UNIVERSITY PARK – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has released a grant of more than $600,000 to Riegel Farm for infrastructure improvements, thanks to the efforts of Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant and State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex).

“Riegel Farm is an untapped resource in the heart of University Park,” Joyce said. “This investment will provide recreation and education to area residents as well as visitors, which will benefit our community for years to come. I look forward to seeing this project develop in the months ahead.”

The Reigel Farm Revitalization Project offers a truly unique educational and recreational opportunity. This once active farm offers access to softball fields, tennis courts and historic farm buildings, which once served as the home of University Park’s Parks and Recreation Department.

This department previously ran an educational petting zoo and educated area residents about historic farming practices. The community has long since desired the reactivation of this truly one-of-a-kind resource.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) issued the following statement on the retirement of Springfield Police Chief Kenny Winslow:

“Chief Kenny Winslow has served the Springfield community with honor and dignity for many years. We have long had a friendly and productive working relationship going back to my time on the Springfield City Council.

“The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police is lucky to have Mr. Winslow – I know he will provide a great sense of knowledge and experience. I congratulate him on a successful career as police chief, and look forward to his continued service.”

Chief Winslow will be joining the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police as its part-time deputy director.

PALATINE – More than $100,000 is coming to Palatine to expand broadband access, thanks to efforts from State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights).

“Internet access has become increasingly important the past few years, so connecting our schools, workplaces and homes must be a priority,” said Gillespie. “Working from home and online schooling remains a challenge for people who lack quick, reliable access to broadband. Today, we change that for our neighbors in Palatine.” 

EAST ST. LOUIS – Over $200,000 in grant funding is coming to Madison and St. Clair Counties to enhance broadband accessibility for residents, thanks to support from State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) and State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D- Glen Carbon).

“The pandemic showed the need for an increase in broadband services through economic opportunity, remote learning and health care services,” Belt said. “These grants will bring resources toward the health, growth and education of our community through expanded accessibility.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced funding for 22 projects in every region of the state. The money is part of the second round of Connect Illinois to improve the lives of families, farmers, businesses, community institutions and other Illinoisans who rely on high-speed broadband for everything from education to healthcare access.

SPRINGFIELD – A longtime advocate for women’s rights, Senator Melinda Bush continues to fight for equal protection for women on what should have been the effective date of the Equal Rights Amendment.

“All states need to correct the shameful failure of our Constitution to ensure women are explicitly protected against discrimination,” said Bush (D-Grayslake). “Women deserve the same legal protections as men.”

Under the federal constitution, there is not a provision that expressly guarantees equality on the basis of sex. The proposed Equal Rights Amendment would grant such rights.

In 2018, Bush led efforts to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, making Illinois the 37^th state to do so. Under the U.S. Constitution, amendments become law once ratified by at least three-fourths of U.S. state legislatures — or 38 out of 50. Virginia became the 38^th state in January 2020. 

NAPERVILLE – In order to increase the availability of state assistance and informational resources to residents throughout the 21^st District, State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is kicking off the new year by offering residents the opportunity to meet with her constituent services team at two separate mobile office hours events.

“The work I do every day is shaped by the members of the community and the issues that concern them most,” Ellman said. “I can’t stress how important it is to get their feedback, and how necessary community input is to the legislative process.”

Community members will have two opportunities to meet with Ellman’s constituent service team to receive assistance with state agencies, provide input to the Senator and receive informational resources:

SPRINGFIELD—State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) invites residents to ask questions and get assistance at her Coffee, Conversation and Constituent Services event on Monday, Feb. 7 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Custom Cup Coffee.

“This is a great opportunity for the residents of Springfield and surrounding communities to enjoy a cup of coffee while having a conversation about state government, or to simply bring an issue to my attention,” Turner said. “I look forward to having a friendly conversation with those who are available to join me.”

DANVILLE – Illinois communities are preparing for a broadband infrastructure investment, and State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is pleased to see Champaign and Vermilion Counties receive a portion of $47 million in newly-announced broadband expansion funding.

“It became apparent during the start of the COVID-19 crisis that our communities were challenged with internet access,” Bennett said. “This funding is part of an overall effort to provide reliable, high-speed, affordable internet access to every home, business and community across the state.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced funding for 22 projects in every region of the state. The money is part of the second round of Connect Illinois, which is the state's broadband expansion plan, and the funding will help 14 different internet service providers, rural cooperatives and local governments.