Dear neighbor,

November has a lot to bring – fall weather, Thanksgiving festivities, holiday shopping and our fall veto session.

Keep reading for updates about all of this and more.

As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office online or at (309) 558-3612 with any questions or concerns you may have.

Best,

Mike Halpin
State Senator | District 36

Springfield update

We recently wrapped up our fall veto session, where we passed measures to tackle issues such as utility scam awareness, mental health care for first responders and more!

Legislation I supported included:

  • Senate Resolution 1298 recognizes Nov. 20, 2024 as Utility Scam Awareness Day, and serves as an advocacy and awareness campaign to inform communities about these scams and expose scammer tactics.
  • Senate Bill 507 would clarify prior legislation by defining “first responder” in the Illinois Freedom to Work Act to include current and former first responders, which ensures that first responders and veterans can seek mental health care from providers of their choice.
  • House Bill 793 would lay a supportive foundation to help employer’s transition to paying their employees with disabilities a fair wage, as many in Illinois are paid under $1 an hour for their work.

Illinois Association of Fire Protection Districts award

I had the honor of being recognized with the Legislator of the Year award from the Illinois Association of Fire Protection District. I am grateful to have worked with IAFPD on important issues that impact our first responders, and I look forward to continuing to ensure our first responders are supported with essential resources and services.

In the district

Happy Thanksgiving

Let our lives be full of both thanks and giving. I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve this community. Wishing you and your family peace, love and joy this holiday season!

Small Business Saturday

Small businesses are the backbones of our communities. Shop local this holiday season. Small business Saturday is a perfect day to support your favorite local stores, restaurants and more.

Resources and grant opportunities

Stay safe this winter

Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning and heart attacks from overexertion. Stay safe this winter with these winter weather safety and preparedness tips by clicking here.

Help Stop Hate

A new portal has been released to provide confidential support for our communities and neighbors affected by hate. Help Stop Hate will assist people in accessing the resources they need – such as physical and mental health care, trauma support and more.

To file a report and receive help, visit IlStopHate.org or call 877-458-4283. 

Get Covered Illinois

Open enrollment has begun for the Get Covered Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace. Visit GetCovered.Illinois.gov to choose from over 300 quality, affordable health plans before Jan. 15.

New EV rebate program

The Illinois EPA’s next Electric Vehicle Rebate Program funding cycle is opening on Jan. 21, 2025, with $14 million available for rebates for the current fiscal year, which ends on June 30, 2025.You can learn more about the Illinois Electric Vehicle Rebate Program here.

College Changes Everything

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission has launched its annual College Changes Everything Fall campaign. ISAC is offering a number of activities and resources to help with financial planning, including college application assistance, financial aid application workshops and more. Learn more at isac.org.

Utility bill assistance

Illinois families most in need can apply for utility bill assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This includes seniors, people with disabilities, families with children under age 6 and households facing utility disconnection. Learn more and apply here or call 1-833-711-0374 for assistance in 30 languages.

Grants available for new grocery stores in food deserts

Eligible entities can apply for funding to combat food insecurity across Illinois through the second round of the New Stores in Food Deserts Program. This Illinois Grocery Initiative supports new independent, nonprofit and co-op grocery stores, as well as new stores run by local governments. Learn more and apply by Monday, Dec. 2 by visiting the DCEO website.

Over $25 million available for electric public transit buses

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is accepting applications for funding to support the replacement of existing public transit buses with all-electric options. Grants will be awarded to eligible government and transit agencies on a first-come, first-served basis. To learn more and apply, click here.

Licensing processing updates

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation is expanding its pilot program for licensees looking to reinstate or restore their licenses. Professionals with 18 different license types can now find their reactivation requirements online instead of contacting IDFPR to determine their criteria.

Rental assistance program open now

The Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program provides financial assistance to tenants and landlords who have pending cases in eviction court. Applicants may qualify for up to $15,000 in emergency rental payments that can be applied to past due rent, up to $500 for court costs, and up to two months’ future rent to prevent eviction. Learn more and see if you qualify here.

New funding for clean energy and pollution reduction

Good news: Illinois was recently awarded funding to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the deployment of zero-emissions vehicles and infrastructure at ports across the state. This is a big win for our communities – putting us one step closer toward our efforts to transition to 100% clean energy by 2050.

The Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus is hiring

Are you interested in working in Illinois government in a fast-paced, inclusive work environment? The Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus has several open positions in their Springfield office. View the job posting here.