An Elmwood Park rail crossing that was the site of the horrific, day-before-Thanksgiving 2005 Metra crash will get $3.1 million to continue planning its eventual replacement, state officials announced.

More than a dozen people were injured in that 2005 collision when a Metra train travelling nearly 70 mph plowed into vehicles on the tracks at West Grand Avenue sending them careening into surrounding traffic.

“To this day I remain amazed and thankful that no one was killed in that horrific 2005 crash,” said Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, who represents the area. “This investment is a long time coming and vital to the safety of the thousands of people who make this crossing daily by car and train. This investment will make our community safer.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) announced a $1.4 million state investment to help maintain and upgrade the Taylorville Municipal Airport on Wednesday.

“The Taylorville Municipal Airport provides good-paying jobs and economic stability to our community,” said Turner. “The new funding will allow for improvements to runway rehabilitation, which is critical in ensuring the safety of our commuters.”

The 96 projects selected for funding will help meet the needs of airports large and small in both urban and rural communities. Projects will include planning, construction, reconstruction, development and improvement of public airports to increase safety and efficiency. Communities also will benefit from increased aviation access, good-paying jobs during construction and long-term opportunities for workforce expansion.

Among the projects to receive funding, the Taylorville Municipal Airport is set to receive $1.4 million for construction to the airport’s runway.

“The Illinois aviation system is one of the largest in the nation,” said Turner. “These funds will help maintain and develop the area to help workers thrive after such a tough year.”

A full list of recipients can be viewed on the Department of Transportation’s website.

EAST ST. LOUIS – St. Louis Downtown Airport will receive $5 million in funding to benefit aircraft maintenance providers and support more than 450 high-tech aerospace manufacturing jobs at the airport, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) announced Thursday.

“St. Louis Downtown Airport is a vital economic engine in the Metro East,” Belt said. “I will continue working with Representative Latoya Greenwood to bring our tax money home from Springfield in order to maintain and create jobs in our area.” 

St. Louis Downtown Airport is the third busiest airport in the State of Illinois and was recognized by the Illinois Department Division of Aeronautics as the 2021 Reliever Airport of the Year. 

The funding will provide a Ground Engine Run-Up project, which is a critical improvement that will benefit four aircraft maintenance providers operating at St. Louis Downtown Airport. This project will support more than 450 high-tech aerospace manufacturing jobs by improving production safety, reliability and efficiency, improving airport businesses and increasing global competitiveness for Southwestern Illinois and the state of Illinois.

The project has been in the works for several years. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2022.

“This Engine Run-Up facility will provide new opportunities to expand aerospace manufacturing opportunities at St. Louis Downtown Airport, resulting in job growth and private sector investment at this site,” said Taulby Roach, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bi-State Development. “We greatly appreciate the support of Senator Belt and Representative Greenwood in advocating for this funding and are confident that it will enable us to continue to grow the annual economic impact of our Airport.”

A full list of recipients can be found here.

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) announced a $4.5 million investment in state funding to help maintain and upgrade the Rockford Airport on Wednesday.

“The Rockford Airport is a strong economic driver of our region that provides hundreds of jobs to our community,” Stadelman said. “The funding to help maintain and upgrade sections of the airport is an investment in our residents to help our area thrive after such a tough year.”

SPRINGFIELD – A bill introduced by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) to ensure the provisions in the Community Health Worker Certification and Reimbursement Act are fully implemented was signed into law Tuesday.

“With this follow-up legislation to the health care pillar, we can finally bring the proper certification to these essential health workers,” Hunter said. “I am happy that we could further address the needs of community health workers."

MARYVILLE – This holiday season, State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) is collecting toys in partnership with Alton’s Toys for Tots campaign to offer a special Christmas surprise to local children in need.

The toys will be collected starting Monday, Nov. 29 through Dec. 19. Toys for children of all ages can be dropped off at four locations around the Metro East:

• VFW Post 1308, 4445 N Alby St, Alton, IL 62002, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday at 10 a.m.-10 p.m. or Tuesday and Saturday at 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Crowe’s Maryville District Office, 35 Executive Plaza Ct., Monday through Friday at 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Crowe’s Wood River District Office, 111 N. Wood River Ave., Suite A by appointment only.
• Happy Up, 6654 Edwardsville Crossing Dr., Suite A, Edwardsville, IL 62505, Monday through Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

“To show our appreciation and gratitude, the holiday season is a time we purchase gifts for our loved ones,” Crowe said. “Many families in our communities struggle financially during the Christmas season. I encourage residents to donate new or gently used toys so a child in need can enjoy a gift this season.”

The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute toys as Christmas gifts to children in the community.

To make a drop-off appointment at Crowe’s office or for more information on the toy drive, call 618-251-9840.

CHICAGO – State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) honors State Rep. Greg Harris, calling him a legislative powerhouse in the General Assembly, a terrific friend and mentor, and a point of pride for so many in neighborhoods of the 13th House District, and the LGBTQ+ community across the state of Illinois.

“Leader Harris has shown up and done the work for our communities, often without fanfare, and has made history on many occasions both in his legislative work and in blazing a trail as House Majority Leader”, Simmons said. “He has always been a personal inspiration for me, and while I am sad that he will soon retire, I appreciate the keen example he has set for the next generation. Leader Harris has given back so much and I look forward to working with him over the next legislative session to deliver for our constituents back home. His legacy will certainly continue to shape my own career in public service. Thank you, Leader Harris. I am proud to call you my Representative.”

Happy Thanksgiving

The Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus would like to wish you a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

After spending last holiday season apart from loved ones due to COVID-19, we are hopeful you are able to join in celebration with the ones you love. This Thanksgiving, we are extra thankful for the health care workers and scientists whose efforts allow us to be safely reunited with our friends and family.

Happy Thanksgiving to all — and please stay safe. Click here to view a special message from the Senate President.

Shop small this holiday season

There’s no question the public health crisis was hard on us all — especially small businesses that are continuing to recover.

To support our main streets across the state, we encourage you to shop small this holiday season — and that starts with this week’s Small Business Saturday. Consider buying gifts for your loved ones from local mom and pop shops rather than big box stores or their online-only competitors. Together, we can help our beloved local businesses keep their doors open.

Supporting local businesses, however, doesn’t just mean going to brick and mortar stores. You can also support small businesses through online or curbside sales, ordering carry out from a locally owned restaurant or buying a gift card for a friend. For every dollar spent at a small business, 67 cents stays in the community.

Support local!

Find gifts for everyone on your list by shopping the 2021 Illinois Made Holiday Gift Guide. From gourmet chocolates to handcrafted canoes, there's something for everyone.

Shop one of Illinois' 28 small businesses inducted into the Illinois Made Holiday Gift Guide here.

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