CHICAGO — State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. — the Senate’s chief budget negotiator — led efforts that allowed Illinois to repay the remaining $1.36 billion unemployment insurance Trust Fund debt.

“This plan was the right thing to do for businesses, labor organizations and everyday Illinoisans,” said Sims (D-Chicago), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “I want people to know that if they need temporary help providing for their families, no matter the reason, Illinois has their back.”

The payment was made possible after a historic agreement was reached between the state, and representatives from business, labor, and bipartisan members of the General Assembly. Smart spending decisions and balanced budgets of recent years led by Sims put the state on track to be able to make the payment.

DECATUR – With the strong support of State Senator Doris Turner, the city of Decatur will receive nearly $6 million to improve transportation as part of the historic Rebuild Illinois capital program.

“Infrastructure investments are vital to expanding downstate transportation needs,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We have seen remarkable improvements through the Rebuild Illinois capital program. Expanding Decatur’s transit campus, buying additional buses and installing solar panels on the bus barn will increase accessibility for residents to get around town.”

WAUKEGAN – As part of her continued efforts to advocate and prioritize education, State Senator Adriane Johnson joined residents and other government officials in celebration of the ribbon cutting for the new Student Center at the College of Lake County.

“Education is a great equalizer,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “The new center will provide students in our district the opportunity to live out their promise and live out their dreams.”

The Lakeshore Campus Student Center will provide a promising experience for its students through its improved student services, plus state-of-the-art learning and study spaces. The 63,000 square foot building was partially funded by a $35.9 million investment through Rebuild Illinois, and is positioned in downtown Waukegan with an overview of Lake Michigan.

Senate Democrats celebrate $13.8 million investment in downstate transit

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Democrats celebrated the Illinois Department of Transportation’s announcement that $113.8 million has been awarded to downstate transit providers as part of the historic Rebuild Illinois capital program. The funding brings the total investment in downstate transit via competitive grants to $337.8 million.

The third round of Rebuild Illinois grants will advance more than 40 projects for downstate transit partners. Awards are supporting projects that include the purchase of new vehicles as well as the construction of bus shelters, stations and maintenance facilities that expand and improve service. These improvements will provide more transportation options in downstate communities and promote an enhanced quality of life.

“Infrastructure investments are vital to expanding downstate transportation needs,” said State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield). “We have seen remarkable improvements through the Rebuild Illinois capital program. Expanding Decatur’s transit campus, buying additional buses and installing solar panels on the bus barn will increase accessibility for residents to get around town.”

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Stadelman announces $2.6 million investment at Rockford International Airport

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman joined Governor Pritzker, AAR CORP and local officials to announce a $2.6 million investment into workforce training at the Rockford International Airport last week.

"The Chicago-Rockford International Airport is a strong economic driver in the region, creating thousands of jobs," said Stadelman (D-Rockford). "This investment in AAR supports the continued economic impact and job creation of the airport by creating a strong pipeline of aviation mechanics and expanding opportunities for Illinoisans."

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Illinois Senate Democrats celebrate $13 million for Pre-Apprenticeship Program Expansion

CHICAGO – The Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program, which creates a qualified talent pipeline of diverse candidates in construction and the building trades, will see a $13 million expansion thanks to support from the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus.

“A strong and just economy is built on ensuring all Illinoisans have real opportunities to secure good-paying jobs,” said State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago), who kicked off the announcement at a press conference Friday. “By expanding the Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship program and making it more accessible to communities of color, we are addressing systemic inequities and creating a more diverse and skilled workforce in Uptown and across the state.”

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Sound of the State: Looking ahead to the 103rd General Assembly

In this episode, Senate President Don Harmon looks back on major accomplishments of the 102nd General Assembly and gives his thoughts on what’s ahead in the 103rd.

Listen here.

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Copyright 2023 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

CHICAGO – The Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program, which creates a qualified talent pipeline of diverse candidates in construction and the building trades, will see a $13 million expansion thanks to support from the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus.

“A strong and just economy is built on ensuring all Illinoisan have real opportunities to secure good-paying jobs,” said Senator Mike Simmons (D- Chicago), who kicked off the announcement at a press conference Friday. “By expanding the Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship program and making it more accessible to communities of color, we are addressing systemic inequities and creating a more diverse and skilled workforce in Uptown and across the state.”

The Works Pre-apprenticeship Program’s second year will expand access to the program across the state and will serve up to 1,400 people. This is a 40% increase from the program’s first year. The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program launched with the goal of increasing diversity and access to apprenticeship programs. Comprehensive pre-apprenticeship programs help participants gain admission to apprenticeship programs, which provide a greater opportunity to obtain employment in the construction trades and secure long-term employment.

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman joined Governor Pritzker, AAR CORP and local officials to announce a $2.6 million investment into workforce training at the Rockford International Airport today.

"The Chicago-Rockford International Airport is a strong economic driver in the region, creating thousands of jobs," said Stadelman (D-Rockford). "This investment in AAR supports the continued economic impact and job creation of the airport by creating a strong pipeline of aviation mechanics and expanding opportunities for Illinoisans."

Thursday’s announcement builds off the investment made last year to help bolster the AAR CORP’s workforce strategy and has allowed them to increase the number of aviation mechanics hired from 85 in 2019 to more than 350 today.

The total investment of $5.2 million from this year and last strengthens the aviation mechanic pipeline to meet the growing demand. Along with AAR’s workforce strategy, the state’s funding supports apprenticeship opportunities, training, hiring training personnel and bolstering partnerships with local colleges and high schools throughout Northern Illinois to bring in qualified aviation mechanics.

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Democrats celebrated the Illinois Department of Transportation’s announcement Tuesday that $113.8 million has been awarded to downstate transit providers as part of the historic Rebuild Illinois capital program. The funding brings the total investment in downstate transit via competitive grants to $337.8 million.

The third round of Rebuild Illinois grants will advance more than 40 projects for downstate transit partners. Awards are supporting projects that include the purchase of new vehicles as well as the construction of bus shelters, stations and maintenance facilities that expand and improve service. These improvements will provide more transportation options in downstate communities and promote an enhanced quality of life.

“Infrastructure investments are vital to expanding downstate transportation needs,” said State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield). “We have seen remarkable improvements through the Rebuild Illinois capital program. Expanding Decatur’s transit campus, buying additional buses and installing solar panels on the bus barn will increase accessibility for residents to get around town.”

A total of 32 transit systems are receiving $113.8 million to advance 44 projects, including:

Senate Democrats celebrate additional investment in Opening Doors Homebuyer Assistance Program

CHICAGO – The Illinois Housing Development Authority is relaunching and investing an additional $8 million in a homeownership program designed to help working class families and underrepresented communities of color with buying a home.

“The Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan continues to help build working-class and historically disadvantaged communities up, and with the Opening Doors program, can provide additional targeted support with wealth-building and home ownership initiatives,” said State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin). “I am eager to see this additional investment that will help to close the homeownership gap in Illinois.”

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Pacione-Zayas legislation creates transparency to administrative hiring process in Chicago Public Schools

SPRINGFIELD – To provide more transparency and due process in the current hiring process for principals in the Chicago Public School system, State Senator Cristina H. Pacione-Zayas, in collaboration with Chicago Principals and Administrators Association, introduced a new initiative to grant Local School Councils access to the universe of qualified applicants for these vital positions—ensuring viable candidates are not overlooked, and underqualified applicants are not chosen over their peers.

“Current policies have caused some schools to hire administrators who did not meet the roles and expectations set, and this legislation will help address those issues,” said Senator Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago). “Administrators lead and determine how schools operate, so by ensuring that each school can see the full scope of applicants, we are providing greater access to select those best qualified for the position.”

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Joyce urges people to test their homes for deadly gas during Radon Action Month

KANKAKEE – January is Radon Action Month and State Senator Patrick Joyce is emphasizing the importance of early detection of radon and encouraging people to test their homes for the harmful gas.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. This odorless, colorless, tasteless gas comes from the natural breakdown of the soil, and it enters buildings through small cracks in the foundation, sump pits, crawl spaces, floor drains and more.

“Illinois has shown to have high levels of radon, making it more common for people to be exposed to,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Higher levels of radon can lead to major health issues, which is why it is important to test your homes.”

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Sound of the State: The 50th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade

On this week’s episode of Sound of the State, State Senators Celina Villanueva and Sara Feigenholtz discuss protecting reproductive care access and the Dobbs decision on the 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade.

Listen here.

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Senator Celina Villanueva, Chicago: Illinois enacts safeguard for abortion patients, providers | AP News

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