SPRINGFIELD – A measure to provide classroom instruction on food and environmental allergies and allergic reactions sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman passed the Senate Education Committee Tuesday.

“Most people can relate to suffering from seasonal allergies, but we also have to consider folks that suffer from food allergies,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Severe allergic reactions are life-threatening situations that can happen anywhere to both students and teachers.”

According to the CDC, one in thirteen children experience food and environmental allergies, which equates to nearly two students per classroom. Strict avoidance of the allergen is necessary, as there is no known cure for food allergies. Avoidance is not always possible, so the CDC urges education centers to develop proactive plans for responding to unprompted allergy emergencies.

SPRINGFIELD — Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus welcomed park districts from across the state to Springfield to celebrate Parks Day.

“Our parks are such incredible places that provide families places to enjoy the beauty of nature,” said State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “It’s humbling to see the positive impact parks have on our communities—and see the sheer number of people who benefit from all our parks have to offer.”

Nearly 50 different organizations gathered in the State Capitol to showcase the benefits, events and offerings of their park districts. The event promotes park districts, forest preserves, conservation, recreation and special recreation agencies in Illinois to highlight the positive impact they have on Illinois' economy and quality of life.

“I have spent many years working with parks. Parks are safe places for people to de-stress and improve both their minds and bodies,” said State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “Parks make communities better, and it’s wonderful to see all their hard work put on display.”

CREST HILL – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel secured over $1.6 million in funding for Will County to boost local tourism efforts and attract visitors to drive along the historic Route 66 and Enjoy Illinois.

“As a lifelong resident of Will County, I know there is so much here to offer to tourists,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Making strong investments into our communities will continue to keep Will County and Illinois on the map.”

The Route 66 Grant Program awarded $3.7 million in funding to seven recipients for the development of tourism, education, preservation and promotion leading up to the 100th Anniversary of Route 66 in 2026. 300 miles of Route 66 weave through Illinois, and Route 66’s economic and historical impact is felt firsthand in communities across the state.

Part of the Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau’s $1,609,400 funding for a variety of statewide Route 66 promotional programs will be used to support EV charging station and landscaping projects in Lockport, Bolingbrook and Joliet, along with several Route 66 monuments, murals and Route 66-themed enhancements to welcome centers and local museums.

Additionally, Will County Lodging was awarded $30,000 through the Illinois Travel and Tourism Grant Program to support local tourism promotional efforts with the goal of attracting visitors to destinations, attractions and events across the state.

“I look forward to continue attracting tourists and bringing out the vibrant history Will County has to offer,” Loughran Cappel said.

To view a full list of Illinois Travel and Tourism Grant Program recipients, click here. For more information on the Route 66 Grant Program, click here.

ELGIN – With strong support from State Senator Cristina Castro, $44,000 will be coming to Elgin to boost local tourism efforts and attract visitors to destination activities throughout Illinois.

“With more than 1,000 hotel rooms and a community that has deep cultural roots and historic treasures for all to enjoy, Elgin has so much to offer visitors and residents alike,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “As a lifelong resident, I know that the investments we make in our communities will generate benefits for years to come.”

CHICAGO – Chicago-area agencies are set to receive nearly $300,000 to improve local tourism efforts thanks to support from State Senator Robert Peters.

“Tourism is our way to share our history and our stories with visitors from all over the world,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “By providing funding for tourism attractions, we bolster our economies, create good-paying jobs, and strengthen the future of our communities.”

The Illinois Travel and Tourism Grant Program awarded $2.9 million in funding to 51 local governments, municipalities and nonprofit agencies for the development of tourist attractions and events. Additionally, the state will be matching funds to offset marketing expenses for expenditures such as promotional materials and production costs.

Navy Pier was awarded $100,000 to support the “Light Up the Lake” event, and the Chicago Architecture Foundation was awarded $95,032 to aid Chicago Architecture Biennial promotional efforts. Additionally, the Lookingglass Theatre Company and the Museum of Contemporary Art were awarded $100,000 and $65,000, respectively.

“People from every corner of the world visit Chicago,” Peters said. “I look forward to seeing these organizations using the funds in a way to preserve the international significance of Chicago tourism.”

To view a full list of Illinois Travel and Tourism Grant Program recipients, click here.

SPRINGFIELD – To provide all victims of human rights violations the opportunity to seek justice, State Senator Laura Fine is working on legislation with the Illinois Department of Human Rights to improve how they investigate possible violations.

“With this law, we are assuring Illinoisans who have a human rights complaint that we hear them and are willing to fight for them,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “There will be more avenues to pursue justice with this measure and will help ensure no one slips through the cracks.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy joined the rally to Fight for Illinois Families on Friday to speak about the importance of the SAFER Communities Act.

“This bill gives individuals reentering society the opportunity to secure a stable job so they can take care of their families,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “It’s possible to decrease the rate of recidivism by providing incentives to businesses to hire formerly incarcerated individuals.”

Murphy’s measure – the SAFER Communities Act – would task the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity with creating a program that would help formerly incarcerated individuals gain reliable employment. Additionally the program would provide tax credits to employers who hire program participants, with a greater amount offered to small businesses.

ROCKFORD – To give local tourism efforts more support, State Senator Steve Stadelman announced that the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has granted over $50,000 to Winnebago County tourism organizations.

“Illinois is a great place to visit with iconic stops in so many cities across the state,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “From the Discovery Center Museum to Loves Park, our community has so much to offer. I look forward to the support these grants will bring.”

The Route 66 Grant Program and the Illinois Travel and Tourism Grant Program will support the following organizations in the 34^th district:

• Discovery Center Museum of Rockford - $30,355
• Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden - $10,000
• Loves Park - $10,000

This funding supports a variety of projects across the state, including the installation of iconic Route 66 signage, pylons, monuments, as well as investments in museums, exhibits, service areas and rest stops. As Illinois’ transportation sector evolves to include more electric vehicles, the projects also focus on building out EV infrastructure and promoting the state's tourism areas as EV destinations.

“Tourism is a driving factor in so many industries and communities around the state and these grants will ensure our communities are prepared for the summer weather to come,” Stadelman said. “I look forward to our parks and museums here in Rockford getting resources for projects to benefit our community.”

Grants were awarded to entities in every economic region in the state. Awards ranged from $9,640 to $100,000, with an average award of $57,502. A link to the full list of the recipients can be found here.