WESTERN SPRINGS – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is partnering with Metropolitan Family Services DuPage to host “#LovePurse” donation drives for local women in need.

“Love Purse gives survivors of domestic violence the products and care they need,” Glowiak Hilton (D – Western Springs) said. “This event gives our community the ability to rise up and help women with the challenges they often face alone.”

The “#LovePurse” movement collects new purses that are filled with personal care items, toiletries, menstrual products, and notes of encouragement to distribute to women in need and survivors of domestic violence. Members of the community are asked to purchase a purse and fill it with the requested products. Residents should take these products to the drop off locations throughout their communities.

AURORA – Thanks to a $500,000 investment acquired by State Senator Karina Villa, construction and building trades apprenticeships will be expanded in the 25^th Senate District.

“The expansion of the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship programs will bring more opportunities to Aurora residents and boost the number of jobs in the area,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Growing job opportunities in the building trades will not only help individuals, but will help to build and strengthen our communities.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded $13 million in grants to 30 recipients, including St. Augustine College – Aurora, to expand the talent pipeline of diverse candidates in construction and the building trades. Through the program, St. Augustine students with diverse backgrounds will have greater access and opportunities to excel in pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs.

BURBANK – The Illinois EPA announced a total of $90,000 in combined funds is coming to the cities of Berwyn and Summit to help identify service lines that may contain lead.

“The exposure to lead in drinking water poses a serious risk to our communities,” said State Senator Mike Porfirio (D-Burbank). “This new aid will ensure that residents will be protected against the harmful health risks that come with lead contamination.”

The Lead Service Line Replacement Notification Act establishes timelines and requirements for the removal and replacement of all lead service lines in Illinois and creates a low-income water assistance program to help fund financial assistance and water projects that include lead pipe replacement. The LSLI Grant Program utilizes a portion of Illinois EPA Public Water Supply Loan Program loan support funds generated from loan repayments.

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.”