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.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin will serve as chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee and Representative Gregg Johnson will serve on the House Labor and Commerce Committee for the 103rd General Assembly.

“I will work to not only protect higher education funding, but look to make increases where we can,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “We need to make sure that the tremendous higher education institutions in Western Illinois and across the state retain and recruit more in-state residents.”

Senator Halpin will also serve on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. To see the full list of Halpin’s committee assignments, click here.

Representative Johnson will serve on the House Labor and Commerce; Mental Health and Addiction; Prescription Drug Affordability and Accessibility; Transportation: Rail Systems, Roads and Bridges; and Veterans’ Affairs Committees. Johnson worked in the Illinois Department of Corrections for 32 years and looks forward to gaining experience during his freshmen term.

“With my law enforcement and labor background, I will bring a unique perspective to legislation going through committee,” said Johnson (D-East Moline). “I look forward to representing the Quad Cities and making sure our voices are heard down in Springfield.”

 Click here to see the 103^rd General Assembly’s Senate spring session schedule and here to see the 103^rd General Assembly’s House spring session schedule.