KANKAKEE – Two area libraries will receive grants to administer mentorship programs for at-risk youth, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) announced Tuesday.

“After a difficult year for our students, these grants couldn’t have come at a better time,” Joyce said. “Making sure our at-risk youth have the resources and mentors they need to get back on track is important, and Project Next Generation will help with that.” 

Lightford announces $20 million investment in job training

CHICAGO – To help adults and youth who have suffered job losses during the pandemic, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) recently announced $20 million will go toward workforce recovery efforts through the American Rescue Plan Act Job Training and Economic Development Program.

“As the result of an unprecedented global pandemic, investments in workforce training have never been more important for our communities, our people and our economy,” Lightford said. “I’m proud to join Gov. Pritzker in announcing the next steps to guide our continued economic recovery with investments that will put more people back to work. I look forward to heading up the work of the commission so that we can close the equity gap that has for too long shut residents out and bring more Illinoisans into not just jobs, but permanent career paths.”

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Recycling event big success in Logan Square/Avondale community

CHICAGO – State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) along with other local leaders hosted a free Recycling Day, which included a prescription drug take-back, document shredding and electronics recycling.

“Saturday’s event provided a great opportunity for community members to come out to not only clear up clutter around their homes, but also do so in a way that will help our environment,” Pacione-Zayas said. “I want to thank everyone who participated, especially our hardworking volunteers, for making this event a big success.”

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GENEVA – The City of Geneva and Naperville Heritage Society have been awarded more than $2 million in Rebuild Illinois capital grants as part of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s latest $16.5 million investment, State Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) announced Friday.

“Rebuild Illinois investments will fuel necessary economic development in Geneva and Naperville,” Villa said. “Hundreds of Illinois families will benefit from these new job opportunities at a critical time for our workforce.”

The City of Geneva received $1,270,017 for a new electrical substation to prepare for industrial development nearby. This funding to develop a 211-acre parcel of land will support essential utilities while attracting and creating hundreds of jobs. 

Rebuild Illinois also invested $765,000 in a new visitor center and exhibit at the Naperville Heritage Society’s Naper Settlement Museum. The museum currently features 13 acres of interactive opportunities for visitors of all ages to learn about Naperville’s history, and the expansion is intended to boost tourism and economic activity throughout the region.

Through the Rebuild Illinois Regional Economic Development program, DCEO provided grants for 11 new projects that will unlock a total $75.5 million investment and create at least 1,465 jobs statewide.

“The City of Geneva’s new electrical substation will lead to increased industry expansion and economic growth,” Villa said. “These grants will also allow Naperville residents and visitors to connect with the city’s rich history through engaging experiences at the Naper Settlement Museum.”

More information on the Rebuild Illinois capital grants and a full list of projects selected for grants can be found on DCEO’s website.

­CHICAGO – Members of the Illinois Senate Transportation Committee will hold a joint hearing with the Senate Executive Sub-committee on Procurement to discuss Senate Bill 1900 on Monday, Sept. 27.

“As chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, I am committed to exploring new ways to make our transportation network safe and accessible with the absolute stewardship of taxpayer dollars as a top priority,” Villivalam said. “We will have a robust, transparent discussion on encouraging private investment that may ease the financial burden on our state and invite our economic drivers to have a stake in the transportation network.”

SPRINGFIELD – On a tour of the Midwest celebrating schools of excellence, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona announced 18 Illinois schools have been named National Blue Ribbon Schools in recognition of their overall academic excellence and their progress in closing achievement gaps, including ten in the Chicago suburban communities represented by Illinois Senate Democrats.

“I want to extend my sincerest congratulations to the award-winning students at Maple School and all 18 National Blue Ribbon Schools across Illinois for their hard-earned achievement,” said State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview), who represents Blue Ribbon awardee Maple School in Northbrook. “Earning the prestigious Blue Ribbon is no easy feat, especially during such trying times, and this academic excellence will lead to bright futures.”

CHICAGO – To help adults and youth who have suffered job losses during the pandemic, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) recently announced $20 million will go toward workforce recovery efforts through the American Rescue Plan Act Job Training and Economic Development Program.

“As the result of an unprecedented global pandemic, investments in workforce training have never been more important for our communities, our people and our economy,” Lightford said. “I’m proud to join Gov. Pritzker in announcing the next steps to guide our continued economic recovery with investments that will put more people back to work. I look forward to heading up the work of the commission so that we can close the equity gap that has for too long shut residents out and bring more Illinoisans into not just jobs, but permanent career paths.”

HOFFMAN ESTATES – State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) toured the AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital and sat down with local health care workers to discuss some of the challenges facing local systems Monday.

“I appreciated the conversations I had during my visit regarding some of the issues in our health care system, like staffing needs, number of beds and more,” Castro said. “We know that behavioral and mental health care is just as important as physical care, and AMITA is working to expand their services to people with mental health needs.”

SCHAUMBURG – The Village of Schaumburg will receive $1.25 million in state funding to construct a public access road and bike path connecting major businesses to the Schaumburg Metra Station, a landmark investment State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) said will create jobs and advance economic development across the region.

“This hard-won funding will help Schaumburg meet the growing need for safe, green transportation and recreation,” Murphy said. “Thanks to years of advocacy from village officials, the Schaumburg community will reap the benefits of this project for years to come.”

The project, which is expected to create over 485 jobs, will expand Schaumburg’s 90-mile network of bike paths, giving residents and tourists more ways to visit local businesses.

The Village of Schaumburg is one of just 11 communities across the state selected to receive funding through the Rebuild Illinois Regional Economic Development program, a component of the historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program aimed at creating jobs, boosting investment in underserved communities and fostering lasting economic growth.

“Safe, modern infrastructure helps our community stay connected,” Murphy said. “This funding will open up new opportunities for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists to support the local shops and businesses that make Schaumburg unique.”

A total of $16.5 million was awarded through the RIRED program. More information about the RIRED program and other state grant programs is available at Illinois.gov/DCEO.