant investment in our community,” said Tharp (D-Bethalto). “The creation of more than 200 new jobs will promote continued growth and economic expansion in the greater Metro East region.”

Additional funding will prioritize workplace efficiency and facilitate ease of production for current and future employees. The facility, which produces Hillshire Farm® and Jimmy Dean® products, will expand its production of snack and breakfast items through the addition of several new production lines and increased square footage.

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Belt secures nearly $10 million to update sewers in Cahokia Heights

EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt joined Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to announce a $9.9 million investment to improve the sewer collection system in Cahokia Heights.

“Families who call Cahokia Heights home have dealt with persistent sewage and flooding issues in their homes, neighborhoods and community for decades,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “With this investment, I appreciate Gov. Pritzker and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for acknowledging the importance and urgency of updating the sewage infrastructure and helping us address flooding concerns.”

Made possible through the Rebuild Illinois grant program, the $9.9 million is slated to be used to rehabilitate and replace approximately 35 lift stations, 5,800 feet of cured-in-place pipe liner and 3,500 feet of slip lining in the main trunk line.

Read more: Belt secures nearly $10 million to update sewers in Cahokia Heights