SPRINGFIELD – To kick off Agriculture Day at the Illinois State Fair, State Senator Patrick Joyce hosted a roundtable with Congresswoman Cheri Bustos along with other agriculture professionals to discuss future ag policy.

“As a fourth generation farmer, I know how important ag policy is for farmers and consumers,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Farm bills govern nearly 100% of agricultural and rural policy for the next five years, which is why it’s so important for Congress to work with the ag community and our state legislators to get it right.”

The hour-long discussion was hosted and moderated by Joyce and Bustos. Representatives from the Illinois Corn Growers Association, Illinois Soybean Association, Illinois Pork Producers Association, Illinois Beef Association, Illinois Farm Bureau and Illinois Department of Agriculture joined the discussion to share their thoughts about different portions of the current farm bill and what changes they believe should be made in the next federal farm bill, set to be filed and discussed in 2023. 

WAUKEGAN – State Senator Adriane Johnson is encouraging communities with economic challenges in the 30^th District to apply for assistance through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program. The program, which usually requires matching funds for projects, now offers complete assistance for distressed communities.

“Now is the time we utilize funding to rebuild local parks in our communities and provide our children and neighbors with safe and new attractions,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “I am encouraging our park districts to take advantage of the opportunity by applying for this grant.”

In the district Johnson represents, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources highlighted North Chicago and Waukegan as economically disadvantaged communities.

DES PLAINES –To make sure every family in the community has the option to enjoy fresh seasonal produce, State Senator Laura Murphy partnered with Mercer County Farm Bureau to donate sweet corn to local food pantries, including Elk Grove Township Pantry, the Schaumburg Barn, Maine Township Pantry, the Center of Concern, Des Plaines Self Help Closet, Catholic Charities in Des Plaines, and the Schaumburg Township Food Pantry.

“Sweet corn is an Illinois delicacy—but unfortunately, fresh produce is not accessible to many families because of their location or socioeconomic status,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “I am proud that this partnership allows for more corn to go back to the community, and ensuring all of us can enjoy this summer’s crop.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins celebrated a new rule through the Department of Justice Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives that modernizes the definition of a firearm to better address the proliferation of “ghost guns”.

“Our communities have become too accustomed to the tragedies of fatal gun violence,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Keeping our most vulnerable populations safe requires a bold strategy to end the market for ‘ghost guns’.”

ATF’s “Frame or Receiver” rule takes effect this week, making clear that parts kits that are ready to convert to functional weapons, or functional frames or receivers of weapons, are subject to the same regulations as traditional firearms. The rule clarifies that background checks must be run on individuals purchasing parts kits, requires serial numbers on parts, and requires gun retailers to keep records for the entire time they are licensed, rather than for 20 years.

Aurora – Thanks to support from State Senator Linda Holmes, the City of Aurora will receive a $3 million investment as part of the Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets program.

“Aurora is a great, growing city and our local business districts are what make our area a fantastic place to live and work,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “Investing in our business community will help build an equitable recovery from the pandemic, create jobs and grow a stronger local economy.”

With new federal funding made available through the American Rescue Plan Act, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity administered grants to 50 commercial corridors throughout the state. The City of Aurora received $3 million to make needed improvements to the Broadway Avenue corridor street and streetscape.

The Rebuild Illinois program is a historic $45 billion investment in Illinois’ transportation infrastructure and state facilities, passed in 2019 with support from Senator Holmes.

DCEO originally administered $50 million for the program in 2021. Due to federal funding, the state allocated an additional $56 million to support 29 more projects. With matching funds from recipients, a total investment of $215 million was made in downtowns across Illinois.

For a full list of recipients, visit Illinois.gov.

Downtown revitalization coming thanks to Senate Democrats

SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus’ backing of the historical Rebuild Illinois Plan, over $100 million was granted Monday to revitalize downtowns and main streets across the state.

“When we think about our downtowns and main streets, we think about the local businesses and the families who own them who rely on community investments to thrive,” said State Senator Kris Tharp (D-Bethalto). “This vital funding doesn’t just ensure the success of current businesses and employees, it brings forth other good-paying jobs to impact even more families in the community.”

Read more.

Senate Democrats support $54 million increase in early childhood education funding

CHICAGO – Thanks to the Illinois State Democrats’ championing of the FY2023 budget, the Illinois State Board of Education announced a $54 million increase in funding for the Early Childhood Block Grant.

“Early childhood education is vital in guiding our children toward successful careers,” said Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood). “We must ensure disadvantaged children have an opportunity to succeed by providing them with an intellectual skillset before entering kindergarten.”

Read more.

Castro-supported initiative to invest additional $15 million in pre-apprenticeship program grants

SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to State Senator Cristina Castro’s support of the Illinois Works and Rebuild Illinois initiatives, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced another round of funding will be invested in Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program grants. The $15 million in funding will expand equity in Illinois’ construction workforce, grow the pool of highly-skilled apprentices and increase access to building trades careers more broadly.

The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program is designed to increase the number of qualified construction and building trades apprentices who are women, people of color and veterans, and prepares them to enter full apprenticeship programs on their way to careers in the construction and building trades.

“A career in the building trades comes with so many benefits: a living wage, a dignified retirement, and opportunities to excel while helping to build our communities,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “I am proud to support the Illinois Works initiatives as they continue to invest in our skilled workforce and create more opportunities for people of color, women, and veterans.”

Read more.

Sound of the State: After School Programming

State Senators Christopher Belt and Doris Turner discuss the importance of after school programming for Illinois’ youth, as well as their own experiences in this episode of the Sound of the State.

Listen here.

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SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to State Senator Cristina Castro’s support of the Illinois Works and Rebuild Illinois initiatives, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced another round of funding will be invested in Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program grants. The $15 million in funding will expand equity in Illinois’ construction workforce, grow the pool of highly-skilled apprentices and increase access to building trades careers more broadly.

The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program is designed to increase the number of qualified construction and building trades apprentices who are women, people of color and veterans, and prepares them to enter full apprenticeship programs on their way to careers in the construction and building trades.

 “A career in the building trades comes with so many benefits: a living wage, a dignified retirement, and opportunities to excel while helping to build our communities,” said State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin). “I am proud to support the Illinois Works initiatives as they continue to invest in our skilled workforce and create more opportunities for people of color, women, and veterans.”

CHICAGO — Thanks to the Illinois State Democrats’ championing of the FY2023 budget, the Illinois State Board of Education announced a $54 million increase in funding for the Early Childhood Block Grant.

“Early childhood education is vital in guiding our children toward successful careers,” said Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood). “We must ensure disadvantaged children have an opportunity to succeed by providing them with an intellectual skillset before entering kindergarten.”

The Early Childhood Block Grant provides funding for preschool programs operated by local school districts and qualified community agencies as well as developmental services for infants and toddlers. Among the services offered are Preschool for All and the state Prevention Initiative, which provides intensive and comprehensive childhood development including physical therapy and speech therapy, as well as family support to prepare children for later school success.