SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin announced a combined $572,325 investment to the City of Rock Island and City of Galesburg for the development of parks and outdoor recreation projects.

“It’s good to see state tax dollars heading to projects that will make a positive impact on families,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Parks provide spaces and opportunities for people to come together, connect with nature, engage in physical activity and build a sense of community, and I know that we are always looking for new things to do in Rock Island and Galesburg.”

Nearly $60 million in grants were awarded to 118 local parks across Illinois through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants, administered through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. This announcement includes the largest round of grants in the 36-year history of the program.

The City of Rock Island is set to receive $347,500, and the City of Galesburg will receive $224,825.

“The City of Rock Island plans to make upgrades to Mel McKay Park by tearing down all six pickle ball courts and building brand new ones with added lighting and fencing,” said John Gripp, Rock Island Parks & Recreation Executive Director. “The OSLAD Grant was critical in the success of this project. With these state funds, Rock Island residents will be able to enjoy safer and more upgraded facilities.”

“These matching funds will allow the City of Galesburg to revitalize Lancaster Park on the south west side of the city,” said Elizabeth Varner, City of Galesburg Director of Parks and Recreation. “The scope of the project includes a modernized playground, picnic shelter, walking paths and a basketball court. Lancaster Park is in need of an upgrade and I believe this will enhance the quality of life within the City of Galesburg.  We are thankful to have been selected for this opportunity, and recognize the value of maintaining a quality park system.”

Visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for more information on the OSLAD grants.

ROCK ISLAND – State Senator Mike Halpin introduced a measure to provide free Illinois income tax preparation services to taxpayers whose federal adjusted gross income is 200% or less of the federal poverty level, for taxable years beginning Jan. 1, 2024.

"Tax season can be a challenging time for many Illinoisans, and this legislation is designed to help make it easier for them," said Halpin (D-Rock Island). "By providing free tax preparation services, we can help ensure that taxpayers receive the refunds they are entitled to and don’t get pressured into paying extra fees to do so."

Senate Bill 1396 would require the Department of Revenue to file taxes on behalf of taxpayers with a federal adjusted gross income from the previous taxable year of 200% or less of the federal poverty level, if the taxpayer elects to do so. The bill also requires that Illinois income tax forms include a space where taxpayers may elect for DOR to file their taxes on their behalf for the following tax year.

Under current law, Illinois requires residents who receive income in the state to file an Illinois income tax return. While taxpayers may use a private company’s online tool to assist in filing, they still must enter the information located on their W-2 and other tax forms. Many of these online tools charge taxpayers to use their filing service, leaving people not knowing they might have an option to file for free.

“Filing your taxes can be complex to do by yourself and large corporations do everything they can to convince us they’re the only way to file,” said Halpin. “I am sick and tired of big corporations taking advantage of the working class every chance they get, especially when it comes to a process we are required to do by law.”

200% of the federal poverty level for a family of four would be $53,000. Halpin’s measure would give around 27% of Illinois residents the opportunity to file their taxes for free.

Senate Bill 1396 was assigned to the Senate Revenue Committee and awaits further action.

MOLINE – State Senator Mike Halpin join Moline Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati’s press conference on Monday regarding the Quad Cities Passenger Rail project that has been in talks for years.

“This money was there when I first took office in January 2017 and Governor Pritzker announced its renewal with our 2019 budget during his first year in office,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Too much time has passed to simply rely on Iowa Interstate Railroad to do the right thing.”

The rail project has had the support of multiple presidential administrations, governors, state representatives, state senators, mayors and city councils. Despite agreement on the need for the project, Iowa Interstate Railroad, a private company that controls the 50 miles of track that would connect Chicago and the Quad Cities, has been a barrier to getting the project finalized.

Negotiations with Iowa Interstate Railroad over how to implement passenger rail service have been going on for several years despite bipartisan agreement on the project. Senator Halpin addressed in his speech that funds for the project had been pledged with significant state and federal money. The rail would directly connect Moline and Chicago if implemented.

“I am urging Amtrak, with the support of the Illinois Department of Transportation, to initiate proceedings with the Surface Transportation Board to order Iowa Interstate to provide the necessary facilities and to order reasonable compensation to Iowa Interstate for the use of those facilities,” said Halpin.

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.