CHICAGO — Building on the smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Mattie Hunter, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced an investment of more than $71.5 million in road and bridge improvement projects.

“These projects will upgrade and repair our infrastructure while bringing jobs to the 3^rd District,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “By revitalizing our roads and bridges, we are strengthening our local economy and making it safer for everyone to travel.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, Hunter’s district will see six infrastructure projects totaling $71,553,000 over the next six years.

These projects are part of IDOT’s Multi-Year Plan, a $40 billion investment in construction projects for the next six fiscal years. The project invests in all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, as well as bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

"Chicago welcomes thousands of daily travelers," added Hunter. "Whether you're commuting to work, running errands or exploring the diverse offerings of our great city, improved infrastructure ensures you do so safely.”

To find a full list of projects slated for the 3^rd Senate District, visit IDOT’s website.

CHAMPAIGN – Building upon the smart infrastructure investments supported by Senator Paul Faraci, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced an additional $200 million in road and bridge improvement projects is coming to Champaign and Vermilion Counties.

“Fixing our roads and bridges is good for the safety of our community and our local economy,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “It’s good to see IDOT giving our area a fair share of the taxpayer dollars that go into infrastructure improvements.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Faraci represents will see 51 infrastructure projects totaling $201,626,000 over the next six years.

Some of the most vital projects coming to the area include:

• 7.24 miles of repaving and repairs to I-74 between US-150 and the Illinois/Indiana border.
• 3 miles of ADA improvements and repaving to US-45/Neil St. from Springfield Ave. in Champaign to Curtis Rd. in Savoy.
• 1.76 miles of repaving and median repair on US-136 between Rantoul Foods and Broadmeadow Elementary School.

These projects are part of IDOT’s Multi-Year Plan, a $40 billion investment in construction projects for the next six fiscal years. The project invests in all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, as well as bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

“Illinois is actually putting money where its mouth is by making these investments,” Faraci said. “It’s always good to see construction going on because it means that that our roads will be improved and our residents will have more good-paying job opportunities.”

To find a full list of projects slated for the 52^nd Senate District, visit IDOT’s website.

CREST HILL – Building upon the smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced an investment of over $272 million in road and bridge improvement projects.

“Continuing to invest in our roads increases safety, brings more jobs and boosts the local economy throughout our communities,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We made the commitment to improve our state’s aging infrastructure and we are seeing the benefits these investments are making that will have a lasting effect for residents here in Will County.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Loughran Cappel represents will see 19 infrastructure projects totaling more than $272 million over the next six years.

These projects are part of IDOT’s Multi-Year Plan, a $40 billion investment in construction projects for the next six fiscal years. The project invests in all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, as well as bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

“With this significant funding coming right to the roads we drive daily, our economy will continue to move forward and be set up for residents in the 49th District,” said Loughran Cappel.

To find a full list of projects slated for the 49th Senate District, visit IDOT’s website.

ELGIN – Building upon the smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Cristina Castro, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced an investment of $64.3 million in road and bridge improvement projects across the 22^nd District.

“The Rebuild Illinois plan is making transformative upgrades to our infrastructure that will set us up for long-term success,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Not only do these projects enhance travel for residents, they also boost the economy and create good-paying construction jobs across the state.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Castro represents will see 20 infrastructure projects totaling $64,317,000 over the next six years.

These projects are part of IDOT’s Multi-Year Plan, a $40 billion investment in construction projects for the next six fiscal years. The project invests in all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

“From Schaumburg to Carpentersville, these investments will upgrade transportation in every corner of the 22^nd District,” Castro said. “Economic development is driven by the quality and availability of local jobs, infrastructure and transportation. This plan fuels all three – setting our economy up for the future.”

To find a full list of projects slated for the 22^nd Senate District, visit IDOT’s website.

CHICAGO – Health screenings, giveaways, live entertainment, ID services, family activities and more will be available at State Senator Mattie Hunter’s annual Family Health and Fitness Fair on Saturday, Aug. 5.

“This major community event is an opportunity to not only access free health screenings and valuable resources but enjoy fun activities for the whole family,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “From live entertainment to giveaways and free services, there’s something for everyone. Stop by and take advantage of everything offered while learning how to prioritize your health and wellness.”

Held at the Illinois Institute of Technology for its 19^th year, this large event features free health screenings including kidney and diabetes screenings from the National Kidney Foundation, school physicals from St. Bernard’s Mobile Health Unit, and dental screenings from Roseland Dental. Representatives from the Illinois Secretary of State will be on site offering state IDs and vehicle plate stickers (fees apply), and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office will provide free electronics recycling and medicine disposal.

Attendees can visit dozens of vendors offering resources and giveaways. The fair will recognize former Secretary of State Jesse White for his years of service to the state, include a balloon release for cancer survivors, and feature entertainment by the Jesse White Tumblers, Fre2Dance Line Dancers and more.

The fair is co-hosted by the Illinois Institute of Technology and the Institute for Positive Living, with ComEd as the lead sponsor.

For more information, call Senator Hunter’s office at 312-949-1908 or visit www.SenatorHunter.com.

WHO: State Senator Mattie Hunter, State Representatives Kimberly Du Buclet and Sonya Harper, the Illinois Institute of Technology, and the Institute For Positive Living

WHAT: A free health fair event for families and children of all ages

WHERE: Illinois Institute of Technology on the field north of S. R. Crown Hall at 33^rd and State Street

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

HIGHLAND PARK – State Senator Julie Morrison was recognized by the Highland Park City Council for her steadfast work in leading a comprehensive law allowing law enforcement to use drones to monitor large events and identify public safety issues.

“It’s more pertinent than ever that law enforcement are equipped with the most  modern tools and training to keep communities safe,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “It’s simple: drones will save lives. I thank the Highland Park community for trusting me to represent them in Springfield and bring forth commonsense legislation to make our community safer.”

The law came nearly a year after Morrison’s family and hundreds of people in the Highland Park community ran for their lives as a gunman opened fire on the town from a rooftop, killing seven and injuring 48.

Morrison immediately got to work to put forth legislation to ensure parade goers – and other attendees of large events – can live with better peace of mind. Her measure – House Bill 3902 – allows law enforcement to use drones to monitor special events, like parades and festivals, to detect breaches and identify public safety issues.

It garnered support from Governor JB Pritzker, who said the new measure will give law enforcement another tool to keep communities safe.

”Part of addressing public safety means constantly adapting to new technologies and tools that can protect our communities, and Senator Morrison’s bill does just that,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Alongside the banning of assault weapons and strengthening penalties on ‘ghost guns,’ this important law gives law enforcement another tool to work to ensure that Illinoisans can gather together in times of celebration or remembrance without fear of becoming another mass shooting statistic.”

The measure was signed into law June 16 and took effect immediately.

JOLIET – State Senator Rachel Ventura, who has had a long history of standing with health care workers to ensure that their voices are heard, will speak at a picketing event and press conference Thursday, in support of St. Joseph Medical Center nurses.

“Health care workers should have a viable and transparent relationship with their employers. I encourage residents to show their support with those who take care of us when we are in need of medical care,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “My office has corresponded with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) on investigating reports of repeated violations of Illinois staffing laws, and I am pushing for answers.”

In addition to working with IDPH, Ventura attended a rally to support nurses last week, and she previously sat in on negotiations with hospital officials. Ventura will be a featured speaker at an informational picket and press conference held Thursday, July 20 at the St. Joseph Medical Center.  The picket will take place at the Madison entrance of Ascension Saint Joseph starting at 3 p.m., followed by a press conference at 5:30 p.m. 

St. Joe’s Nurses Association has been in negotiations with Ascension representatives since May and many of the union’s proposals have remained virtually untouched in the intervening months. Nurses say the future of the only hospital in Joliet depends on this contract. The current union contract expires on July 19, 2023.

“St. Joe’s nurses deserve to work in an environment with safe staffing levels and they shouldn’t be made to feel taken advantage of,” said Ventura. “Our health care workers are a critical part of our communities and I will continue to be a voice for them in-district, and in Springfield.”

For additional questions about this event, contact Sarah Hurd with the Illinois Nurses Association (INA) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced an investment of $82 million in road and bridge improvement projects for the 2024 fiscal year thanks to smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Robert Peters.

“As chair of the Senate Labor Committee, I’m always happy to support infrastructure projects because of the increase in employment opportunities for skilled laborers,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “The economic significance of this is huge considering the valuable goods that are being transported back and forth on local highways in addition to the increase in financial resources for workers.”