Local film industry to receive $10 million thanks to Senate Democrats

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus helped secure funding through the Illinois Soundstage Program to continue to position the state as a leading production center while boosting economic and workforce development.

“This will help give local filmmakers in central Illinois some additional tools to compete at a national level,” said State Senator Paul Faraci (D-Champaign). “If we want to bring economic opportunity to our area through film, it’s important that the infrastructure is in place to make it happen.”

The Illinois Soundstage Capital Grant Program will help diversify the film industry. The Fields Studio located in Chicago received $5 million, Fresh Films in Rock Island received $3.8 million, and Flyover Studios in Champaign received $1.1 million through the program.

“Western Illinois’ film industry has so much potential,” said State Senator Mike Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Strategic state investment in our film infrastructure, including Fresh Films and the amazing work done at the Quad Cities Regional Film Office, will boost our local economy and give producers an affordable alternative to complete their projects.”

Read more: Local film industry to receive $10 million thanks to Senate Democrats

Aquino celebrates Puerto Rico Town being named cultural district

CHICAGO — State Senator Omar Aquino joined Governor JB Pritzker at the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture to announce the creation of Puerto Rico Town as an official State-Designated Cultural District.

“In Illinois, diversity is our strength, and the State-Designated Cultural Districts Program is shining a much-deserved light on some of our state’s most culturally and historically rich communities, including Puerto Rico Town,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “These designations will help Illinoisans celebrate our lineage and traditions of our communities.”

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Koehler applauds new cutting-edge manufacturing training center at Heartland College

NORMAL – State Senator Dave Koehler joined Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in celebrating the opening of a new cutting-edge advanced manufacturing training center at Heartland Community College.

“As a leader in clean energy, the State of Illinois is prioritizing preparing our regional workforce for local jobs in the clean energy economy,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “By investing in Heartland Community College’s Electric Vehicle Energy Storage training facility, the State is giving students access to specialized skill training while showing them the vast number of clean energy career opportunities available right here in Illinois.”

Heartland's electric vehicle manufacturing program – which launched at a temporary site in August 2021 – provides students with training, certificates and degrees in Electric Vehicle and Energy Storage Technology. The program also provides intensive upskill Electric Vehicle Technology Certificates for individuals with prior traditional automotive training and experience. Additionally, the facility will provide a space for advanced manufacturing programs in robotics, renewable energy and automation.

Read more: Koehler applauds new cutting-edge manufacturing training center at Heartland College

Turner highlights two new State-Designated Cultural Districts in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner announced Tuesday that two areas of Springfield are being recognized as State-Designated Cultural Districts.

"During my time on Springfield City Council, I began working on ways to integrate our Black history while incorporating economic development opportunities throughout our communities,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “These official designations are essential to preserving our history, highlighting our important legacy and significant contributions from the Great Migration and onward.”

Read more: Turner highlights two new State-Designated Cultural Districts in Springfield