Halpin: We must ensure Illinois remains a pillar of stability to its residents

• Budget

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin (D-Rock Island) released the following statement in response to the governor’s budget address Wednesday:

“Illinois is moving ahead with a balanced budget, but we need to remain vigilant. Fiscal responsibility must be emphasized, and we must make clear that the Rock Island region’s needs are as important as any other part of Illinois.”

“This budget year I will fight to protect and enhance higher education funding. We must also create incentives for affordable middle class housing in order to ease the financial burden on Illinois families. Protecting pensions remains a top priority of mine and I will also continue to support additional funding for K-12 schools.”

“I am encouraged by proposed funding increases to MAP Grants, money for our pension obligation, and shoring up the state’s rainy day fund.”

“With uncertainty and funding cuts coming from the federal government, Illinois cannot cut corners on essential programs for our most vulnerable. We must ensure Illinois remains a pillar of stability to its residents.”

Halpin to tackle flaws in the justice system on newly assigned task force

• Criminal Justice

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin has been appointed to the Community Based Corrections Task Force by Senate President Don Harmon.

“I am excited to work with community members and experts to create a justice system that fairly treats people with mental illness, addiction and other vulnerable folks while making our community safer,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “This task force will enable us to create a holistic analysis and response to cracks in our justice system.”

The task force was created by legislation from Halpin, which was signed into law by the governor in 2024. The task force’s goals are to assess detention, rehabilitation alternatives and specialty courts in Illinois’ correctional system. Following these assessments, the task force will make recommendations and suggestions to the General Assembly based on their findings.

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Halpin introduces legislation to bring $7.2 million dollars to Western Illinois University

• Education

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin introduced legislation to bring $7.2 million to Western Illinois University to drive new initiatives in innovation, workforce development and economic growth in the Quad Cities.

“Our state must ensure it can continue to fully serve its students and the broader community,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “This funding will give WIU the boost it needs to tackle higher education needs in the Quad Cities and beyond.”

Western Illinois University is launching several initiatives to help shape the next evolution of WIU-QC, including growing opportunities for local business through procurement and development assistance and building on programs that will position Western Illinois University to implement the community needs outlined in the recently released Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) “Thrive Quad Cities” report.

“These dollars will allow WIU to step forward,” said Halpin. “We must give the university the tools to enable a stable solution and this funding is the way to accomplish that goal.”

“As a lifelong resident of the Quad Cities, it is an honor to lead the next era of public higher education for our community,” said Dr. Kristi Mindrup, president of Western Illinois University. “An additional $7.2 million investment in Western Illinois University will lead to exciting opportunities in education, engineering, and healthcare that meet the needs of the Quad Cities region and beyond.”

Senate Bill 1308 is awaiting to be heard in the Senate Education Appropriations Committee.

Halpin announces annual Valentine’s Day card drive for seniors

ROCK ISLAND – State Senator Mike Halpin is collecting store bought or handmade cards for residents in long-term care facilities for Valentine’s Day in order to brighten their day.

“I want to give the community a chance to lift up local seniors’ spirits this Valentine’s Day,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “A small gesture like a card can have a big effect on a person’s day.”

Local residents are encouraged to write kind notes and drop them off or mail them to Halpin’s district office, located at 117 E. Main St. Suite 103 Galesburg, IL 61401. He is collecting cards until Feb. 10 and will deliver them to local long-term care facilities.

People with questions can reach out to Halpin’s Rock Island office at (309) 558-3612 or Galesburg office at (309) 297-4483.