Joyce, Hastings invite high school students and residents to virtual Careers in the Trades event

PARK FOREST – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) and State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) are partnering to host a virtual workshop on Monday, May 3 at 10:30 a.m. to encourage Illinoisans to pursue careers in the trades.

“A career in the trades gives a person the opportunity to gain experience and education, learn practical and useful skills, and avoid student loan debt,” Joyce said. “With so many jobs in the trades in high demand, I encourage those looking for an alternative career path to sign up for this virtual event.” 

Attendees will be able to learn about the skilled trades and find out how to join a union, as well as connect with apprenticeship directors and contractors. 

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Belt joined by governor to announce $7.5 million investment in SWIC’s Belleville campus

BELLEVILLE – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) was joined by Governor JB Pritzker on Friday to announce a $7.5 million investment from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to build an advanced manufacturing training academy on Southwestern Illinois College’s Belleville campus to help train Illinoisans for new manufacturing jobs.

“I’m thrilled that SWIC was chosen for this project,” Belt said. “This equity-based program will provide residents with opportunities to develop specialized skills for careers in manufacturing.”

The funding will be used to create a new manufacturing training center on SWIC’s Belleville campus with new computers and other specialized equipment to prepare local residents for careers in electricity and welding.

Read more: Belt joined by governor to announce $7.5 million investment in SWIC’s Belleville campus

Peters tackles deceptive interrogation of children

SPRINGFIELD – After being one of the strongest advocates in favor of the landmark criminal justice pillar of the Black Caucus agenda that passed in January, State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) is continuing his fight to win real safety and justice for all Illinois residents with a proposal to stop the use of deceptive interrogation practices on children.

“Kids are taught to trust adults in positions of power, and it is unconscionable to allow law enforcement to exploit that trust in order to coerce information,” Peters said. “These kids are scared and may not fully understand their rights or of how the legal process works, so it’s a lot more likely that they’ll give false information if deception is added to the mix.”

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Morrison applauds FDA decision to ban menthol cigarettes, flavored cigars – but says there is more work to be done

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) released the following statement Thursday after an announcement from the Federal Food and Drug Administration that it will ban all menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars:

“In every form, tobacco products are dangerous to human health and can lead to serious, life-long health consequences. Banning menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars is a crucial step toward curbing young people’s interest in smoking.

Read more: Morrison applauds FDA decision to ban menthol cigarettes, flavored cigars – but says there is more...