Halpin announces funding to promote innovation in Galesburg

ROCK ISLAND – State Senator Mike Halpin announced that $56,432 in grant money has been awarded to an innovative small business in Galesburg.

“With the right resources, Western Illinois communities can produce competitive products that bring business to our region,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Innovation grants lift up small businesses and put tax dollars to good use.”

The Illinois Innovation Voucher Program connects small businesses with the state’s world-class universities and research institutions. Through competitive awards of up to $75,000, the program enables companies to pursue research and development projects in partnership with a qualified Illinois institute of higher education to support technology validation, accelerate product development and strengthen commercialization pathways.

In the 36^th Senate District that Halpin represents, Lux Blox LLC in Galesburg was selected to receive the $56,000 through Innovation Voucher Program grants. Lux Blox produces educational and interactive toys for children to get excited about STEM. Their products are manufactured in the United States and are used in classrooms and other learning spaces around the world.

To learn more about the Innovation Voucher Program, click here.

Halpin announces half a million dollars for Niabi Zoo

• Grant Program

ROCK ISLAND – Thanks to Senator Mike Halpin, the Niabi Zoo will receive $527,800 from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant to provide upgrades and improvements to the zoo.

“Niabi Zoo has brought educational entertainment to my family and many others in Western Illinois,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “This investment supports a key community institution in Rock Island and will bring enrichment that will stick with our youth through their lives.”

OSLAD is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that helps communities fund land acquisition and development for parks and outdoor recreation projects. It’s become one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois. Since its establishment, OSLAD has awarded $675 million for park projects throughout Illinois.

The Rock Island Forest Preserve District received $527,800 to enhance educational opportunities for families at Niabi Zoo.

"We are profoundly grateful for this investment on the part of the State of Illinois,” said Niabi Zoo Director Lee Jackson. “Through Niabi Zoo's accreditation in the Zoological Association of America and its many partnerships with zoos and wildlife experts across the country and around the world, Niabi is well established as a home for conservation and environmental education.

“Making that education accessible and entertaining for families adds to the effectiveness of our work, and that's precisely what this project will enhance,” said Jackson. “The improvements we're making would not have been feasible without the OSLAD program, and we're anxious to get started."

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

Halpin announces Valentine’s Day card collection drive for seniors

ROCK ISLAND – State Senator Mike Halpin is collecting store bought or handmade cards for residents in long-term care facilities for Valentine’s Day in order to brighten their day.

“A thoughtful handmade or store-bought Valentine’s Day card can brighten a senior’s day,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “In times like these, especially in the winter, we need to make sure our seniors know their community is here for them.”

Local residents are encouraged to write kind notes and drop them off or mail them to Halpin’s district office, located at 117 E. Main St. Suite 103 Galesburg, IL 61401. He is collecting cards until Feb. 11 and will deliver them to local long-term care facilities.

People with questions can reach out to Halpin’s Rock Island office at (309) 558-3612 or Galesburg office at (309) 297-4483.

Halpin law to strengthen human trafficking recognition requirements becomes law on Jan. 1

• Halpin

SPRINGFIELD – In order to protect survivors, secure businesses and make Illinois safer, State Senator Mike Halpin’s law to strengthen human trafficking recognition went into effect on Jan. 1.

“I am happy to see our local governments and law enforcement given more tools to combat human trafficking,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Now, if local governments see something, they can take action.”

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.

According to the Illinois State Police, the best outcome possible is to prevent victimization before it occurs. The two most effective ways to combat this are public awareness and education. If you see something, say something at the Human Trafficking Hotline.

ISP Safety Education Officers respond to requests from schools and public groups to present on Human Trafficking Awareness and Internet Safety. Officers teach the dangers of posting too much online and signs a trafficker may be attempting to make an unsuspecting person a victim. To request a presentation please contact the Safety Education Office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

SB 1422 took effect Jan. 1.