SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin advanced a measure through the Senate State Government Committee which will require lodging establishments in Illinois to provide Human Trafficking Recognition Training (HTRT) to their employees in order to receive state and local funds.

"Human trafficking is a terrible crime that destroys lives and tears apart families," said Halpin (D-Rock Island). "We have a responsibility to do everything we can to combat this heinous practice and ensure that our state is a safe and welcoming place for all people.”

The legislation aims to combat human trafficking in Illinois by ensuring that employees of lodging establishments are trained to recognize and report signs of human trafficking. By making HTRT a requirement for lodging establishments to receive state and local funds, the bill will create a strong incentive for businesses to invest in training their employees and help prevent human trafficking from occurring in Illinois.

"Human trafficking is a global problem, but we can make a real impact right here in Illinois," said Halpin. "We need to stand up and say we will not spend taxpayer dollars at hotels who fail to provide this training.”

Senate Bill 1236 passed the Senate State Government Committee on Wednesday and awaits further action.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin responded to the governor’s proposed budget address Wednesday.

The governor’s proposed budget includes an increase of $219 million to higher education institutions, including a seven percent increase across the board for operations.

“The future of higher education in Illinois starts with making this much needed increase,” Halpin said.  “By investing in our colleges and universities, we are investing in the future of our state and ensuring that our students have the opportunity to receive a quality education and compete in the global marketplace."

The governor’s proposed budget also includes $10 million for a clean energy Career and Technical Education pilot program to assist high schools with developing and programming that supports electric vehicle manufacturing.

“As budget negotiations continue, I look forward to making sure Western Illinois gets its fair share,” said Halpin. “I hope the governor maintains his commitment to rebuilding Illinois’ infrastructure and providing alternative paths for our next generation who are seeking alternatives to college.”

MACOMB – With the support of State Senator Mike Halpin, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced the City of Macomb will receive $3.25 million to improve transportation as part of the historic Rebuild Illinois capital program.

“In order for the City of Macomb and WIU to grow, we need to make proper investments in infrastructure,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Macomb is a great place to live and work, I will continue to push the state to properly fund transportation services.”   

The third round of Rebuild Illinois grants provides $113.8 million for Downstate transit providers as part of the historic Rebuild Illinois capital program. Awards are supporting projects that include the purchase of new vehicles as well as the construction of stations and maintenance facilities that improve service.

The City of Macomb will receive $3,250,000 for replacement buses, facility renovations and demand response software.

To find a full list of projects, visit IDOT’s website.

ROCK ISLAND – The Illinois EPA announced $50,000 is coming to Rock Island to help the City identify service lines that may contain lead.

“The well-documented adverse health effects of exposure to lead in drinking water poses a serious risk to our children,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Funding to identify the City’s lead service lines will help keep our families protected.”

Senator Halpin voted for the legislation creating the Lead Service Line Replacement Notification Act in 2021. The Lead Service Line Replacement Notification Act establishes timelines and requirements for the removal and replacement of all lead service lines in Illinois and creates a low-income water assistance program to help fund financial assistance and water projects that include lead pipe replacement.

Illinois has more lead service lines than any other state in the nation, with an estimated 730,000 to 1.4 million lead service lines in the ground. There is no safe level of exposure to lead.  

“This funding will provide many communities with the necessary funding to develop a complete inventory identifying the types of water lines that exist in their drinking water supplies,” said Illinois EPA Director Kim.

To see a full list of Lead Service Line Inventory (LSLI) Grants, click here.