ROCK ISLAND – State Senator Mike Halpin announced that 23 school districts across Western Illinois will receive over $4 million in evidence-based funding.

“If we want to give children across Western Illinois the best opportunity for success in the modern world, it happens through education,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “The evidence-based funding model works; it gives extra funding to school districts to give students better outcomes.”

The funding comes from the 2017 Illinois Senate Democrat-backed evidence-based funding formula — an overhaul of the way the state funds K-12 education. The law made school funding more equitable by calculating the needs of individual school districts and basing its state revenue on those needs. The formula takes into account a district’s total enrollment, poverty rate and number of special education or English language learners, among other factors.

GALESBURG – In partnership with the Regional Office of Education #33 and the Galesburg Fire Department, State Senator Mike Halpin is inviting area residents for a free car seat safety check event.

“This is great chance to make sure that your little ones are staying safe when you’re driving,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Car seat safety checks provide an opportunity for you to learn the ins and outs of car seat safety.”

The car seat safety check event will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 29 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Galesburg Fire Station, located at 150 S. Broad St. Walk-ins are welcome as no appointment is needed to participate.

“The Henderson, Knox, Mercer, Warren Regional Office of Education #33 is proud to co-sponsor the first Car Seat Safety Event of the school year! Our 13 certified child passenger safety technicians look forward to not only providing this check event for our community but to also support car seat safety throughout the year,” said a spokesperson for the Regional Office of Education #33. “Families are welcome to contact ROE #33 for their car seat safety needs. We also look forward to supporting collaborating agencies who may have the need to learn more about car seat safety. Forty-six percent of car seats and booster seats are used incorrectly, let us help reduce that percentage by keeping your child safe!”

Residents who need additional assistance or have questions can reach out to Senator Halpin’s Galesburg constituent service office at (309) 297-4483 or visit SenatorHalpin.com.

ROCK ISLAND – State Senator Mike Halpin highlighted progress on six major infrastructure projects across the Quad Cities that are addressing the need for improved transportation and economic growth.

“Illinois is getting serious about upgrading roads and bridges here in the Quad Cities,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “These projects will boost long-term economic growth and keep the Quad Cities moving forward.”

Approximately $66.4 million in funding is being invested into six major transportation infrastructure projects across the Quad Cities for all modes of transportation: roads, bridges, transit, waterways, freight and passenger rail, aviation, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

Of the six projects, the three that are expected to be completed this year will deliver improvements to Interstate 280 over the Sgt. John F. Baker Jr. Mississippi River Bridge, John Deere Road in Moline, and Illinois 92 in Rock Island County. Construction projects on I-74/280 over Shaffer Creek, I-88 at 248^th Street North in Rock Island County, U.S. 67 (Centennial Bridge) over Mississippi River, and U.S. 150 in Coal Valley were completed in June and July. The two remaining projects will begin in 2025, bringing road and bridge repairs to I-80 from the Rock River to U.S. 6 in Henry County and Illinois 84 in Colona from the Rock River to 0.2 miles north of U.S. 6.

ROCK ISLAND – With support from State Senator Mike Halpin and State Representative Gregg Johnson, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity recently announced the latest round of Back to Business grants awarded to businesses in the restaurant industry.

“The Quad Cities is home to many amazing small businesses that provide the community with places to go and jobs for our local economy,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “It’s great to see the state making investments back into these small businesses so they can plan for the future.”

The Back to Business grant program provides recovery grants for small businesses throughout the state, with an emphasis on businesses in the hardest hit industries. Through the Back to Business and Business Interruption Grant programs, DCEO has provided more than $535 million to more than 15,000 businesses since the start of the pandemic.

Nine restaurants in the Quad Cities area will receive a combined total of $360,000 through this round of Back to Business grants.

“This funding recognizes the impact small businesses and family-owned restaurants have on our area,” said Johnson (D-East Moline). “The COVID-19 pandemic hit us all hard, and it’s good to see funding coming back home to help small businesses for the long run.”

For more information about Back to Business grants, visit DCEO’s website.