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.

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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.”

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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.

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Castro encourages families to apply for Homeowner Assistance Fund

ELGIN – The Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund has doubled the amount of assistance it is offering to eligible homeowners, and State Senator Cristina Castro is urging households impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to apply.

“This program will provide crucial security to even more homeowners in Illinois who have struggled financially during the pandemic,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Families facing debt and foreclosure due to circumstances out of their control – especially in communities that have been disproportionately impacted – deserve support and recovery.”

Read more: Castro encourages families to apply for Homeowner Assistance Fund