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.

GALESBURG – State Senator Halpin is excited to open the doors to his new constituent service office to members of the community Friday, June 16.

“My main priority as a senator is to improve the quality of life for residents in the community while bringing forth legislation that betters the state as whole,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “I am grateful to be a leader and voice for the 36^th District, and take great pride and honor in the responsibility that has been given to me to provide a better tomorrow for my neighbors.”

Halpin’s office opening will be held from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Friday, June 16 at his new constituent service office, located at 117 E. Main St., Suite 103, Galesburg, IL 61401.

The constituent office will provide members of the community with the opportunity to speak with Halpin to address issues that are directly affecting their community.

“I want members of the 36^th District to know that I will fight diligently to make sure that every concern, grievance, and voice is heard and handled with great care and acknowledgement,” said Halpin.

For more information about Senator Halpin’s district office opening people can call (309) 783-3612 or visit SenatorHalpin.com.

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate approved a Fiscal Year 2024 budget, and State Senator Mike Halpin (D-Rock Island), released the following statement in response:

“This year’s budget fully funds our services residents rely on and does it without raising taxes. I have voted for a balanced budget every year I have been in office, and this year is no different.

“Most importantly, we have made responsible fiscal decisions that invest in the next generation. This budget increases MAP grants for low income college students by $100 million. It also increases funding for state universities, and increases our own Western Illinois University’s budget by over seven percent.

“Lastly, this budget brings millions of dollars in direct investment in local governments and non-profits right here in Western Illinois.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin advanced House Bill 301 through the Senate, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of the AIM HIGH Grant Pilot Program.

“If we want students here in Illinois to take advantage of our four-year universities, then we need to do something that actually makes it easier,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “This legislation is for working families who need just a little help paying for college and is a serious step in expanding access to higher education for Illinois residents, providing part-time students expanded opportunities as well.”

Beginning with the 2019-20 academic year, The Aspirational Institutional Match Helping Illinois Grow Higher Education (AIM HIGH) has provided merit-based, means-tested student financial aid to first-time, full-time undergraduate students and transfer students who are Illinois residents attending any of the 12 Illinois public four-year universities. AIM HIGH-participating universities are required to provide matching funding for institutional awards for students who meet certain eligibility requirements, as well as those established by each individual university.

Senator Halpin’s legislation will do a few things, including making the AIM HIGH Grant Pilot Program permanent, increasing transparency in the program to allow more students to take advantage, increasing access for part-time students and making changes to the matching requirements for the public universities.

The changes to the matching requirement for institutions is based on the percentage of students receiving Pell Grants. Institutions with at least 49% of students receiving Pell Grants will now be required to contribute 35% of the grant amount, up from the previous 20%. Similarly, institutions with less than 49% of students receiving Pell Grants will now be required to contribute 70% of the grant amount, compared to the previous 60%. These changes will ensure that the AIM HIGH Grant Program targets those most in need, further amplifying its impact.

“We can’t just talk about keeping more students in-state for college, we have to do something and I believe that this legislation is a giant leap in the right direction to address this issue,” said Halpin. “The most important part was making this program permanent, allowing our public institutions and students alike to plan for the future.”

House Bill 301 passed the Senate on Wednesday.