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.

Dear neighbor,

It’s that time of year — flowers are blooming, temperatures are warming up and we’re in the final stretch of this legislative session. I will be in Springfield this month discussing budget priorities with my colleagues and working to pass legislation that recognizes veterans and protects first responders. Read on for updates about bills I’m working on, helpful resources and grant opportunities.

My office is ready to assist you in accessing state resources, answering questions on legislation and more. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my Rock Island office at (309) 558-3612, Galesburg office at (309) 297-4483 or online.

Sincerely,

Mike Halpin
State Senator | 36th District

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.