Chicago — The Tools Up Foundation of Chicago received an Illinois Works Grant to support their pre-apprenticeship program to increase diversity in the construction trades, State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) announced Friday.

“For too long, many communities have not been adequately represented in the construction industry,” Peters said. “There is so much talent in our community that has been unable to enter into these fields, and I’m glad to see that there is a program available to help give them the support and the mentorship they need.”

The Tools Up Foundation is a nonprofit pre-apprenticeship program, preparing underrepresented groups to enter the construction trades. The Tools Up Foundation received a grant of $326,597 to support their work in building the next generation of diverse talent in the construction industry.

EAST ST. LOUIS – To support construction pre-apprenticeship programs, Southwestern Illinois College will receive nearly $250,000, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) announced Friday.

“Women and people of color are often underrepresented in the construction industry,” Belt said. “This funding opens the door for many people in the Metro East who want to pursue a job in construction and creates a new light for these individuals to have a career in other trade jobs.”

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) announced that the state’s request for medical staffing assistance for Javon Bea Hospital-Riverside has finally been granted.

“The omicron variant has caused one of the highest surge in cases since the pandemic started, and it is happening at a time where many hospitals are short-staffed,” Stadelman said. “I am happy the state’s request for medical assistance was granted, as Javon Bea needs more help than ever before.”

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) filed Senate Bill 3197 today to protect the families of Illinois social workers killed in the line of duty.

“When tragedies like this happen, we must ensure the families of those who serve our most vulnerable populations are cared for,” said Turner. “Deidra died as a dedicated public servant for our community, so this is the least we can do to honor her commitment to our state.”

Under the Public Safety and Police Benefits Act, if a law enforcement officer is killed in the line of duty, his or her spouse and children under the ages of 18 are eligible to receive health insurance benefits.

Senate Bill 3197 will extend the Public Safety and Police Benefits Act to include DCFS workers, providing benefits to the survivors of social workers killed in the line of duty.

The legislation will be retroactive for one year to ensure the family of the late Deidra Silas receives benefits from the state.

SPRINGFIELD – Service members and their spouses are receiving their professional licenses at a faster rate, thanks to a law championed by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea).

The new law makes transitions easier for people whose jobs depend on having a professional license and whose living arrangements are often changed by a deployment or cross-country transfer. An airman's spouse who works as an optometrist, for instance, would have an easier time receiving their license to practice in Illinois after transferring to Scott Airforce Base under the plan.

CHAMPAIGN – To highlight older adults who have contributed to their communities through service, education, the workforce or the arts, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is asking residents to submit their nominations to the Senior Illinoisan Hall of Fame.

“The members of the Senior Illinoisan Hall of Fame stand as an example to each of us,” Bennett said. “Let’s take this opportunity to acknowledge an older family member, friend or neighbor who goes out of their way to make our neighborhoods a better place by nominating them to the hall of fame.”

The Senior Illinoisan Hall of Fame celebrates outstanding accomplishments in community service, education, the labor force and the arts. Each year, four candidates — one from each category — are inducted.

Eligibility is based on an individual’s past and present accomplishments, and the candidate must be a current Illinois citizen or a former citizen for most of their life. Posthumous nominees are also considered.

Nominations for 2022 inductees must be submitted by June 1. For more information or to submit a nomination, visit www2.illinois.gov/aging/HallofFame.

AURORA –Aurora will receive $1.2 million in funds to boost the local business community, thanks to Assistant Senate Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora).

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will provide grants to enhance and revitalize local businesses, made possible by Illinois’ historic Rebuild Illinois Capital Program, legislation supported by Holmes in 2019.

SPRINGFIELD – Spouses of people in Medicaid-funded long-term care facilities could soon be able to keep more of their own personal savings thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest).

“Far too often, spouses of older adults in long-term care facilities are forced to pay high out-of-pocket rates for their own medical needs to ensure their loved one can keep their care,” Morrison said. “By aligning Illinois’ allowance for community spouses with the rest of the country, we are signaling to older adults that we care for them and wish to give them the ability to care for themselves and their spouse with no added stress.”