Illinois celebrates first Muhammad Ali Day thanks to Ellman resolution

NAPERVILLE – On Monday, Jan. 17, Illinois will be celebrating Muhammad Ali Day for the first time, thanks to a resolution sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville).

“Muhammad Ali set a fantastic example for us all by showing how to be dedicated to our passions and courageous in our convictions,” Ellman said. “Through both his athletic career and his philanthropic work, he spent a lifetime working for the betterment of society as a whole.”

Read more: Illinois celebrates first Muhammad Ali Day thanks to Ellman resolution

Holmes secures $22,288 in Pandemic Recovery Grant for the Aurora Public Library District

AURORA – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) has secured $22,288.00 for the Aurora Public Library District through Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White.

“I’m really excited to be directing funds to libraries that are focused on responding directly to the COVID-19 pandemic by modifying services, transforming spaces and developing resources for their local recovering workforce,” Holmes said.

Read more: Holmes secures $22,288 in Pandemic Recovery Grant for the Aurora Public Library District

Houbolt Road to see upgrades thanks to support of Senate Democrats

JOLIET – Improvements to interstate I-80 near Houbolt Road will begin to see improvements thanks to the Illinois Senate Democrats’ support of the Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan.

“This interchange is part of a historic investment in Will County infrastructure by Illinois.  The return on this infrastructure investment will be enjoyed by generations of Will County residents,” said State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport). “This is how Illinois moves forward.”

Governor JB Pritzker announced the next phase of I-80 enhancements and modernization will soon begin at Houbolt Road and interchange. Work is anticipated to begin this winter and is expected to be finalized by 2023. The project will see $32 million in funding from the state’s Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan.

The bridge – located in Will County – is the largest inland port in the United States, making the area a big attraction to travel.

Read more: Houbolt Road to see upgrades thanks to support of Senate Democrats

Pre-apprenticeship grant awarded to local nonprofit to increase diversity

EVANSTON – The Evanston Rebuilding Warehouse is set to receive more than $500,000 to diversify pre-apprenticeship programs in the construction industry, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) announced Thursday.

“Women and people of color across Illinois are consistently underrepresented in the construction trades,” Senator Fine said. “Investing more than half a million dollars in diversifying the workforce at the Evanston Rebuilding Warehouse will open the door for so many in our community.”

The mission of the Evanston Rebuilding Warehouse is to invest in our communities by reusing building materials, reducing construction waste, and training, supporting and connecting people seeking careers in the building trades. They will receive $535,514 to increase diversity in the construction industry.

Read more: Pre-apprenticeship grant awarded to local nonprofit to increase diversity