SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin’s legislation creating the Rock Island Regional Port District was signed into law.

"Bringing about legislation that contributes to the betterment of our local community is the best part about being a legislator,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). "This legislation further equips the City of Rock Island with an instrument for fostering economic growth.”

The establishment of the Rock Island Regional Port District aligns with the goal of encouraging the use of waterways to efficiently transport goods and provide for economies of scale. The Port District will also boost recreation and tourism activities along the river. The Rock Island Regional Port District will be the 20th public port district in Illinois, joining the likes of the Waukegan Port District and the Illinois International Port District.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin and State Senator Neil Anderson announced the signing of Senate Bill 1750, aimed at creating incentives to recruit much-needed emergency medical technicians in Illinois fire departments, and the signing of a measure which allows a $500 tax credit for volunteer emergency workers.

"EMTs and volunteer firefighters are an important part of what keeps our communities safe," said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “This was a concerted effort to give local fire protection districts additional tools that allow them to recruit and retain emergency service workers.”

Senate Bill 1750 requires the board of trustees of a fire protection district to reimburse the mandatory training expenses of EMTs, EMT-Is, A-EMTs, or paramedics who are employed by or under contract with the district. The mandatory training expenses will be covered by a state-funded program.

EMTs are essential first responders in emergency situations and are often the first point of contact for patients. However, many fire departments in Illinois are struggling to recruit and retain EMTs due to the high cost of training and certification. The new law provides a much-needed incentive for candidates to pursue a career in emergency medical services and helps ensure that fire departments have the necessary personnel to respond to emergencies and save lives.

ROCK ISLAND – To emphasize the importance of learning throughout the summer, State Senator Mike Halpin is hosting a Summer Book Club to encourage students to read and continue their studies during the summer vacation.

“This is a great opportunity for students to have fun and keep learning this summer through reading,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “I encourage families with children to participate in this program. Our goal is to keep kids engaged this summer and keep them reading.”

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form, and return the form to Halpin’s office by Aug. 18. Every child who completes the Summer Book Club will receive a gift card and a certificate from Senator Halpin.

Summer Book Club forms are available to download at SenatorHalpin.com. Senator Halpin urges residents with questions to call his Rock Island office at (309) 558-3612 or Galesburg office at (309) 297-4483.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin’s legislation that ensures Illinois State University police officers receive the same line of duty disability benefits as every other police officer in the state was signed into law today.

"This is a benefit we hope no officer has to use, but our university police deserve the same benefits as our other officers," said Halpin (D-Rock Island). "We are strengthening their line of duty disability benefit to 65% of their salary, because it’s the right thing to do."

There are currently a total of 659 University police officers enrolled in the State Universities Retirement System (SURS). Under Halpin’s legislation, SURS police will receive a line of duty disability benefit for 65% of their salary. This is parity with all other police officers in the state of Illinois.