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.

TAYLORVILLE – Thanks to support from State Senator Doris Turner, Taylorville will receive a $3 million investment as part of the Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets program.

“Our local business districts are the heart and soul of our communities,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “These investments in our small businesses will help grow our economy and create new jobs in Christian County. We need to continue to look for ways to support our local businesses.”

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 Taylorville received funding to make needed improvements at the Downtown Taylorville Square and business corridor.

Turner has been an advocate for the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois program – a historic $45 billion investment in Illinois’ transportation infrastructure and state facilities.

“The $3 million investment into the City of Taylorville will help support projects to modernize infrastructure and spur economic growth all while restoring the charm of our downtown,” said Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry. “I applaud Sen. Doris Turner for her work in securing this grant and also Gov. JB Pritzker and Deputy Gov. Andy Manar for their efforts to revitalize communities in downstate.”

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.

CHAMPAIGN –State Senator Scott Bennett joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to announce a combined $6 million grant through Rebuild Illinois awarded to Champaign and Rantoul to revamp their downtown regions.

“Downtown areas are special to their communities, whether it’s historic buildings, tasty restaurants, or a place for residents to hangout,” said Bennett (D- Champaign). “With this grant, downtowns are able to become even more welcoming and vibrant.”

DCEO announced a total of $106 million in capital grants awarded to revitalize 50 commercial corridors and main streets throughout Illinois. Among those 50 projects, Champaign and Rantoul have each been awarded $3 million.

“Not only are these regions adding additional value to their downtowns, they are also keeping historical aspects that have been around for decades,” Bennett said. “The Rebuild Illinois Program has been a great plan for many places in the state and has made projects, such as these in Champaign and Rantoul, possible.”

For more information or to see the full list of recipients, people can visit the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website.