KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) announced Monday that local governments he represents in Cook and Will Counties will receive more than $50 million in the latest round of Rebuild Illinois infrastructure grants.

“The Rebuild Illinois program represents the state’s commitment to restoring our aging infrastructure,” Joyce said. “The projects ahead will not only create safer smoother, safer and more accessible transportation options for drivers, but will also provide jobs in our community and across the state.” 

The funding is being distributed in an effort to ensure that local governments have the necessary resources to repair and maintain infrastructure, as well as create jobs and boost the economy on a local level. Cities and municipalities may choose to use the grant for road and bridge improvements, traffic signal upgrades, new storm sewers and bike paths, sidewalk replacements and other long-term maintenance needs, with financial oversight from the Illinois Department of Transportation.

“Investing in these crucial improvements now will make the lives of our residents and visitors easier for years to come,” Joyce said. “Our communities will soon receive the much-needed upgrades and advances necessary to continue driving development.”

This funding comes as the fourth of six rounds of grants totaling $1.5 billion through the Rebuild Illinois program. Those interested can find a complete list of awards here.

VILLA PARK – State Senator Tom Cullerton (D- Villa Park) announced that DuPage County is set to receive nearly $6 million in grant money from the Rebuild Illinois plan.

“As the summer construction season gets underway, I am excited to see that our community will be receiving more funding to improve our roads and bridges,” Cullerton said. “Modernizing our state’s infrastructure is vital to bringing travelers from near and far to Illinois.”

This round of Rebuild Illinois grants is the fourth of six rounds to be distributed to advance municipal, township and county projects across the state. The grants are overseen by the Illinois Department of Transportation and will total $1.5 billion when all rounds of grants are distributed.

“As more funding is secured, the projects in DuPage County will bring in good-paying jobs to the community,” Cullerton said. “Investments in our infrastructure has countless payoffs, from shortening people’s commute to drawing visitors to the area.”

Through these grants, Illinois has already seen the improvement of 3,000 miles of highway, completed over 180 bridges and launched hundreds of other infrastructure projects across the state. It is the fourth installment of funding allocated under the plan.

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure cost is not the deciding factor for residents thinking about getting the COVID-19 vaccine, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) introduced legislation requiring insurance companies to cover the full cost of the vaccination.

“Getting vaccinated is the right thing to do for the safety of your loved ones and neighbors,” Glowiak Hilton said. “Not being able to afford the COVID-19 vaccine should not stop anyone from receiving it.”

Under the proposal, the coverage requirement would apply to individual and group health insurance policies and managed care plans under Medicaid in effect since March 9, 2020. Companies would not be allowed to impose cost-sharing measures on patients.

“Some residents have chosen not to get the vaccine for health or personal reasons, but the cost should not be a deciding factor,” Glowiak Hilton said. “The sooner our state’s population is vaccinated, the sooner we can get our economy moving, build up our damaged industries and regain some sense of normalcy.”

House Bill 2406 awaits action by the Senate Insurance Committee.

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) announced Monday that local governments in Peoria County will be receiving over $2.5 million in the newest round of Rebuild Illinois infrastructure grants.

“This funding will allow Illinois to stay at the forefront of infrastructure investment and improvement in the Midwest,” Koehler said. “When we take the time to improve our infrastructure, we improve our future.”

The funding gives local governments resources to repair and maintain infrastructure, create jobs and boost the economy on a local level. Municipalities may choose to use the grant for road and bridge improvements, traffic signal upgrades, new storm sewers and bike paths, sidewalk replacements and other long-term maintenance needs, with financial oversight from the Illinois Department of Transportation.

“Rebuild Illinois has already repaired and revitalized thousands of miles of roads, some of which run right through the hearts of communities here in Central Illinois,” Koehler said. “This funding will bring good-paying jobs into our community and will help ensure that cities and towns both here and across the state can grow and thrive for years into the future.”

This funding comes as the fourth of six rounds of $1.5 billion in grants through the Rebuild Illinois program. Those interested can find a complete list of awards here.

Aurora, Ill. – State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) announced the fourth round of Rebuild Illinois grants will bring more than $18 million in local construction projects to the 42^nd Senate District.

“We definitely need these improvements for safety and efficiency on our roads and in our municipal facilities, and the projects will create jobs that pay well,” Holmes said. “This is another boost to our recovering economy as we get back on track after the worst of the pandemic.”

The funding will be distributed to municipalities across DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties.

Through the Rebuild Illinois program, a total of $1.5 billion spread out in six installments will be invested over three years to advance municipal, township and county projects across the state. Projects include road and bridge improvements, traffic signal upgrades, new storm sewers and bike paths, sidewalk replacements and other long-term maintenance needs, with financial oversight from the Illinois Department of Transportation.

A complete list of local governments and awards can be viewed here.

DES PLAINES – Municipalities across the Northwest Suburbs will receive more than $11 million in combined Rebuild Illinois infrastructure grants in the latest round of program funding, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) announced Monday.

“Sound infrastructure is critical to our communities’ safety and success,” Murphy said. “These funds will allow our local governments to make much-needed upgrades to sidewalks, roads and bridges, making travel smoother and easier for all our residents.”

The funding is being distributed in an effort to ensure that local governments have the necessary resources to repair and maintain infrastructure, as well as create jobs and boost the economy on a local level. Cities and municipalities may choose to use the grant for road and bridge improvements, traffic signal upgrades, new storm sewers and bike paths, sidewalk replacements and other long-term maintenance needs, with financial oversight from the Illinois Department of Transportation.

“Rebuild Illinois doesn’t just revitalize our infrastructure—it creates high-quality jobs right here in the community,” Murphy said. “This plan is critical to the long-term economic health of our region and of Illinois as a whole.”

This funding comes as the fourth of six rounds of grants totaling $1.5 billion through the Rebuild Illinois program. A complete list of awards is available here.

BUFFALO GROVE – Lake County residents will soon enjoy safer, smoother travel thanks to a combined $7.7 million in Rebuild Illinois infrastructure grants, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) announced Monday.

“Many communities in the area have suffered from historic underinvestment, and our infrastructure shows it,” Johnson said. “The Rebuild Illinois program is a significant step toward restoring the neighborhoods that have gone unsupported for too long.”

The funding is being distributed in an effort to ensure that local governments have the necessary resources to repair and maintain infrastructure, as well as create jobs and boost the economy on a local level. Cities and municipalities may choose to use the grant for road and bridge improvements, traffic signal upgrades, new storm sewers and bike paths, sidewalk replacements and other long-term maintenance needs, with financial oversight from the Illinois Department of Transportation.

“These funds will enable our local governments to make crucial repairs to roads, bridges and sidewalks in our community, creating jobs and making travel easier, safer and more enjoyable for everyone,” Johnson said.

This funding comes as the fourth of six rounds of $1.5 billion in grants through the Rebuild Illinois program. A complete list of awards is available here.

CHICAGO – Last week, State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) was awarded the Friend of Education award by the Illinois Education Association for his continued commitment to helping students and educators in their pursuit of knowledge.

“It is an honor to receive such an outstanding award from an organization working to help the citizens of Illinois,” Martwick said. “Education remains the center of our society, and we must adapt to the ever-changing future as much as we can to help educators and student succeed.”

This Friend of Education award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated commitment to the success of public education and to the ideals and mission of the IEA-NEA.

Martwick has long been a supporter of education and works hard to make sure students are taken care of inside and outside of school. This means teachers are being recognized and supported for all their hard work, and students are able to feel safe and secure in the learning environment.

“I will continue to support educators and students who are working to better themselves,” Martwick said. “Creating meaningful legislation that works to improve our education system and ensure the safety and comfort of students and teachers is what is truly important.”

Martwick is currently sponsoring legislation like Senate Bill 1577, which would provide students with the ability to take mental health days away from school, and House Bills 576 and 577, which would help to identify students who are at risk for suicide and help bolster mental health awareness.