SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Railroad Association announced State Senator Patrick Joyce as a recipient of the Association’s annual Railroader of the Year Award.

“Senator Patrick Joyce is a true champion of the freight railroad system in Illinois,” said Tim Butler, President of the Illinois Railroad Association. “He understands the importance of what our historic rail system means not just to Illinois, but our nation, our continent and our entire world. His hard-fought advocacy for issues promoting a robust freight rail system helps get our state’s goods to market, ensures that Illinoisans have the items they want to purchase on store shelves and continues the emphasis that rail is an environmentally-friendly method of shipping.  The Illinois Railroad Association is proud to designate him as Railroader of the Year for 2022.”

DES PLAINES – State Senator Laura Murphy has been appointed to serve as Assistant Majority Leader of the Illinois Senate.

“I am honored to take on the role of Assistant Majority Leader,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “It’s a privilege to be entrusted to represent my colleagues in this capacity, and I look forward to working with them to advance legislation that brings positive change to our great state.”

Murphy is one of four assistant leaders in the Senate Democratic Caucus who assist the Senate President to develop and implement an agenda for the majority party.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman announced that the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has awarded grants to 48 communities in need of lead service line replacements, including a $50,000 grant for the City of Rockford and $50,000 for the City of Belvidere.

“These funds will help communities identify the problems in their water systems and provide the knowledge of what needs fixed first,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “As we map out the service lines, our communities can figure out who needs help the most and which residents may be more at risk so we can act and fix the lines that need it most.”

The Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act requires owners and operators of community water supplies in Illinois to submit a complete water service line material inventory for the Illinois EPA’s approval no later than April 15, 2024. The complete inventory must report the composition of all service lines within the CWS’s distribution system.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons continued his fight for more funding for struggling families, during a press conference he attended with State Representative Marcus C. Evans Jr. and the Economic Security Project on Tuesday, Feb. 7.

“Working parents are struggling worse than ever before. It is time for the state to create a permanent Child Tax Credit that puts money back into the pockets of parents in Illinois, so that parents can take care of their children and communities can begin to recover,” said State Senator Mike Simmons (D- Chicago). “I am so proud to stand with this broad and diverse coalition of organizations and parents today to call for a permanent Child Tax Credit.”    

Senator Simmons discussed legislation that will create a child tax credit, making Illinois one of the few states to have a state-level child tax credit.

CHICAGO – Thanks to money secured by State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. through the Rebuild Illinois capital program, $40 million is coming to the area to attract new businesses and spur more economic growth in Chicago’s South Side, as well as secure new jobs for the surrounding communities.

“We talk about the rising tide lifting all boats, and the work we are doing to put Illinois on the right financial path is allowing local communities to thrive economically because of those efforts,” said State Senator Elgie Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago).

The $40 million available grant will supercharge the development of megasites -- large, developed sites ready for occupancy for manufacturers, distribution centers, industrial centers, and more. Grants are available ranging from $250,000 to $5 million, and underserved areas will be prioritized.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Cervantes is happy to announce that the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has awarded grants to 48 communities in need of lead service line replacements, including a $40,000 grant for the Village of Lyons and $40,000 for the Village of Stickney.

“We need to prioritize clean drinking water being available to all communities,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “These funds will be utilized to identify and create a plan to repair lead service lines within our area.”

The Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act requires owners and operators of community water supplies in Illinois to submit a complete water service line material inventory for the Illinois EPA’s approval no later than April 15, 2024. The complete inventory must report the composition of all service lines within the CWS’s distribution system.

CHAMPAIGN— State Senator Paul Faraci urges the governor to ensure the University of Illinois’ Board of Trustees reflects the diversity of the university and will represent the values of the community.

Faraci (D-Champaign) emphasizes the need for Governor JB Pritzker to appoint qualified candidates to fill the vacancies created by former State Representative Naomi Jakobsson and Stuart King who both recently resigned

“My hope is that the governor will put forth candidates for the appointments who not only reflect the diversity of our community, but understand the needs and priorities of the University of Illinois and our region,” Faraci said. “The University of Illinois provides students with an excellent education and serves as an economic driver for the state. We need to ensure our board is made up of trustees that will make decisions to protect the rights of our students, faculty and staff.”

New Cunningham law promotes sustainable energy

SPRINGFIELD – With a looming power shortage on the grid, Illinois received a major boost to its renewable energy sector thanks to a law sponsored by State Senator Bill Cunningham.

"There is an energy shortage in Illinois right now, and it is causing uncertainly, which leads prices to spike and potentially future brownouts," said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. "This legislation will help solve that problem by expanding renewable energy opportunities."

Read more.

Sims leads sound fiscal decisions resulting in payoff of Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund debt

CHICAGO – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. — the Senate’s chief budget negotiator — led efforts that allowed Illinois to repay the remaining $1.36 billion unemployment insurance Trust Fund debt.

"This plan was the right thing to do for businesses, labor organizations and everyday Illinoisans," said Sims (D-Chicago), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. "I want people to know that if they need temporary help providing for their families, no matter the reason, Illinois has their back."

Read more.

Halpin announces more than $3 million coming to Macomb

MACOMB – With the support of State Senator Mike Halpin, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced the City of Macomb will receive $3.25 million to improve transportation as part of the historic Rebuild Illinois capital program.

"In order for the City of Macomb and WIU to grow, we need to make proper investments in infrastructure," said Halpin (D-Rock Island). "Macomb is a great place to live and work. I will continue to push the state to properly fund transportation services."

Read more.

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Paul Faraci, Champaign: Danville Area Community College receive over $300,000 for pre-apprenticeship program | WICS ABC 20

Senators Sara Feigenholtz, Chicago, Laura Murphy, Des Plaines, and Laura Fine, Glenview: 13 bills Illinois lawmakers have introduced in 2023 | Quad-City Times

Senator Adriane Johnson, Buffalo Grove: Sen. Johnson supports local film to combat human trafficking | Shaw Local

Copyright 2023 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved