Halpin disheartened by federal slashing of Illinois farm program

• Farmers

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin is disheartened the federal administration ended the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program and the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program – a major blow for both farmers and the people who depend on the programs.

“With this decision, the federal administration has shown total contempt and lack of empathy for our local farmers and our communities most vulnerable,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Many Illinoisans depend on these programs to get fresh, healthy food and the federal administration is gleefully taking that food off folks’ dinner tables. The Illinois-EATS program allows us to connect disadvantaged farmers to people who desperately need access to healthy food. Slashing this program has brought uncertainty to folks who need as much stability in their lives as they can get.”

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Halpin: Former federal workers deserve a fair shot at continuing public service

SPRINGFIELD – Former federal workers will have an increased shot at continuing public service in Illinois, thanks to advocacy from State Senator Mike Halpin and residents of western Illinois.

“A local resident wrote a letter to my office asking that Illinois take on this issue and show these public servants the support and solidarity they deserve,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “I want folks across Illinois to know that when you speak up and participate in state government, you can make a difference.”

Illinois is hosting two Spring Career Fairs to recruit former federal workers to a diverse set of job opportunities in fields like engineering, health care and more. The news from the governor and the Illinois Department of Central Management Services comes after Halpin sent a letter to the governor urging him to attract former federal workers to Illinois government after they were unjustly fired. The federal government is the second largest employer in Illinois and many state agencies are looking for career professionals. Several constituents reached out to Halpin regarding this issue.

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Halpin’s bill to integrate the Quad Cities mental health system passes committee

• Mental Health

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin’s bill to support Rock Island mental facilities and vulnerable Iowa patients passed committee today.

“Health care access is a concern that crosses state lines,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Allowing Iowa patients to access Rock Island mental health infrastructure is a win-win, particularly with the quality care our facilities can provide.”

Senate Bill 188 would allow for Iowa involuntary in-patient admissions to be accepted at Rock Island County facilities in Illinois. Illinois law presently does not allow for involuntary admissions to cross state lines and patients may have to travel upwards of five hours away to receive care.

“This bill will give vulnerable patients access to a facility closer to their families and home towns,” said Halpin. “Allowing in-patient services across state lines will further integrate the Quad Cities and benefit residents on both sides of the river.”

Senate Bill 188 passed the Senate Behavioral and Mental Health Committee and now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

Halpin pushes bill to crack down on human trafficking

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin passed a bill through committee Wednesday that would ensure businesses give their employees mandated human trafficking training.

“This legislation will allow local governments and local law enforcement to keep tabs on businesses to ensure they are giving their employees this crucial training,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “We must do everything we can to make sure our communities are safe and combatting human trafficking is a top priority.”

Current law requires certain hotel, restaurant and truck stop employees to go through human trafficking recognition training. Halpin’s bill would allow local government and law enforcement to oversee and issues penalties to those establishments not in compliance with the law. Hotels, restaurants and truck stops are businesses that see a high propensity of human trafficking due to the nature of their business according to the U.S. State Department.

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