Stadelman announces $2.6 million investment at the Rockford International Airport

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman joined Governor Pritzker, AAR CORP and local officials to announce a $2.6 million investment into workforce training at the Rockford International Airport today.

"The Chicago-Rockford International Airport is a strong economic driver in the region, creating thousands of jobs," said Stadelman (D-Rockford). "This investment in AAR supports the continued economic impact and job creation of the airport by creating a strong pipeline of aviation mechanics and expanding opportunities for Illinoisans."

Thursday’s announcement builds off the investment made last year to help bolster the AAR CORP’s workforce strategy and has allowed them to increase the number of aviation mechanics hired from 85 in 2019 to more than 350 today.

The total investment of $5.2 million from this year and last strengthens the aviation mechanic pipeline to meet the growing demand. Along with AAR’s workforce strategy, the state’s funding supports apprenticeship opportunities, training, hiring training personnel and bolstering partnerships with local colleges and high schools throughout Northern Illinois to bring in qualified aviation mechanics.

Read more: Stadelman announces $2.6 million investment at the Rockford International Airport

Joyce urges people to test their homes for deadly gas during Radon Action Month

KANKAKEE – January is Radon Action Month and State Senator Patrick Joyce is emphasizing the importance of early detection of radon and encouraging people to test their homes for the harmful gas.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. This odorless, colorless, tasteless gas comes from the natural breakdown of the soil, and it enters buildings through small cracks in the foundation, sump pits, crawl spaces, floor drains and more.

“Illinois has shown to have high levels of radon, making it more common for people to be exposed to,” said Joyce (D-Essex).  “Higher levels of radon can lead to major health issues, which is why it is important to test your homes.”

It’s estimated more than 1,100 people in Illinois develop radon-related lung cancer each year. Statistics show radon has been found in nearly 40% of homes tested in Illinois, with higher levels being in the central and northern regions, like Kankakee and Grundy Counties.

Read more: Joyce urges people to test their homes for deadly gas during Radon Action Month

Senate Democrats celebrate additional investment in Opening Doors Homebuyer Assistance Program

CHICAGO – The Illinois Housing Development Authority is relaunching and investing an additional $8 million in a homeownership program designed to help working class families and underrepresented communities of color with buying a home.

The Opening Doors or Abriendo Puertas program, offered through IHDA, provides aid to lower-income borrowers and households of color who have faced steeper barriers in their path toward homeownership with $6,000 in forgivable assistance for down payment and closing costs.

Read more: Senate Democrats celebrate additional investment in Opening Doors Homebuyer Assistance Program

Pacione-Zayas legislation creates transparency to administrative hiring process in Chicago Public Schools

SPRINGFIELD – To provide more transparency and due process in the current hiring process for principals in the Chicago Public School system, State Senator Cristina H. Pacione-Zayas, in collaboration with Chicago Principals and Administrators Association, introduced a new initiative to grant Local School Councils (LSC) access to the universe of qualified applicants for these vital positions—ensuring viable candidates are not overlooked, and underqualified applicants are not chosen over their peers.

“Current policies have caused some schools to hire administrators who did not meet the roles and expectations set, and this legislation will help address those issues,” said Senator Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago). “Administrators lead and determine how schools operate, so by ensuring that each school can see the full scope of applicants, we are providing greater access to select those best qualified for the position.”

Read more: Pacione-Zayas legislation creates transparency to administrative hiring process in Chicago Public...