ROCK ISLAND – State Senator Mike Halpin announced three area mental health centers have been selected to participate in a federal program designed to expand and improve access to coordinated mental health care and substance use treatment.

“This is an investment in the health and well-being of our local communities,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Being selected as part of this program will ensure mental and behavioral health services are available for residents in crisis, regardless of their ability to pay.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin (D-Rock Island) released the following statement on the Senate passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget:

“Although aspects of the budget we passed tonight leave me disappointed, and we’ll need to do more work next year, no budget is perfect. What we passed tonight strikes a balance that will benefit the people of Western Illinois.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin advanced a measure through the Illinois Senate to create specialty Air Force Combat Action Medal license plates.  

“This is a way for us to thank Air Force veterans for their service to our country,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “I was proud to see this measure pass with bipartisan support.”

Currently, the Air Force is the only branch of the military that does not have a license plate for combat veterans. The Illinois Secretary of State is authorized to issue Combat Action Ribbon license plates to members of the Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps, and Combat Action Badge license plates to special groups within the Army.

ROCK ISLAND – State Senator Mike Halpin announced that three businesses in the QC area have been awarded grants through the Made in Illinois Grant Program.

“It’s good to see the state investing in the businesses that are making products right here at home,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “We need more Illinois-made products so we don't have to rely on overseas manufacturers.”

The program, which provides up to $50,000 in matching grant funding, is dedicated to fostering innovation and strategic advancements within the Illinois manufacturing sector. Forty recipients across the state were awarded a combined total of $1.7 million.

Moline Welding, Tri-City Heat Treat Company and Whitey’s Ice Cream were each awarded $47,420 in funding.