SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin has been appointed chair of the Senate Committee on Educations Appropriations in the 104th General Assembly.

“I am committed to the upkeep and expansion of Illinois’ public education system,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Education is the bedrock of the economy and our community. Laser focus on education will be required to begin the revitalization of the Quad Cities and other downstate communities.”

The Senate Committee on Education Appropriation deals with funding and oversight of projects related to education. Education Appropriations covers primary, secondary, as well as higher education. This means projects covering everything from grade schools to public colleges and universities.

“Education is a person’s best tool to navigating these uncertain times,” said Halpin. “As chair, I will dedicate my time to ensuring Illinois has a fully funded education system and every Illinoisan has full access to that system.”

Halpin will chair the committee throughout the 104th General Assembly.

ROCK ISLAND – State Senator Mike Halpin announced Tuesday that Henderson Health Center is set to receive over $110,000 through the Health Equity Zone Pilot Projects pilot program.

“Addressing health inequities within our community continues to be a priority. Everyone deserves to have access to compassionate, quality, and accessible health care,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “At a time when corporate health insurance continues to fail regular people in western Illinois, grants such as the Health Equity Zone pilot program play an integral role in bolstering access to care.”

SPRINGFIELD – To help protect consumers from utility scams, State Senator Mike Halpin spearheaded a resolution in the Senate declaring Nov. 20, 2024 as Utility Scam Awareness Day.

“Scammers are smart and ever-evolving with their tactics to trick customers into sharing personal or financial information,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “This leaves residents unaware and unable to decipher if a phone call, text or email is from their utility company or not.”

ROCK ISLAND – State Senator Mike Halpin recently announced over $300,000 is coming to the area to enhance adult volunteer literacy and library programs.

“Our libraries and their programs underpin a community where everyone has access to resources to bolster their education,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “With this funding, our neighbors will be able to continue their efforts in improving their reading, writing, math and English literacy skills.”

The grants were awarded by Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias, who has awarded nearly $22 million for library services and $6 million for literacy programs throughout the state.