CHAMPAIGN – The University of Illinois Willard Airport is set to receive funding through the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Division of Aeronautics, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) announced Friday.

“Willard Airport is an important economic engine for Champaign County and these funds will be critical to improving the facility,” Bennett said. “Investing in airport infrastructure will enhance safety, create jobs and provide economic benefits to our community.”

Over 170 people participated, expressing enthusiasm for the Clean Energy Jobs Act

CHICAGO – Today, Illinois State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) and State Reps. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) and Yoni Pizer (D-Chicago) hosted a virtual town hall about clean energy issues in the time of a pandemic. They were joined by over 170 people and issue experts from partner organizations Citizens Utility Board (CUB) and the Illinois Environmental Council.

Constituents expressed concern over the state’s continued use of fossil fuels, increased air pollution and an exacerbated climate crisis as the novel coronavirus continues to spread in communities across the United States. Participants also expressed overwhelming enthusiasm for the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA, House Bill 3624/Senate Bill 2132), the only comprehensive climate initiative focused on equitable job creation before the Illinois General Assembly.

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) was joined by Governor J.B. Pritzker today to announce the expansion of the Illinois Department of Human Services’ COVID-19 Summer Youth Employment Program, creating additional employment opportunities for underserved youth in the Rockford area.

“This is an extremely important program. It gives these kids the opportunity to connect with each other and learn new working experience to prepare them for future careers,” Stadelman said. “This program can help level the playing field. It focuses on low-income kids in the community, giving them an opportunity they may have not otherwise had.”

“If our two movements unite their social pioneering initiatives, thirty years from now people will look back on this day and honor those who had the vision to see the full possibilities of modern society and the courage to fight for their realization,” said Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., referring to the Civil Rights and Labor Movements, in a 1965 address at the Illinois State AFL-CIO’s 8^th annual convention.

SPRINGFIELD – Nearly 55 years after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his renowned speech at the Illinois State AFL-CIO’s 8^th annual convention, in which he predicted that future generations would look back and honor those who sought to unite the Civil Rights and Labor Movements, State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker) is leading an effort to make Dr. King’s words a reality.