MARYVILLE – State Senator Kris Tharp joined officials Monday to announce a combined $7.6 million to support restoration projects in Alton, Collinsville and Edwardsville.

“Take a walk or drive down any Main Street in the Metro East, and you’ll be met with character, historic buildings and cultural history,” said Tharp (D-Bethalto). “For those of us who are proud to live here and call this area home, we understand its potential to be a major tourism destination, and I’m pleased to announce this funding to help bring these plans in Alton, Collinsville and Edwardsville to fruition.”

Funded in part through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Rebuild Illinois Main Street and Downtown Capital Program and the American Rescue Plan Act, three entities in Madison County were awarded funds to develop downtown areas:

• Alton Works - $3,000,000
• City of Collinsville - $1,828,350
• City of Edwardsville - $2,869,031

To restore the city’s once vibrant history, Alton Works has plans to use the funding to revitalize the downtown area and build a business incubator in the former Wedge Bank Building.

The City of Collinsville has plans to use the funding to undertake a new project in working to revitalize a nationally-popular, economic corridor from St. Louis Road and Main Street near uptown and ending at the Cahokia Mounds World Heritage site.

To expand economic development and support business growth on Main Street, the City of Edwardsville will use the grant to improve water, sewer and streetscape infrastructure.

“I’d like to extend my appreciation to the local officials—the mayors, city councils and other community members who have gotten us to this point,” said Tharp. “The combined $7.6 million investments into Alton, Collinsville and Edwardsville will create jobs for residents, modernize infrastructure, and encourage patrons and visitors to explore the local downtown.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced $106 million in capital grants that were awarded to revitalize 50 commercial corridors and main streets across Illinois. The historic Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets Capital program represents the largest-ever Rebuild Illinois investment focused on community revitalization.

A full list of grantees is available on DCEO’s website.

EAST ST. LOUIS – To improve infrastructure and create jobs for residents, State Senator Christopher Belt announced the Village of Fairmont City as a recipient of a Rebuild Downtowns and Main Streets grant through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

“Residents depend on reliable, safe transportation to prosper in their communities and spur economic development in the region,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “The $1.27 million investment in the Village of Fairmont City will create jobs for residents to maintain roadways and improve existing infrastructure.”

To enhance the quality of life for local families and create jobs for residents, the Village of Fairmont City was awarded $1.27 million for roadway, streetscape and drainage infrastructure improvements along the Cookston Street corridor.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced $106 million in capital grants that were awarded to revitalize 50 commercial corridors and main streets across Illinois. The historic Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets Capital program represents the largest-ever Rebuild Illinois investment focused on community revitalization.

A full list of grantees is available on DCEO’s website.

CHICAGO – Building on the smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Jacqueline Collins, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced an investment of more than $220 million in the 16^th Senate District.

“Drivers rely on well-maintained roads to get to work and around our community, and we’ve neglected the state of our infrastructure for far too long,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Thanks to the Rebuild Illinois program, these investments will improve roads and bridges across the state and provide improved access to jobs and opportunity in our area.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Project under the Rebuild Illinois program, the 16^th District will see 27 infrastructure projects totaling $220,052,000 over the next six years. Some of the most vital projects coming to the area include:

• Bridge repairs on Interstate 55 (Stevenson Expressway)
• Bridge repairs on U.S. 12, U.S. 20, U.S. 45 and La Grange Rd. in Willow Springs and Hodgkins
• New bridge and improved lighting on Illinois Route 43 (Harlem Ave.) in Bridgeview
• Railroad crossing improvements throughout the 16^th District

These projects are part of IDOT’s multi-year plan, a $34.6 billion investment in construction projects for the next six fiscal years.

The $34.6 billion will go to highway reconstruction and preservation, bridge improvements, strategic expansion, system support such as engineering and land acquisition, and safety and system modernizations. Over six years, the funding will be dispersed to improve more than 2,500 miles of roads and nearly 10 million square feet of bridges.

To find a full list of projects slated for the 16^th Senate District, visit IDOT’s website.

GLENVIEW – State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) has been selected to join the new class of Milbank Fellows. The Milbank Fellows Program is a leadership program that focuses on public policy to improve health outcomes.  This year’s class consists of 23 legislative and executive branch leaders from around the country whose work includes improving population health and health equity.

“I am honored to be selected to participate in this program, along with leaders from across the country who are also committed to improving health care in their communities,” Fine said. “During my time in the legislature, I have focused on a realm of healthcare issues, from access to affordability for both physical and mental health. I am excited to work with the program and   learn new, evidence-based approaches to improve population health—allowing me to better serve my district and Illinois as a whole.”

The Milbank Fellowship program works to improve population health and health equity by collaborating with leaders and decision makers. Under the fellowship program, leaders will    gain new knowledge about specific population health issues, interdisciplinary health and human services systems, and evidence-based approaches to improving population health. It also offers opportunities to expand their personal insight and leadership capacities in support of defining and advancing a population health vision and agenda, as well as to create meaningful connections with a network of colleagues.

“Each Fellow in our new cohort brings a remarkable wealth of health policy expertise as well as diversity of life experience,” said Milbank program officer Kate McEvoy, who oversees the state leadership programs. “We look forward to engaging with the Fellows and supporting them in continuous learning and the development of successful population health initiatives.”

Senator Fine will serve as a fellow in the 2022-2023 cohort.

SHOREWOOD – Building upon the smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced millions in road and bridge improvement projects coming to the area this year.

“This plan is a symbol of the things that can be accomplished by a government that works together,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Only good can come of prioritizing public safety and good paying jobs.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Cappel represents will see 11 infrastructure projects totaling more than $18 million over the next six years.

Some of the most vital projects coming to the area this year include intersection improvement and construction engineering in Plainfield at 127^th Street.

These projects are part of IDOT’s multi-year plan, a $34.6 billion investment in construction projects for the next six fiscal years.  

The $34.6 billion will go to highway reconstruction and preservation, bridge improvements, strategic expansion, system support such as engineering and land acquisition, and safety and system modernizations. Over six years, the funding will be dispersed to improve more than 2,500 miles of roads and nearly 10 million square feet of bridges.

“Not only will these projects make our community more vibrant, it will bring forth good paying jobs,” Loughran Cappel said. “Thanks to this program, people have the opportunity to seek out a good job that can sustain them and their families for the foreseeable future.”

To find a full list of projects slated for the 49^th Senate District, visit IDOT’s website.

$35 billion Senate Democrat-backed infrastructure plan released

SPRINGFIELD – Building upon the smart infrastructure investments made by Illinois Senate Democrats through the 2019 Rebuild Illinois Capital Program, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced last week an investment of nearly $35 billion to improve roads, bridges, transit, rail and airports across the state.

“These investments in our roads, highways and bridges will create good-paying jobs, stimulate economic growth and connect our communities,” said State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield). “I am excited to see these vital improvements revitalize Illinois' infrastructure and provide working families safe transportation systems to drive to work and visit loved ones.”

Read more.

Cards for Cooper: Morrison collects cards for 8-year-old wounded in 4th of July mass shooting

HIGHLAND PARK – Cooper Roberts went to the Highland Park Fourth of July parade with his family, excited to celebrate the day. However, after a gunman opened fire on the parade – shooting 8-year-old Cooper in the chest – he was left paralyzed from the waist down.

To show Cooper the community supports him and is cheering him on throughout his recovery process, State Senator Julie Morrison is collecting store bought and handmade cards that she will then deliver to Cooper’s family.

“Almost everyone in the community has been thinking about and cheering on Cooper throughout his recovery process,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “He’s doing much better, but still has a long way to go. Let’s show him how many people care.”

Read more.

Animal advocate Holmes applauds IDOA action on pet stores skirting new puppy mill regulations

AURORA – The Illinois Department of Agriculture has sent petitions of license revocation to three pet shops in Illinois operating in violation of the Animal Welfare Act, and State Senator Linda Holmes, sponsor of House Bill 1711, commends this effort and released the following statement:

“This new state law prohibits the sale of pets from unscrupulous breeders and puppy mills and instead requires these stores to help connect shelter or rescue pets with potential adopters," said Holmes (D-Aurora).

Read more.

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AURORA – The Illinois Department of Agriculture has sent petitions of license revocation to three pet shops in Illinois operating in violation of the Animal Welfare Act, and State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora), sponsor of House Bill 1711, commends this effort and released the following statement: 

“This new state law prohibits the sale of pets from unscrupulous breeders and puppy mills and instead requires these stores to help connect shelter or rescue pets with potential adopters.

“Some store owners have attempted to skirt the new regulations, but the Illinois Department of Agriculture has investigated and is acting to potentially revoke their licenses. IDOA is working to ensure compliance with this and other laws that keep animals safe, and I commend their efforts in this matter.

“The newly-updated business model is growing across the U.S., and stores that follow this trend are continuing to succeed without selling poorly bred pets with a myriad of health problems and at exorbitant prices. All types of businesses must comply with regulations, and that includes pet shops.”

Holmes has a long and successful legislative record of measures related to animal health and welfare throughout her career in the Illinois Senate.

HIGHLAND PARK – Cooper Roberts went to the Highland Park Fourth of July parade with his family, excited to celebrate the day. However, after a gunman opened fire on the parade – shooting 8-year-old Cooper in the chest – he was left paralyzed from the waist down.

To show Cooper the community supports him and is cheering him on throughout his recovery process, Senator Morrison is collecting store bought and handmade cards that she will then deliver to Cooper’s family.