Simmons joins White House conversation on childcare access and affordability

CHICAGO – To promote child care access and affordability, State Senator Mike Simmons took part in the White House State Legislative Convening on Tuesday, speaking on Illinois’ paid leave legislation and his proposed child tax credit.

“It was an honor to meet with White House officials and fellow Federal and State legislators today,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Working parents are struggling more than ever before, and it is time we find solutions at State and Federal levels to help provide families with affordable and accessible child care and services. I want the next generation of moms, dads, caretakers, aunts, uncles, grandparents and children to live dignified and abundant lives where they are not always struggling to meet the most basic expenses.”

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Loughran Cappel joins leaders to highlight investments in community colleges

CREST HILL – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel joined state and local officials at Joliet Junior College to emphasize the importance of investing in Illinois’ community colleges at a press conference on Thursday.

“Investing in our community colleges across the state gives students the opportunity to get a good paying job after graduation,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Continuing to invest in Joliet Junior College and offering workforce training and development, manufacturing, EV technology and more puts students on a path toward exceling in a career that fits them.”

JJC is the nation’s first public community college, and currently serves around 27,000 students each year across six campuses. Illinois has the third largest community college system in the country.

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Turner joins leaders to highlight investments in community colleges

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner joined state and local officials at Lincoln Land Community College to emphasize the importance of investing in Illinois’ community colleges at a press conference on Wednesday.

“Community colleges can be a much-needed step for students before attending a four-year university,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Lincoln Land Community College is known for setting students up to succeed. Increasing investments in Illinois’ community colleges is vital for students to engage in more workforce training and development programs, allowing them to get a good paying job in the future.”

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Senator Koehler visits Heartland Community College to discuss increased investments in higher education

BLOOMINGTON – State Senator Dave Koehler stood alongside school faculty and community leaders at Heartland Community College Tuesday to discuss proposed investments to higher education.

“Increased investments toward our community colleges give Illinoisans the opportunity to pursue their education here, making it possible for residents to receive their degree and find high paying jobs in central Illinois,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “By making college more affordable, Illinois is painting a brighter future for our future workforce.” 

The governor’s introduced budget proposes an additional $100 million investment toward Monetary Award Program grants, as well as an additional $20 million investment toward community colleges throughout the state. Heartland Community College is home to over 13,000 students, with one out of every five receiving a MAP grant. With this increase and the additional availability of Pell Grants and scholarships, virtually all community college students at or below the median income level could go to community college free-of-charge.

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