HIGHWOOD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D- Lake Forest) is urging current and former youth under the care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to apply for the 2023 DCFS Scholarship Program.

“Furthering education can open so many doors for children, especially our most vulnerable youth,” said Morrison, who has been a steadfast advocate for funding and resources for DCFS. “This scholarship opportunity can give students the tools they need to succeed in higher education, so I urge anyone who can to apply.”

The DCFS Scholarship Program is open to youth who have an open DCFS case, whose cases were closed through adoption or guardianship, or who aged out of care at 18 or older. Youth who are at least 16 years old and not yet 21 on March 31 may apply. The program will award 53 academic scholarships in total.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina H. Pacione-Zayas is thrilled to announce she will serve as chair of the newly formed Senate Early Childhood Committee in the 103rd General Assembly.

“As a lifetime advocate for early childhood education and development, I am excited to lead this new committee and develop policies that support the young children and families of our state,” said Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago). “I am hopeful that with the creation of this committee, we will dive deeper into issues that impact early experiences and directly address them through policies that ensure young children throughout the state are supported during every stage of their development.”

EAST ST. LOUIS – With the strong support of State Senator Christopher Belt, St. Clair and Madison Counties will receive over $14.6 million to improve transportation as part of the historic Rebuild Illinois capital program.

“Key investments in downstate transportation will help our communities continue to grow and increase accessibility for residents,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “There’s nothing like driving on a newly paved road. We have to make sure our roads and bridges are safe, reliable and easy to travel.”

The third round of Rebuild Illinois grants provides $113.8 million for Downstate transit providers as part of the historic Rebuild Illinois capital program. Awards are supporting projects that include the purchase of new vehicles as well as the construction of stations and maintenance facilities that improve service.

St. Clair County Transit District will receive $10.8 million for the electrification of transit vehicles with supporting charging stations. Madison County will receive $3.75 million for transit communications and infrastructure upgrades.

To find a full list of projects, visit IDOT’s website.

DANVILLE – Danville Area Community College is set to receive $302,000 in funding for pre-apprenticeship programs in the trades, State Senator Paul Faraci announced Monday.

“Pre-apprenticeship programs play a vital role in our skilled labor force,” Faraci (D-Champaign) said. “This funding will provide opportunities for individuals interested in starting a career in the trades.” 

A total of $13 million awarded to 29 organizations will help support pre-apprenticeship training programs across the state. This funding will increase the talent pool of candidates from all backgrounds.

MACOMB – With the support of State Senator Mike Halpin, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced the City of Macomb will receive $3.25 million to improve transportation as part of the historic Rebuild Illinois capital program.

“In order for the City of Macomb and WIU to grow, we need to make proper investments in infrastructure,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Macomb is a great place to live and work, I will continue to push the state to properly fund transportation services.”  

PEORIA – With the support of State Senator Dave Koehler, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced the Greater Peoria Mass Transit District – known as CityLink – will receive $5.3 million to improve transportation as part of the historic Rebuild Illinois capital program.

“Necessary infrastructure improvements like these are vital for our community’s well-being,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “These investments provide a higher quality of life for residents in our community, as well as safe and efficient transportation throughout the Peoria area.” 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt will serve as chair of the Senate Appropriations-Public Safety and Infrastructure Committee in the 103^rd General Assembly.

“In my new role I want to ensure taxpayer dollars are being used wisely during budget negotiations,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “As the southernmost Democrat, it’s important that downstate Illinois is not forgotten. I look forward to being a voice for downstate Illinois and increasing government transparency through the budgeting process.”

Prior to serving in the Illinois Senate, Belt had an 18-year career as a law enforcement officer. He spent 16 years with the St. Clair County Probation and Detention Center and two years as the regional deputy administrator of aftercare for the central and southern regions of Illinois.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Karina Villa will lead the Senate Committee on Public Health in the 103^rd General Assembly. 

“I am honored to have been appointed as Chair of the Senate Committee on Public Health,” said Villa (D- West Chicago). “Access to strong public health services is vital, whether it be for reproductive care, mental health, nursing homes or the emergency rooms. I will fight for legislation that will improve our state’s public health with my time leading this committee.”

The Senate Committee on Public Health primarily deals with legislation and policy that will affect all types of health care for residents throughout the state. A priority of the committee this legislative session will be workplace safety.