Collins proudly welcomes $40.5 million manufacturing expansion of DMG MORI in Chicago
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CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins joined Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Illinois Economic Development Corporation and Chicago city officials to announce more than $40.5 million is being invested by DMG MORI Federal Services, Inc. to create a new R&D facility in the Chicagoland area with 74 new full-time positions.
“As the state senator representing Illinois’ 5th Senate District, I am proud to welcome DMG MORI’s expansion in our community,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “This investment reminds me how powerful it is when people come together to learn and uplift our neighborhoods.”
DMG MORI, a leading global manufacturer of high-precision machine tools with its North American headquarters in Hoffman Estates, has committed to establishing a new advanced manufacturing and R&D facility in Chicago. The company has identified a site featuring 25,000 square feet of office space and 65,000 square feet of advanced manufacturing space to support the growth of the company.
Read more: Collins proudly welcomes $40.5 million manufacturing expansion of DMG MORI in Chicago
Castro leads the charge on cellphone ban in classrooms
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OAK PARK - State Senator Cristina Castro held a press conference alongside Governor JB Pritzker to advocate for legislation she’s spearheading that would prohibit cellphones in classrooms.
“Every student in Illinois deserves a quality education in a productive and welcoming setting,” said State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin). “Reducing the harms of constant cellphone usage by students in the classroom supports academic achievement and ensures the best environment possible for learning and growth.”
Nearly 75% of high school teachers say cellphone distraction in their classroom is a major problem. Castro is spearheading Senate Bill 2427 to support learning environments where teachers can focus on teaching and students can focus on learning. The measure would require school districts in Illinois to adopt a policy limiting the use of wireless communication devices on school grounds during the day – from “bell to bell.”
Read more: Castro leads the charge on cellphone ban in classrooms
Illinois Legislative Black Caucus responds to budget proposal, calls for equity-focused final budget
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SPRINGFIELD – Following the governor’s annual budget address, the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the final state budget delivers meaningful investments in Black communities across Illinois.
The proposal outlines continued support for early childhood education, K-12 evidence-based funding, need-based financial aid, affordable housing initiatives, comprehensive investments to prevent homelessness, health care access, workforce development and public safety efforts. While caucus members acknowledged these as important foundations, they emphasized that the proposal marks the beginning of negotiations — not the final outcome.
“As Senate Joint Chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, I know our communities cannot afford uncertainty at any level of government,” said State Senator Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago). “With federal threats creating instability around health care, food assistance and social services, Illinois must remain steady and proactive. We have a responsibility to craft a final budget that protects our most vulnerable residents, invests in early childhood and education and strengthens economic opportunities in neighborhoods that have been historically disinvested.”
Preston measure increases availability for store coupons
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SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Willie Preston is heading a measure that would require grocery stores offering digital coupons to have matching paper ones.
“This measure prevents discrimination by stores against people who are less technologically inclined or do not want to use digital coupons,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “Not everyone has a smartphone or wants to use their smartphone for every part of their life.”
The measure would require a store that offers digital coupons to also have paper coupons at the service desk for customers to use if they prefer. The store would need to have the coupons placed in other locations as well.
Read more: Preston measure increases availability for store coupons
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