Welcome to Illinois State Senator Mike Halpin's Legislative Website

Halpin announces Moline and Macomb driver services facilities to begin offering in-person disability parking placard services

ROCK ISLAND – State Senator Mike Halpin announced the Moline and Macomb driver services facilities will begin offering in-person disability parking placard services to provide relief for parents and guardians who transport individuals who are unable to drive.

“Nobody wants to be forced to drive longer distances just to get a parking placard,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Disability parking placards need to be easy to acquire for those who need them. This is great move in that direction for western Illinois residents.”

The new walk-in option, made possible by a pilot program through the Illinois Secretary of State’s office, allows customers to apply for or renew permanent and meter-exempt disability parking placards, reducing processing times for applications that were previously handled exclusively by mail through the Springfield Flagship office. Expanded in-person services will now be available at 14 additional facilities across Illinois, including at the Moline and Macomb driver services facilities in the district Halpin represents.

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Halpin announces funding for 36th District literacy programs

ROCK ISLAND – State Senator Mike Halpin announced five organizations in the 36^th District will be receiving over $320,000 for literacy program enhancements, workplace skills development and more.

“Literacy programs support our community by giving everyone access to resources to bolster their education,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “With this funding, we can continue to support our neighbors who want to continue improving their reading, writing and math literacy skills.”

The latest round of funding through the Illinois Secretary of State includes more than $28 million for library services and literacy programs throughout Illinois. The grants will enhance online catalogs at local libraries, support day-to-day operations and expand interlibrary loan programs. Funding also supports radio information services that provide local news and information to individuals who cannot read standard print materials. Literacy grants promote basic reading, math, writing and English language skills through adult, family and workplace literacy programs.

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Statement on Tyson Foods Closure

“I am deeply disappointed by Tyson Foods’ decision to close its Joslin facility, putting roughly 2,500 hardworking men and women out of work with virtually no notice. This is another unfortunate consequence of an administration whose disastrous economic policies continue to create uncertainty for workers, families and businesses across our country.

“These workers dedicated years of hard work to this company, and they deserve far better than to learn their livelihoods are disappearing almost overnight. There are serious questions that need to be answered about whether the state, the union and affected workers received the proper notification, and what Tyson intends to do to make this right for the employees and families who are being left to deal with the consequences of this decision.

“My immediate concern is for the workers and families whose lives have been turned upside down. I will be reaching out to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to determine what resources and assistance the state can provide to help affected workers find new opportunities and minimize the impact of this closure on our communities.

“The people who showed up every day and helped make this facility successful deserve answers, support and respect. I intend to do everything I can to make sure they receive it.”

Halpin brings millions in infrastructure supports to Western Illinois

Rock Island – State Senator Mike Halpin has secured grant funding for industrial support projects in Western Illinois totaling $7.2 million

“We are working hard to secure key supports for industry and labor here in Western Illinois,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Infrastructure investments provide more economic activity in our region, more jobs and ultimately, more money in workers’ pockets. We are laying the groundwork to propel Western Illinois’ economy forward, and I am proud to see state dollars going to good use.”

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