Illinois State Senator Mike Halpin
  • Home
  • |
  • News
    • Press Releases
    • Newsletters
  • |
  • 36th District
  • |
  • Bio
  • |
  • Contact Us
  • |
  • eNewsletter Signup

Halpin combats plastic pollution

Details
Category: Press Releases
Friday, April 11, 2025 10:07 AM
  • Environment

 HalpinTalk

SPRINGFIELD – Single-use plastics account for up to 40% of plastic produced every year – with many of those products persisting in the environment for hundreds of years. State Senator Mike Halpin is working to combat that pollution through a resolution he spearheaded.  

“The fight against plastic pollution will take every one of us to win, from our state government to everyday Illinoisans,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “This is one step forward on the path to a cleaner, healthier Illinois.”

The Resolution would make April 1st Skip the Plastic Day urging all residents, businesses and visitors to reduce plastic waste and protect our environment. The resolution commends businesses who only offer single-use plastics and take proactive steps to reduce waste.

Skip the Plastic Day was spearheaded by an entrepreneurial Rock Island eighth grader named Nicolina Pappas, who bravely testified before the Senate Environment and Conservation Committee. You can read more about her testimony here.

Read more …

Halpin effort to crack down on human trafficking passes Senate

Details
Category: Press Releases
Thursday, April 10, 2025 04:06 PM

HalpinExplainSPRINGFIELD – Though many Illinoisans may not be aware, human trafficking occurs in every part of the state, from Rock Island to Chicago. To crack down on the statewide scourge, State Senator Mike Halpin passed a measure through the Senate Thursday.

“We must empower our local governments and law enforcement to keep tabs on businesses to make sure every instance of human trafficking is accounted for and the perpetrators are brought to justice,” said Halpin. “By allowing localities to monitor hotels, restaurants and truck stop training, we can create a more targeted approach to combatting these terrible crimes.”

While current law requires human trafficking recognition training at hotels, restaurants and truck stops, this legislation would give municipalities the legal authority to act if a business is not complying the training laws. In addition, the new law would allow local governments to issue fines of up to $1,500 per offense.

In 2023 the Human Trafficking Hotline received over 760 signals from Illinois. These signals can range from labor trafficking to sex trafficking though some are unknown or unspecified. Though most of the cases were adult females the issue also impacts minors and males though at a lower rate. While Illinois is combatting the human trafficking epidemic, it remains one of the most under-reported and under-identified crimes. In addition, the sinister dynamics of human trafficking mean that most victims do not reach out for help according to the Illinois State Police. This means that trafficking hotspots like hotels, restaurants and truck stop employees need the proper training to identify this crime.

Read more …

Halpin propels ‘Skip the Plastic Day’ through committee

Details
Category: Press Releases
Thursday, March 20, 2025 02:52 PM
  • Environment

HalpinWitnessFinal

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin’s resolution to declare April 1 as “Skip the Plastic Day” in Illinois passed committee Thursday.

“With our landfills and waterways being filled with plastic waste, Illinois has an opportunity to stand up and be part of the solution rather than the problem,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island) “Skip the Plastic Day will bring more awareness to this issue that is impacting the whole planet.”

“Skip the Plastic Day” would urge all residents, businesses and visitors to reduce plastic waste and protect our environment. The resolution would also commend businesses for willingly participating in offering single-use plastics only at customer request. The single use plastics included under the day are straws and cutlery, though businesses are encouraged to draw down all plastic use.

“Skip the Plastic Day” is the vision of Nicolina Pappas, an 8th grader from Rock Island. Nicolina has already gotten several Illinois mayoral proclamations in support of “Skip the Plastic Day.” She brought her “Skip the Plastic Day” idea to Halpin’s office and testified at the Environment and Conservation Committee.

“The environment is one of the most pressing issues for young people,” said Nicolina “If we push to cut single use plastics it will lower expenses for businesses and protect the environment. Young people are concerned about the legacy they are inheriting and we must take action.”

Nicolina also has a website you can check out to see restaurants that have pledged to Skip the Plastic.

Read more …

Halpin and Swanson announce prep classes for professional and licensing exams at WIU and Carl Sandburg

Details
Category: Press Releases
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 11:52 AM

HalpinSwansonphoto

Illinois’ public universities and select community colleges will prepare students for professional licensing exams, graduate-level admissions exams, and credential exams

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin and State Representative Dan Swanson have announced a new state program that will help Illinois college students prepare for graduate school and in-demand careers.

“Prohibitive cost on prep courses and entrance exams can close the door on a students’ post-graduate ambitions,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island) chair of the Senate Appropriations Education Committee. “This program ensures every prospective post-graduate student gets the fair shot they deserve, opening the door to a good education and a fulfilling career. Illinois’ investment in our students represents an investment in our future.”

The Prepare for Illinois' Future Program is the result of a commitment by the State of Illinois, Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), and leading global education company Kaplan to provide free test preparation courses to students enrolled in Illinois’ public universities as well as five community colleges. Western Illinois University was the first school to join the program, and Carl Sandburg College is also being on boarded for all students.

Read more …

More Articles …

  1. Halpin disheartened by federal slashing of Illinois farm program
  2. Halpin: Former federal workers deserve a fair shot at continuing public service
  3. Halpin’s bill to integrate the Quad Cities mental health system passes committee
  4. Halpin pushes bill to crack down on human trafficking
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10

Page 3 of 29

eNewsletter Signup
  1. First Name(*)
    Invalid Input
  2. Last Name(*)
    Invalid Input
  3. Your Email(*)
    Please let us know your email address.
  4. Cell Phone
    Invalid Input
  5. Invalid Input
     

    By selecting the “Opt-in Checkbox” and then clicking "Submit" you agree to (Terms Of Use) | (Privacy Policy) and to receive texts from Senator Halpin at your mobile number. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies.

Office Info

Rock Island Office:
County Office Building
1504 3rd Ave., 2nd Floor
Rock Island, IL 61201
(309) 558-3612
(309) 297-4483 (Text)

Galesburg Office:
117 E. Main St.
Suite 103
Galesburg, IL 61401
(309) 297-4483

Springfield Office:
Stratton Office Building
401 S. Spring St.
Section C, Office J
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-4307

  1. You are here:  
  2. Home
  3. News