Bennett celebrates nearly $65,000 in grants for district libraries

CHAMPAIGN – Local libraries in Champaign and Catlin will receive nearly $65,000 in combined grants to grow and enhance their services, thanks to the support from State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign).

“Our libraries serve as pillars in our communities, bringing people together by providing programs and services,” Bennett said. “These grants will help us preserve these important institutions and support their initiatives to educate and enhance our communities.”

Three area libraries are set to receive a total of $64,469 to respond directly to difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant provides nearly $6 million in funding for libraries to modify services, transform spaces and develop resources for their local recovering workforce and to ensure all operations can be provided safely and effectively as the pandemic continues.

Read more: Bennett celebrates nearly $65,000 in grants for district libraries

Senator Fine fights for students in debt across Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – Student debt is the second leading source of consumer debt in America, just behind mortgage loans. Illinois students across the state would have more options to protect themselves from falling behind on their student debt under a measure championed through the Higher Education Committee by State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) on Tuesday.

Under Senator Fine’s legislation, universities would be prohibited from withholding transcripts as a means of debt collection. 

Read more: Senator Fine fights for students in debt across Illinois

Johnson applauds YouthBuild Lake County as local grant recipient

WAUKEGAN – To create and support construction pre-apprenticeship programs, YouthBuild Lake County in North Chicago will receive $250,000 in funds from the state, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) announced Tuesday.

“While there are financial benefits and high economic demands to work in construction, women and people of color are often underrepresented in the industry,” Johnson said. “This state funding creates new opportunities for residents in communities of color who want to pursue a job in construction or a career in other trades.”

YouthBuild Lake County was among 23 organizations statewide to receive funding for pre-apprenticeship training programs to increase diversity in the construction industry. A total of $9.6 million was awarded across Illinois.

Read more: Johnson applauds YouthBuild Lake County as local grant recipient

Peters congratulates local recipient of Illinois Works Grant

Chicago — The Tools Up Foundation of Chicago received an Illinois Works Grant to support their pre-apprenticeship program to increase diversity in the construction trades, State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) announced Friday.

“For too long, many communities have not been adequately represented in the construction industry,” Peters said. “There is so much talent in our community that has been unable to enter into these fields, and I’m glad to see that there is a program available to help give them the support and the mentorship they need.”

The Tools Up Foundation is a nonprofit pre-apprenticeship program, preparing underrepresented groups to enter the construction trades. The Tools Up Foundation received a grant of $326,597 to support their work in building the next generation of diverse talent in the construction industry.

Read more: Peters congratulates local recipient of Illinois Works Grant