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LH aurora commons 121025AURORA – Senator Linda Holmes joined a ceremony on November 21 at the future site of the new Learning Commons facility on the Aurora University campus. She joined Aurora University President Susana Rivera-Mills and other officials to sign their names on a beam that will be part of the structure as it is built.

“The new building will be a central hub of academic life on campus, bringing together the resources students use most to a single convenient, welcoming space,” said Holmes, D-Aurora. “This environmentally friendly project will create a high-tech hub on campus that will increase opportunities for students to gather, strengthen their skills and build relationships within their community.”

Holmes obtained $750,000 in capital funding for the project in the state’s fiscal year 2025 budget, and the Learning Commons will transform the way Aurora University students learn, collaborate and connect. Holmes said the facility is expected to open in fall 2026, and it has created 50,000-man hours of union construction work.

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koehler 120225SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler’s House Bill 767, legislation designed to put clear, expert vaccine guidance at the center of Illinois’ public health response, has become law.

“Families deserve clear, evidence-based guidance when making health decisions for their children,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This law requires expert input to drive our immunization policies, makes those recommendations public and adds practical protections so pharmacies can continue serving their communities safely and effectively.”

The new law comes at a time when the federal administration has gone dark on vaccine transparency. The goal is to shine a spotlight on this issue so Illinois continues to follow the science, no matter what happens at the federal level. 

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IATSE training center ribbon cutting 111425CHICAGO – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus applauded the opening of a new training center for the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 2 Stagehands, thanks to a $5 million grant they backed.

“If you’ve been to a great show or concert — or seen Chicago looking magnificent on the screen — it was made great in large part because of the work of IATSE Local 2,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “This facility ensures they’ll continue leading the way in skill, safety and innovation, preparing the next generation of professionals for the high-tech, high-skill jobs that quite literally keep the show going.”

The new training center comes after members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus brought forth SB 1911 to strengthen the film and TV community by expanding the Illinois Film Production Tax Credit. The expansion will support good-paying jobs throughout the state with numerous enhancements, including an increased tax credit for local labor and Illinois vendors, incentives to relocate TV series to Illinois, regional production bonuses and more.  

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belt 110525VENICE – State Senator Christopher Belt joined leaders from across the Metro East region to break ground on a new grocery store in Venice as part of the Illinois Grocery Initiative — marking an important milestone in expanding access to fresh, affordable food for local residents. The groundbreaking represents a critical joint effort to revitalize the city, which was made possible through a $2.4 million state grant and private funding.

“We have had some great days here in Venice, first for our bill signing, then to award this grant, and now we are here to put a shovel in the ground,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “I don’t have a crystal ball, but I think we’ll be here again when the grocery store is completed to celebrate what we have accomplished.”

In 2023, Belt championed legislation aiming to eliminate the number of food deserts in Illinois’ communities — leading to the creation of the Illinois Grocery Initiative and the current construction of a new grocery store in Venice. 

More Articles …

  1. Sims leads legislation to protect state budget from reckless federal cuts
  2. Holmes legislation empowering terminally ill adults to consider end-of-life options passes Senate
  3. Simmons Passes Bill to Protect Tenants from Rental Junk Fees and Require Lease Transparency
  4. Cervantes legislation to protect immigrant workers passes Senate

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