Belt congratulates Dr. Ayala on retirement, applauds work for Illinois schools

EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) released the following statement as State Superintendent of Education Dr. Carmen Ayala’s announced her retirement:

“As chair of Education, it has been an honor to work with Dr. Ayala to better the lives of students across Illinois. Her knowledge and passion for education and students showed through her work. Dr. Ayala overcame numerous trials and tribulations, consistently doing what was best for students.

Read more: Belt congratulates Dr. Ayala on retirement, applauds work for Illinois schools

Murphy-led measure addresses vacancy stalemate at Niles-Maine Library

SPRINGFIELD – To address the ongoing stalemate at the Niles-Maine District Library, State Senator Laura Murphy is leading the charge to end the pandering that has left a trustee board seat vacant for over a year.

“The failure of the board to make an appointment, then the subsequent actions of some to challenge the State Librarian’s appointment, is putting the operations of the library at a standstill,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “It’s time for the board to put differences aside and prioritize the needs of the community.”

For the past 15 months the Niles-Maine District Library board has been at a stalemate in their efforts to fill a vacated seat. In August 2021, a former library board member resigned, the board was unable to agree on a replacement trustee, leaving the board in a perpetual 3-3 tie. Murphy led legislation in the spring to bring the stalemate to an end, and allow the Secretary of State—acting under the role of State Librarian—to appoint an individual to the vacancy.

Read more: Murphy-led measure addresses vacancy stalemate at Niles-Maine Library

Simmons takes constituent service requests in Budlong Woods

CHICAGO – With the intention to understand the concerns and needs of community members, and to proactively connect his constituents to state resources, State Senator Mike Simmons visited the Budlong Woods neighborhood this past Saturday knocking on doors and introducing residents to state resources and meeting those residents face-to-face. 

“Meeting residents in-person, where they’re at, encourages them to voice their concerns and needs in an informal way,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Engaging with the community in their neighborhoods helps to ensure they feel seen, heard, respected, and helped.”

Read more: Simmons takes constituent service requests in Budlong Woods

Loughran Cappel and Mattson celebrate new $6 million Air Traffic Control Tower

ROMEOVILLE – Lewis University Airport recently completed construction on a new air traffic control tower championed by State Senators Meg Loughran Cappel and Eric Mattson.

“This completed project shows our commitment to reinvigorating our infrastructure for the next generation,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I am happy to see the project completed just in time for the holiday travel season.”

The new tower not only will increase safety at the airport, but it will benefit airspace in the entire region, which includes Midway and O’Hare international airports, as well as provide enhanced training for aviation students at Lewis University. As the first air traffic control tower in Will County, it also will foster economic opportunity and new transport options in one of the fastest-growing parts of the state.

Read more: Loughran Cappel and Mattson celebrate new $6 million Air Traffic Control Tower