Belt receives service award from Mutual Aid Box Alarm System Foundation

BELLEVILLE – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) accepted an award for his sustained support and meritorious service to Illinois fire services from the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System Foundation on Wednesday.

“Firefighters risk their lives every day,” Belt said. “I’m honored to receive this award and I will continue to support measures that benefit all Illinois firefighters.”

The award comes in response to Belt’s support of legislation that would assist fire protection agencies and statewide associations, like Mutual Aid Box Alarm System, in pursuing donations designed to build a stronger and more sustainable fire, EMS and special team statewide intergovernmental cooperative system serving all municipalities during crisis and disaster level events. 

Read more: Belt receives service award from Mutual Aid Box Alarm System Foundation

Holmes drives efforts to expand Kendall County Courthouse for rapidly growing county

SPRINGFIELD – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) passed legislation last week to help the Kendall County Courthouse grow to serve the demand for additional facilities and more timely resolution of court cases.

Senate Bill 3737 would allow the county to finish space that was built but never completed, and to house additional judicial staff hired to support the increasing needs for court services in the growing county.

“Kendall County was the fastest growing county in the U.S. from 2000 to 2010, and the fastest growing county in Illinois from 2010 to 2020, having grown its population by 141% since 2000,” Holmes said. “Population growth means the courthouse needs expanding to meet the county’s legal proceedings, and I’m happy to help make this happen.”

Read more: Holmes drives efforts to expand Kendall County Courthouse for rapidly growing county

Gillespie calls for nursing home reform

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) released the following statement after President Joe Biden called for nursing home reform in his State of the Union address on Tuesday:

“President Biden noted tonight that too many nursing homes continue to provide an unacceptably low quality of care, despite receiving billions of state and federal dollars. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated an already troubling situation and showed how at risk nursing home residents are when quality and staffing levels fall.

Read more: Gillespie calls for nursing home reform

Turner encourages youth in DCFS care to apply for scholarships

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Doris Turner (D- Springfield) is encouraging teens who currently or previously were under the care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to apply for the 2022 DCFS Scholarship Program.

“This scholarship program provides a life changing opportunity to our most disadvantaged youth,” said Turner. “With the necessary tools being provided, students are able to take control of their destiny without the burden of student loans weighing them down.”

Former and current DCFS youth who are between the ages of 16 and 21 are eligible to apply. Applicants must submit a personal statement along with three letters of recommendation from non-relatives. The selection committee also requests that applicants submit their scholastic record, community involvement and extracurricular activities for further evaluation. Applications will be accepted until March 31, 2022.

Read more: Turner encourages youth in DCFS care to apply for scholarships