ISDC

Details: Tuesday, September 28, 2021 01:40 PM

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.”

Villivalam: Senate Transportation hearing scheduled for Monday

Details: Friday, September 24, 2021 02:09 PM

villivalam trans 092421 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.”

Suburban schools receive top educational honor from U.S. Dept. of Education

Details: Friday, September 24, 2021 01:06 PM

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.”

AMITA tour sparks conversation on behavioral health, need for resources

Details: Wednesday, September 22, 2021 12:49 PM

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.”

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