SPRINGFIELD – To give young people the tools to recognize and prevent opioid abuse, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) advanced legislation through the Senate to educate students on the dangers of opioid addiction.

“Young students and athletes may be prescribed opiates to relieve pain from injuries or surgeries before learning the risks of abuse,” Crowe said. “It’s important that kids know the health consequences associated with opioid misuse and dependency before entering high school.”

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, 54 Illinois residents ages 15-24 fatally overdosed in 2019, with an additional 581 non-fatally overdosing. Crowe’s plan would begin engaging students in age-appropriate discussions on opioid abuse from kindergarten to eighth grade.

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate approved a plan supported by State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) to constitutionally solidify collective bargaining rights for workers Friday. 

“Working families keep our businesses open, support our communities and develop our economies—they deserve to be able to negotiate their employment contracts,” Crowe said. “By ensuring their right to collective bargaining is protected by the Illinois Constitution, we are showing our respect for their local contributions.”

Crowe’s proposal amends the Illinois Constitution to prohibit legislative proposals from affecting workers’ rights set forth by the 2019 Collective Bargaining Freedom Act.

The Collective Bargaining Freedom Act ensured protections for middle-class families by allowing workers to negotiate wages, hours, terms and conditions with employers.

“By amending the Constitution, Illinois guarantees workers’ right to negotiate livable wages and safe working conditions,” Crowe said. “This amendment is an important gesture in support of the men and women who keep our state’s economy running.”

Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 11 passed the Senate Friday.

MARYVILLE – In partnership with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) announced four infrastructure projects to improve roads and bridges throughout the Metro East.

“As our state progresses on the road to economic recovery, these local infrastructure investments come at a critical time for the Metro East,” Crowe said. “By updating local roads and bridges, we can ensure dependable modes of transportation for commuters and families while creating labor jobs for residents.”

IDOT announced four major infrastructure projects representing an estimated $31.2 million in investments for the Metro East, including:

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to educate residents on the risks associated with opioid dependence, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) co-sponsored legislation requiring the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to compile educational materials for patients who have been prescribed opioids.

“Educating residents on the dangers associated with opioid dependency is an effective way to prevent opioids from being misused and abused,” Crowe said. “By authorizing IDHS to publish information through various multimedia paths, Illinois is working collaboratively to educate patients with opioid prescriptions before an addiction starts.”

An initiative of the Illinois State Medical Society, the measure requires IDHS to develop and publish a list of opioid dependence risks on its website and in a pamphlet for pharmacists to distribute.

Since joining the Senate in 2019, Crowe has taken several steps to curb the opioid crisis in communities statewide.

“Exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the growing opioid epidemic continues to devastate families across Illinois,” Crowe said. “Proactively educating residents on the dangers of opioid dependence is intended to stop addictions before they take hold.”

House Bill 3355 passed the Senate Licensed Activities Committee Wednesday and will move to the full Senate for further debate.

MARYVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has announced the fourth $250 million installment of Rebuild Illinois grants is available for local road projects, and State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) is applauding more than $1.5 million in investments for Madison County infrastructure.

“With our state still recovering from the economic issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, this round of grants comes at a critical time for the Metro East,” Crowe said. “By investing in our transportation infrastructure, Illinois is expressing its commitment to local labor jobs as well as reliable transportation for our residents.”

Through the Rebuild Illinois program, investments totaling $1.5 billion are scheduled to be spread out over three years to advance municipal, township and county projects across the state. Projects include road and bridge improvements, traffic signal upgrades, new storm sewers and bike paths, sidewalk replacements, and other long-term maintenance needs.

“Rebuild Illinois is about more than just our state’s transportation infrastructure,” Crowe said. “By strengthening roads and bridges, Illinois is prioritizing safety for motorists, creating good-paying jobs and investing in long-term economic development.”

A complete list of local agencies and awards can be viewed here.

SPRINGFIELD – Acting on recommendations from the Elder Abuse Task Force, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) has advanced a plan through the Senate to update state practices aimed at protecting older residents.

“Preceding the pandemic, abuse targeted at older residents was a growing concern,” Crowe said. “To face challenges surrounding abandonment, financial exploitation and isolation, we need comprehensive solutions that enact effective change for older Illinoisans.”

Crowe’s proposal includes provisions to enhance protections for older residents by expanding the Adult Protective Services Act to include reports of abandonment. It would also extend the statute of limitations from three years to seven years in cases of theft by deception where the victim is 60 years of age or older or disabled.

Senate Bill 701 also strengthens cases of financial exploitation to include potential charges for trusted friends and acquaintances.

Under the measure, the Illinois Department on Aging must offer an annual trauma-informed training program for Adult Protective Services employees.

Crowe created the Elder Abuse Task Force with State Rep. Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville) in 2019 to bring together agency officials, elder abuse experts and law enforcement to assess current laws and suggest policy updates. The task force delivered a report to the General Assembly containing their recommendations on Jan. 1, 2021.

“I appreciate the efforts of the task force members to figure out how the state can improve current practices designed to protect our older friends, neighbors and loved ones,” Stuart said. “Their work will allow us to continue to serve the needs of aging residents in Illinois.”

“The Elder Abuse Task Force afforded the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue in the interest of positive change for older Illinois residents affected by crime,” said task force member Captain Kristopher Tharp with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. “The passage of this bill affirms a commitment on the part of all task force members, including law enforcement, to seeking justice and wellness for Illinois crime victims and their families.”

Those who are experiencing abuse, neglect or financial exploitation - or suspect someone they know is experiencing them - should call the statewide 24-hour Abuse Hotline at 866-800-1409 or visit the Department on Aging’s website.

Senate Bill 701 moves to the House for further consideration.

MARYVILLE – The Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity announced a $7.5 million investment to construct a manufacturing training academy downstate, and State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) applauds the department’s decision to locate the new facility at Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville.

“The pandemic has highlighted the critical importance of manufacturing in our country,” Crowe said. “This investment in SWIC’s manufacturing program supports workforce development and puts our region on a path to equitable recovery.”

Expanding upon the school’s existing manufacturing training facilities, SWIC’s Belleville campus will soon be home to a new manufacturing education hub. The Advanced Manufacturing Center is expected to break ground later this year and begin welcoming students by fall 2022.

MARYVILLE– State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) applauds the 206 Metro East high school students who were named 2021-22 Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

“To be named an Illinois State Scholar takes hard work and perseverance, and I am so proud of the Metro East students who earned the distinguished honor,” Crowe said. “With the support of their families, teachers and administrators, these students have excelled despite the many challenges they’ve faced over the last year.”

Illinois State Scholar winners rank in approximately the top 10% of the state’s high school seniors from 676 high schools in all 102 counties. Selection is based on a combination of standardized test scores and class rank or unweighted GPA at the end of the student’s junior year. ISAC works in conjunction with the students’ high school guidance counselors to determine the winners.