MARYVILLE – This holiday season, State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) is collecting toys in partnership with Alton’s Toys for Tots campaign to offer a special Christmas surprise to local children in need.

The toys will be collected starting Monday, Nov. 29 through Dec. 19. Toys for children of all ages can be dropped off at four locations around the Metro East:

• VFW Post 1308, 4445 N Alby St, Alton, IL 62002, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday at 10 a.m.-10 p.m. or Tuesday and Saturday at 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Crowe’s Maryville District Office, 35 Executive Plaza Ct., Monday through Friday at 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Crowe’s Wood River District Office, 111 N. Wood River Ave., Suite A by appointment only.
• Happy Up, 6654 Edwardsville Crossing Dr., Suite A, Edwardsville, IL 62505, Monday through Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

“To show our appreciation and gratitude, the holiday season is a time we purchase gifts for our loved ones,” Crowe said. “Many families in our communities struggle financially during the Christmas season. I encourage residents to donate new or gently used toys so a child in need can enjoy a gift this season.”

The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute toys as Christmas gifts to children in the community.

To make a drop-off appointment at Crowe’s office or for more information on the toy drive, call 618-251-9840.

MARYVILLE – To highlight an initiative to increase higher education accessibility, State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) announced first-year students applying to any of Illinois’ public universities, as well as several of the state’s private institutions, only need to submit one form on Common App.

“Applying to college can be confusing, tiresome and expensive,” Crowe said. “By using the Common App platform, Illinois is simplifying the process and working to ensure accessibility to higher education opportunities.”

This fall, all 12 public universities in Illinois will be available on the Common App platform, thanks to a $1 million state investment.

For families with financial concerns, waivers are available for low-income Common App applicants. In addition, some colleges and universities either have no application fees or will waive fees if needed.

“For many applicants and their families, a major concern for starting the college journey is the cost,” Crowe said. “There are several aid options available to help reduce the financial burdens associated with applying for college.”

Residents are encouraged to visit the Common App website for informational resources, including a first-year application guide, videos and a complete list of institutions that use the application.

MARYVILLE – With Veterans Day approaching, State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) is asking residents to write friendly, encouraging letters in an effort to thank our heroes in veterans’ homes across the state.

“Veterans Day is a time to pay our respects and stand united for all who have served,” Crowe said. “Writing letters to our state’s heroes is a simple way to honor, recognize, and show appreciation to them.”

SPRINGFIELD – To demonstrate honor and respect for many of the state’s bravest and most selfless public servants, State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) supported a resolution to recognize First Responders Day in Illinois.

“First responders were essential to Illinois residents’ safety during the height of the pandemic last year, with many working overtime despite the risk of possible COVID-19 exposure for themselves and their loved ones,” Crowe said. “Although law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel deserve our community’s respect throughout the year, designating a day statewide is important to recognize their efforts and contributions to protecting Illinois families.”

Under the initiative, Oct. 28, 2021 will be recognized as First Responders Day in Illinois. Senate Resolution 534 was adopted by the Senate Wednesday.

MARYVILLE – Patrons of 11 libraries in Madison County will soon see upgrades to services thanks to more than $260,000 in grants, State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) announced Wednesday.

“Libraries provide communities with more than books– they provide a safe space for residents to utilize technology, community resources and education,” Crowe said. “With an increased reliance on technology for work, school and everyday life, libraries are essential– especially for residents in underserved areas.”

The $266,072.52 received by 11 local libraries is part of $18.1 million in grants awarded to 638 public libraries across the state. For more than 40 years, the Illinois Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants Program has helped public libraries with a low library tax base to ensure a minimum level of funding for library services.

Libraries will use the grants from the secretary of state’s office to help fund new services and products, such as audiobooks, adult programming, dual language materials and more.  

“In order to provide our communities with robust literacy resources, state funding is instrumental,” Crowe said. “Thanks to these grants, Metro East students, seniors and families will have better-quality reading, writing and creative opportunities at their local libraries.”

The following libraries in the district Crowe represents will receive funds:

• Bethalto Public Library District, $23,346.30
• Caseyville Public Library District, $7,038.70
• East Alton Public Library District, $17,965.50
• Edwardsville Public Library, $39,280.73
• Glen Carbon Centennial Library District, $19,077.65
• Hartford Public Library District, $2,107.78
• Hayner Public Library District in Alton, $72,826.65
• Maryville Community Library District, $14,620.20
• Mississippi Valley Library District in Collinsville, $51,815.28
• Roxana Public Library District, $2,274.45
• Wood River Public Library $15,719.08

For more information on the grants, residents can visit the secretary of state’s website.

MARYVILLE – As students return to the classroom this fall, State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) is joining the Illinois Department of Revenue in reminding parents that they may be able to claim school expenses for their K-12 students on their 2021 Illinois individual income tax returns.

“With kids heading back to school this month, parents are busy shopping for their kids to get them ready for the year ahead,” Crowe said. “School supplies can be expensive for families, and that’s why I encourage parents to save their receipts so they can have extra money in their pockets after tax season.” 

The Illinois Education Expense Credit allows parents or legal guardians of a full-time K-12 student under the age of 21 to take a 25% tax credit on qualified education expenses, up to a total annual credit of $750.

"Parents invest a great deal in education so I encourage them to take advantage of this valuable savings,” said IDOR Director David Harris. “It is just important for them to remember to keep the receipts for any qualifying expenses, so they are accessible when it comes time to file their taxes.”

Over 206,000 taxpayers claimed the Illinois Education Expense Credit last year. The total amount claimed was more than $65.8 million, with an average credit of $319.

To learn more about the Illinois Education Expense Credit, parents are encouraged to read IDOR Publication 132 and Publication 119 (for home schooled students) located on the department’s website, tax.illinois.gov.

SPRINGFIELD – Citing safety concerns from the Wood River community following an unexpected power plant demolition, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) created a new law requiring any property owner planning to demolish a power plant to notify surrounding communities. 

“Communities need to be aware of any environmental or safety concerns happening in close proximity,” Crowe said. “By requiring companies to notify residents of power plant demolitions, we can help families prepare themselves.”

Earlier this year, Wood River and East Alton residents were alarmed when they heard explosions from the decommissioned Wood River Power Station without warning.

DCEO launching new grant opportunity for small businesses Aug. 18

ROXANA – The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced its Back to Business Grant Program, and State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) joined Metro East mayors and state agency heads to discuss its implementation throughout the region.

“With this critical investment in the B2B grant opportunity, our state is working to ensure businesses can operate safely, support opportunities for employees and boost our economy as we rebuild,” Crowe said. “I strongly urge members of the Metro East business community to connect with our government partners to stay informed on available grants and resources.”

The meeting was held on Thursday morning at Roxana Town Hall and also included law enforcement officials, community leaders and stakeholders to discuss upcoming capital projects and additional resources for economic development.