Dear neighbor,
As the weather warms up and the legislative session is in full swing, I want to give you an update on some important measures I’m working on. Read on for district updates, resources, funding opportunities and more.
As always, my office is available to help you access state resources, answer questions on legislation and more. Reach out by calling my Rock Island office at (309) 558-3612, Galesburg office at (309) 297-4483 or sending me a message on my website.
Sincerely,
Mike Halpin
State Senator | 36th District
Legislative updates
Pushing to expand popular cover crops program
This Illinois Department of Agriculture’s Crop Insurance Rebate Initiative is offered to landowners with additional acres of cover crops that are not covered by other state and federal program incentives. Eligible applicants receive a premium discount, up to $5 per acre depending on the policy, on the following year's crop insurance for every cover crop acre enrolled and verified in the program. This cover crops program is extremely popular and good for the environment. It makes sense to expand a program that will keep our soil healthy for generations to come. Read more here.
Securing funding to help with nursing shortage
I helped secure nearly $100,000 in funding heading to Carl Sandburg College to help increase the number of professional nurses in Illinois. If we want better health care access, we have to make strategic investments in the health care workforce. There is a pressing need for professional nurses in hospitals and medical centers across Western Illinois. That’s why it’s so critical we actually try to solve the issue, and not just sit on our hands. Read more here.
In the district
Galesburg Touch-a-Truck event
Join Galesburg Parks & Recreation for their annual Touch-a-Truck event on Wednesday, May 1 from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Lake Storey Pavilion Parking Lot. This event is free for individuals and families, and groups can pre-register here.
Farm tour
I recently toured Dwayne Anderson’s farm. Thank you to the Illinois Soybean Association for the invitation. Wishing all of our Illinois farmers a safe and successful planting season.
Resources
Transit discounts available through the Benefit Access Program
Are you an Illinois resident age 65 or older, or age 16 or older and living with a permanent disability? If you meet income requirements, you may be eligible to receive a discount on your license plate or a free transit pass. These benefits are part of the Illinois Department on Aging Benefit Access Program, which you can learn more about and apply to by visiting the IDoA website or calling 1-800-252-8966. If you use TTY, call 1-888-206-1327.
Grants and funding opportunities
Preschool provider funding is available now
Illinois has a plan to make this the best state in the nation to raise a family, and that starts with making sure all children can attend a high-quality preschool. The Illinois State Board of Education is making this possible by offering an additional $75 million to help existing preschools grow and get new programs up and running.
School districts, child care centers and community-based organizations located in preschool deserts should apply for funding by May 16. More information is available on the ISBE website.
Apply for homelessness prevention workforce funding
Homeless-service agencies and workforce development organizations can now apply for funding to serve as community partners in the Home Illinois Workforce Pilot Program. Grant funding will be used to bolster efforts to connect people experiencing homelessness to employment and job training opportunities. Eligible entities can apply now through May 3 for grants up to $2 million. To apply, visit the DCEO website.
Nearly $100 million available for EV charging infrastructure
Apply now for funding to boost the availability of public electric vehicle charging infrastructure! Businesses, nonprofits, public agencies and local governments – especially in unserved or underserved areas – can apply for a grant to cover eligible costs associated with new level 2 and level 3 charging stations. Find more information and apply by May 10 on the Illinois EPA website.
Another opportunity for funding is available through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program. The Illinois Department of Transportation is providing $50 million for the construction of 46 charging stations across the state to ensure charging infrastructure along Illinois interstates remains reliable and accessible for years to come. Find more information about the NEVI grant program and apply by May 7 on the IDOT website.