SPRINGFIELD – Illinois lawmakers may soon be required to make regular payments toward the state’s rainy day and pension funds, thanks to State Senator Doris Turner.

Turner (D-Springfield) introduced Senate Bill 4230, which would send $200 million into the fund at the end of each fiscal year or the amount that is necessary to ensure the rainy day fund is 5% of the state budget.

“The state’s budget is a representation of our residents’ values and priorities,” said Turner. “It is important that we put the mechanisms in place to ensure Illinois has a secure financial future. This measure will build these assurances into our budgets going forward to display our commitment to fiscal stability and security.”

In August, the state's Budget Stabilization Fund, commonly known as the rainy day fund, saw its balance exceed $1 billion for the first time.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is encouraging high-school aged girls to apply to the 2022 Illinois Council on Women and Girls. Participants will have the opportunity to learn the legislative process firsthand.

“Young women today are growing up in a different world. It’s important for legislators to listen to the voices and concerns of these girls as we make our way forward in these new times,” said Sen. Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “This is a wonderful opportunity for high-schoolers who have a passion for civic engagement and want their voices to be heard.”

LAKE FOREST – State Senator Julie Morrison will host a community forum on PFAS and forever chemicals at 6:30-7:30 p.m., Tuesday Oct. 11 at Elawa Farm in Lake Forest.

“Some of our neighbors have expressed an interest in the risk posed by forever chemicals in our water,” said Senator Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “I encourage all to join us for an informative event with experts who are working to provide us with clean water.”

Expert panelists will include Brad Frost and Tesch Woods, Office of Community Relations, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency; Aaron Martin, Toxicology Manager, Illinois Department of Public Health; and Iyana Simba, City Programs Director, Illinois Environmental Council.

TAYLORVILLE— Area residents, local organizations and state agencies joined State Senator Doris Turner and the Senior Citizens of Christian County for a senior fair event at the center on Tuesday.

The event provided area seniors the opportunity to connect with local organizations, government agencies, and health care facilities and providers to stay-up-to date with available resources and services. Seniors were also offered the chance to receive flu shots and partake in bone density tests.

“Our community senior fairs help connect area residents with state agencies, health care providers and local organizations to learn more about vital resources and take advantage of screenings and flu shots,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We are thankful for the opportunity to work with the Senior Citizens of Christian County to host this informative event and provide area seniors with helpful services.”

WAUKEGAN – To offer residents the opportunity to voice their opinions and work with her office to find solutions, State Senator Adriane Johnson is hosting a listening session at B.A.M. 4 the Mind in Waukegan.

“With the upcoming legislative session in November, it’s important for me to hear from our neighbors to know how I can best represent their interests in Springfield,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “I’m calling on the members of our diverse community to join my office at this listening session to bring their concerns directly to us.”

The event will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27 at B.A.M. 4 the Mind, located at 801 S. McAlister Ave. in Waukegan.

Questions should be directed to Sen. Johnson’s office by calling 847-672-6201.

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Scott Bennett is reminding Illinois residents that October is College Changes Everything Month in Illinois. This month, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission teams up with high schools and community partners to support students in their college admission processes.

“The transition from high school to college can be confusing to students, which often times turns away interest in pursuing higher education,” said Bennett (D-Champaign). “College Changes Everything Month is a great time to take advantage of the resources available to high school seniors.”

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced a new $6 million capital grant program designed to strengthen the meat and poultry supply chain by helping independently owned meat processing companies in Illinois to improve the meat processing supply chain in Illinois.

“This grant shows the state’s continuous commitment in investing into our communities and businesses to help them grow,” said State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex). “The food supply chain has experienced high demand in recent years, which has caused issues for both consumers and producers. This program will help alleviate shortages and create new jobs across our communities.”

Eligible companies can apply for grants from $250,000 to $1.5 million, with a company match of at least four times the amount awarded. Companies can receive funding for the construction of a new facility, the expansion or renovation of existing facilities, or modernization of processing and manufacturing equipment.

CHICAGO HEIGHTS– Last Friday, State Senator Patrick Joyce joined local community leaders to launch the Southland Reactivation Act. The purpose of the Southland Reactivation Act is to attract development, create jobs and lower property taxes in the south suburbs.

“This bill is a big win for the Southland community. It will break the cycle of disinvestment that has been happening for too long in this area,” said Joyce. “This economic development tool has the potential—at no cost to the State— to address blight, expand the tax base, create local jobs in the south suburbs and assist in reducing property taxes for homeowners.”