Castro-supported initiative to invest additional $15 million in pre-apprenticeship program grants

SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to State Senator Cristina Castro’s support of the Illinois Works and Rebuild Illinois initiatives, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced another round of funding will be invested in Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program grants. The $15 million in funding will expand equity in Illinois’ construction workforce, grow the pool of highly-skilled apprentices and increase access to building trades careers more broadly.

The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program is designed to increase the number of qualified construction and building trades apprentices who are women, people of color and veterans, and prepares them to enter full apprenticeship programs on their way to careers in the construction and building trades.

 “A career in the building trades comes with so many benefits: a living wage, a dignified retirement, and opportunities to excel while helping to build our communities,” said State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin). “I am proud to support the Illinois Works initiatives as they continue to invest in our skilled workforce and create more opportunities for people of color, women, and veterans.”

Read more: Castro-supported initiative to invest additional $15 million in pre-apprenticeship program grants

New police training academy coming to Belleville thanks to Belt

BELLEVILLE—Thanks to support from State Senator Christopher Belt – who is a longstanding advocate of investing in public safety – a new police training academy is coming to Belleville.

"Criminal justice reform can't just be about changing a few policies, we need to think about every aspect of the justice system. That includes how we train those in positions of responsibility," said Belt (D-Swansea). "When public safety officers, forensic scientists and law students are all learning alongside each other, everyone benefits from the diversity of experiences and perspectives."

Read more: New police training academy coming to Belleville thanks to Belt

Koehler announces Peoria selected to offer Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler announced Tuesday that older adults in Peoria will soon benefit from the newly-launched Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, which will expand options for community-based care and allow eligible seniors to continue living safely at home.

“PACE will create for Illinois seniors a holistic and locally-based option that provides quality, integrated care,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “The option to continue living safely in the community will greatly enhance the quality of life for Illinois seniors who enroll in the program.”

Read more: Koehler announces Peoria selected to offer Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly

Animal advocate Holmes applauds IDOA action on pet stores skirting new puppy mill regulations

AURORA – The Illinois Department of Agriculture has sent petitions of license revocation to three pet shops in Illinois operating in violation of the Animal Welfare Act, and State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora), sponsor of House Bill 1711, commends this effort and released the following statement: 

“This new state law prohibits the sale of pets from unscrupulous breeders and puppy mills and instead requires these stores to help connect shelter or rescue pets with potential adopters.

“Some store owners have attempted to skirt the new regulations, but the Illinois Department of Agriculture has investigated and is acting to potentially revoke their licenses. IDOA is working to ensure compliance with this and other laws that keep animals safe, and I commend their efforts in this matter.

“The newly-updated business model is growing across the U.S., and stores that follow this trend are continuing to succeed without selling poorly bred pets with a myriad of health problems and at exorbitant prices. All types of businesses must comply with regulations, and that includes pet shops.”

Holmes has a long and successful legislative record of measures related to animal health and welfare throughout her career in the Illinois Senate.