EVANSTON – The Evanston Rebuilding Warehouse is set to receive more than $500,000 to diversify pre-apprenticeship programs in the construction industry, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) announced Thursday.

“Women and people of color across Illinois are consistently underrepresented in the construction trades,” Senator Fine said. “Investing more than half a million dollars in diversifying the workforce at the Evanston Rebuilding Warehouse will open the door for so many in our community.”

The mission of the Evanston Rebuilding Warehouse is to invest in our communities by reusing building materials, reducing construction waste, and training, supporting and connecting people seeking careers in the building trades. They will receive $535,514 to increase diversity in the construction industry.

BRIDGEVIEW – Three local libraries are set to receive grant money to provide the community with vital education resources thanks to support from State Senator Steve Landek (D-Bridgeview).

“This funding benefits our children and working families who rely on our libraries for resources and assistance,” Landek said. “Libraries provide access to knowledge for all.”

The funding is allocated to libraries across the state to make upgrades, assist with the development of the local workforce and ensure the library stays open safely for families. The grant is comprised of both state and federal dollars and awarded through Secretary of State Jesse White’s office. The libraries in the district Landek represents that will receive grants are:

SUGAR GROVE – Thanks to support from State Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) to provide local libraries with the resources needed for pandemic recovery, three libraries in the district she represents will receive more than $48,000 in combined grant funding to grow and enhance their services for the community.

“Our libraries have worked hard to be a constant in our lives through the ups and downs of the pandemic,” Villa said. “From providing resources for virtual learning to serving as a safe space for children after school, the work our libraries do for our communities is unmatched.”

The initiative is aimed to respond directly to difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant provides funding for libraries to modify services, transform spaces and develop resources for their local recovering workforce and to ensure all operations can be provided safely and effectively as the pandemic continues.

CHAMPAIGN – Local libraries in Champaign and Catlin will receive nearly $65,000 in combined grants to grow and enhance their services, thanks to the support from State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign).

“Our libraries serve as pillars in our communities, bringing people together by providing programs and services,” Bennett said. “These grants will help us preserve these important institutions and support their initiatives to educate and enhance our communities.”

Three area libraries are set to receive a total of $64,469 to respond directly to difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant provides nearly $6 million in funding for libraries to modify services, transform spaces and develop resources for their local recovering workforce and to ensure all operations can be provided safely and effectively as the pandemic continues.

ROCKFORD –Thanks to support from State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) to provide assistance to local libraries for pandemic recovery, two libraries in the district he represents will receive nearly $75,000 in combined grants to grow and enhance their services.

“Libraries have been a valued resource for continued education, growth, and community development throughout the pandemic,” Stadelman said. “This grant program provides the resources needed for libraries to ensure residents are connected to these tools.”

The initiative is aimed to respond directly to difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant provides funding for libraries to modify services, transform spaces and develop resources for their local recovering workforce and to ensure all operations can be provided safely and effectively as the pandemic continues.

VILLA PARK – Thanks to support from State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park), two local libraries in the district he represents were awarded grants to respond to difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’m happy to see that two libraries in our community were awarded these grants to expand their services and help them recover from the ongoing pandemic,” Cullerton said. “The resources provided by these institutions is irreplaceable, especially during these difficult times.”

Wood Dale Public Library is receiving $24,973 and Roselle Public Library is receiving $13,279 of the nearly $6 million being awarded by the Illinois Office of the Secretary of State.

The grants were awarded to allow libraries to help provide resources to job seekers, expand digital inclusion efforts and increase their capacity to keep their spaces clean, safe and healthy as the state works to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

CHICAGO –Thanks to support from State Senator Rob Martwick (D-Chicago) to provide aid to libraries for pandemic recovery, the Schiller Park Public Library will receive nearly $6,000 to enhance its services.

“Libraries serve the public with information and opportunities to learn and prosper,” Martwick said. “This grant provides more resources to the library that will benefit people throughout the Shiller Park community.”  

The library grant program is aimed at responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and providing funds for libraries. Grant recipients can use the funding to modify services, transform spaces and develop resources for their local recovering workforce and to ensure all operations can be provided safely and effectively as the pandemic continues.

SPRINGFIELD – Student debt is the second leading source of consumer debt in America, just behind mortgage loans. Illinois students across the state would have more options to protect themselves from falling behind on their student debt under a measure championed through the Higher Education Committee by State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) on Tuesday.

Under Senator Fine’s legislation, universities would be prohibited from withholding transcripts as a means of debt collection.