CHAMPAGIN – As the construction season gets underway, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is recognizing Work Zone Awareness Week through Friday, April 30, and urges drivers to slow down and pay attention in work zones.

“Our road workers should be able to do their jobs safely, and this week serves as a reminder that we all must work together by following the rules of the road and staying alert when driving to prevent tragedies,” Bennett said. 

In 2019, the most recent year statistics are available, 842 people were killed and 39,100 injured in work zone crashes nationally. Illinois averages 6,400 crashes in work zones each year, resulting in 1,700 injuries and 34 deaths. More than 9 out of 10 deaths are someone other than a worker, including drivers, passengers, pedestrians and bicyclists.

“Seeing orange is a powerful reminder that all crashes, injuries and deaths, not just those in work zones, are almost always avoidable,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “We are grateful to the organizations that are taking part in this effort to ‘Go Orange’ and help IDOT and its partners drive the number of fatalities to the only acceptable number – zero.”

For more information on Work Zone Awareness Week, visit IDOT’s Work Zone page.

MARYVILLE – In honor of Work Zone Awareness Week, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) and State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) are commending highway workers, law enforcement and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for prioritizing safety in construction zones and encouraging motorists to stay alert.

“Millions of motorists depend on our state roadways for safe transportation every day. It’s important that drivers prioritize the well-being of the workers maintaining those roads,” Crowe said. “The brave individuals who endanger their lives to ensure safe roadway conditions deserve recognition during Illinois’ Work Zone Awareness Week.”

According to IDOT, Illinois averages 6,400 crashes in work zones each year, resulting in 1,700 injuries and 34 deaths annually.

Work Zone Awareness Week is highlighted in Illinois each spring. This year, the campaign takes place from April 26 through April 30.

“With St. Louis right across the river, the residents in my area heavily depend on safe and reliable bridges every single day,” Belt said. “I commend our roadway construction workers for the dangerous but essential work they do every day.”

More information is available on IDOT’s website.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) recently honored 121 Rockford-area high school students who were named 2021-22 Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

Illinois State Scholar winners rank in approximately the top 10% of the state’s high school seniors from 676 high schools in all 102 counties. Selection is based on a combination of standardized test scores and class rank or unweighted GPA at the end of the student’s junior year. ISAC works in conjunction with the students’ high school guidance counselors to determine the winners.

“I’m thrilled for and proud of these Rockford area students for earning this award,” Stadelman said. “Not only have these students performed exceptionally well, they did so during a global pandemic.”

PARK FOREST – To honor those who have died in work zones and to raise awareness for the safety of road workers, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is encouraging Illinoisans to “Go Orange” during Work Zone Safety Awareness Week, April 26-30, 2021.

“Too often, people are driving distracted and fail to see a crew member in a work zone,” Joyce said. “I urge drivers to be vigilant during Work Zone Safety Awareness Week and all year long when driving through a construction zone to protect the work crews on the road.”

In 2019, the most recent year statistics are available, 842 people were killed and 39,100 injured in work zone crashes nationally. Illinois averages 6,400 crashes in work zones each year, resulting in 1,700 injuries and 34 deaths. More than 9 out of 10 deaths are someone other than a worker, including drivers, passengers, pedestrians and bicyclists.

“Seeing orange is a powerful reminder that all crashes, injuries and deaths, not just those in work zones, are almost always avoidable,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “We are grateful to the organizations that are taking part in this effort to ‘Go Orange’ and help IDOT and its partners drive the number of fatalities to the only acceptable number – zero.”

For more information on Work Zone Awareness Week, visit IDOT’s Work Zone page.

HIGHWOOD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is congratulating dozens of students in the district she represents for being named 2021-22 Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

“Despite the obstacles the COVID-19 pandemic brought forth, students across the state continued to work hard to make the most of the situation,” Morrison said. “Illinois State Scholar recipients have proven nothing can stand in their way toward a successful educational career.” 

Illinois State Scholar winners rank in approximately the top 10% of the state’s high school seniors from 676 high schools in all 102 counties. Selection is based on a combination of standardized test scores and class rank or unweighted GPA at the end of the student’s junior year. ISAC works in conjunction with the students’ high school guidance counselors to determine the winners.

COAL CITY – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) recently honored 22 local high school students who were named 2021-22 Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

Illinois State Scholar winners rank in approximately the top 10% of the state’s high school seniors from 676 high schools in all 102 counties. Selection is based on a combination of standardized test scores and class rank or unweighted GPA at the end of the student’s junior year. ISAC works in conjunction with the students’ high school guidance counselors to determine the winners.

“I am thrilled to recognize and congratulate these students from our community for this well-deserved honor,” Joyce said. “This group of scholars is incredibly inspiring, as they have persisted through unprecedented changes in learning. I’m so proud of their commitment and dedication.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) recently honored 254 high school students from the community who were named 2021-22 Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

Illinois State Scholar winners rank in approximately the top 10% of the state’s high school seniors from 676 high schools in all 102 counties. Selection is based on a combination of standardized test scores and class rank or unweighted GPA at the end of the student’s junior year. ISAC works in conjunction with the students’ high school guidance counselors to determine the winners.

“With all the changes this last year has brought on, it is extra impressive that these students were able to persevere and exceed in their studies the way they did,” Castro said. “I am proud of all these students in our community for going above and beyond this year.”

The Scholars from Kane County include students from Dundee-Crown High School, Elgin Academy, Elgin High School, Larkin High School, St. Edward Central Catholic High School, Streamwood High School and Hoffman Estates High School.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) commends the nearly 900 high school students in the 24th District who were named 2021-22 Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

“This prestigious award is a reflection of hard work, dedication and resilience throughout the pandemic, and I couldn’t be more proud of the students from our community who earned the honor,” Glowiak Hilton said. “With the support of their families, teachers and administrators, these students have shown an unwavering commitment to achievement despite the many challenges they’ve faced over the last year.”

Illinois State Scholar winners rank in approximately the top 10% of the state’s high school seniors from 676 high schools in all 102 counties. Selection is based on a combination of standardized test scores and class rank or unweighted GPA at the end of the student’s junior year. ISAC works in conjunction with the students’ high school guidance counselors to determine the winners.