Welcome to Illinois State Senator Mike Halpin's Legislative Website

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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Halpin effort to protect student free speech on college campuses becomes law

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin’s measure to secure the rights of students, faculty and higher education institutions has been signed into law.

“With this law, Illinois is holding firm on protecting the First Amendment,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Our students and universities are under attack from every direction when it comes to speech and what should be learned in the classroom. They should not have to face this pressure on their own, Illinois has their back.”

House Bill 4304 will protect the constitutional rights of students in higher education institutions and spell out additional academic rights. These rights would include an inclusive and safe learning environment, accessibility, free expression and academic access, freedom of association and organization, peaceful protest, academic transparency, fair evaluation, educational records, protection of academic programs from political interference, career preparation, educational quality, due process, institutional accountability, financial transparency, refunds and withdrawals and right to transfer. 

The law will reinforce the core principles and preservation of integrity, independence, and academic freedom of its public institutions of higher education and in supporting students' pursuit of learning, inquiry, and career readiness.

“We have seen these kinds of attacks on education and speech in other countries and throughout history and the results are not pretty,” said Halpin. “Illinois needs to remain a beacon of free learning, education and exposure to new ideas.”

House Bill 4304 was signed into law on Friday and is effective immediately.

Halpin bill to address untethered dog offenses signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin’s bill to ensure pet’s basic needs are met if an owner has been arrested for an untethered animal has been signed into law.

“This law makes sure a person’s pet is in proper care if the owner commits a tethering offense,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “If something goes wrong and a pet is mistreated, this process will be safer for the animal and the community.”

Previous law allowed a law enforcement officer making an arrest for an offense involving a companion animal to take possession of that animal, or other pets the alleged offender owns, for impoundment at an animal shelter or animal control in order to meet their basic needs. Halpin’s law will add dog tethering to the list of offenses that would allow an officer to impound the companion animal.

“Pets are a big responsibility,” said Halpin. “Laws like this ensure folks are taking care of their pets the right way.”

Senate Bill 2892 was signed into law on Friday.