Dear neighbor,
November has a lot to bring – fall weather, Thanksgiving festivities, holiday shopping and our fall veto session.
Keep reading for updates about all of this and more.
As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office SenatorHalpin.com official website or at (309) 558-3612 with any questions or concerns you may have.
Best,
Mike Halpin
State Senator | District 36
Springfield update
We recently wrapped up our fall veto session, where we passed measures to tackle issues such as utility scam awareness, mental health care for first responders and more!
Legislation I supported included:
- Senate Resolution 1298 bill status page recognizes Nov. 20, 2024 as Utility Scam Awareness Day, and serves as an advocacy and awareness campaign to inform communities about these scams and expose scammer tactics.
- Senate Bill 507 bill status page would clarify prior legislation by defining “first responder” in the Illinois Freedom to Work Act to include current and former first responders, which ensures that first responders and veterans can seek mental health care from providers of their choice.
- House Bill 793 bill status page would lay a supportive foundation to help employer’s transition to paying their employees with disabilities a fair wage, as many in Illinois are paid under $1 an hour for their work.
Illinois Association of Fire Protection Districts award
I had the honor of being recognized with the Legislator of the Year award from the Illinois Association of Fire Protection District. I am grateful to have worked with IAFPD on important issues that impact our first responders, and I look forward to continuing to ensure our first responders are supported with essential resources and services.
In the district
Happy Thanksgiving
Let our lives be full of both thanks and giving. I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve this community. Wishing you and your family peace, love and joy this holiday season!
Small Business Saturday
Small businesses are the backbones of our communities. Shop local this holiday season. Small business Saturday is a perfect day to support your favorite local stores, restaurants and more.
Resources and grant opportunities
Stay safe this winter
Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning and heart attacks from overexertion. Stay safe this winter with these winter weather safety and preparedness tips by visiting the winter weather safety tips page .
Help Stop Hate
A new portal has been released to provide confidential support for our communities and neighbors affected by hate. Help Stop Hate will assist people in accessing the resources they need – such as physical and mental health care, trauma support and more.
To file a report and receive help, visit the Illinois Stop Hate portal or call 877-458-4283.
Get Covered Illinois
Open enrollment has begun for the Get Covered Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace. Visit GetCovered.Illinois.gov to choose from over 300 quality, affordable health plans before Jan. 15.
New EV rebate program
The Illinois EPA’s next Electric Vehicle Rebate Program funding cycle is opening on Jan. 21, 2025, with $14 million available for rebates for the current fiscal year, which ends on June 30, 2025. You can learn more about the Illinois Electric Vehicle Rebate Program page .
College Changes Everything
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission has launched its annual College Changes Everything Fall campaign. ISAC is offering a number of activities and resources to help with financial planning, including college application assistance, financial aid application workshops and more. Learn more at the ISAC website .
Utility bill assistance
Illinois families most in need can apply for utility bill assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Learn more and apply through the LIHEAP utility assistance application page or call 1-833-711-0374 for assistance in 30 languages.
Grants available for new grocery stores in food deserts
Eligible entities can apply for funding to combat food insecurity across Illinois through the second round of the New Stores in Food Deserts Program. Learn more and apply by Monday, Dec. 2 by visiting the DCEO grant opportunities page .
Over $25 million available for electric public transit buses
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is accepting applications for funding to support the replacement of existing public transit buses with all-electric options. Learn more and apply on the electric transit bus funding program page .
Licensing processing updates
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation is expanding its pilot program for licensees looking to reinstate or restore their licenses. Professionals with 18 different license types can now find their reactivation requirements on the IDFPR license renewal information page .
Rental assistance program open now
The Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program provides financial assistance to tenants and landlords who have pending cases in eviction court. Learn more and see if you qualify on the Court-Based Rental Assistance Program page .
New funding for clean energy and pollution reduction
Good news: Illinois was recently awarded funding to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the deployment of zero-emissions vehicles and infrastructure at ports across the state. This is a big win for our communities – putting us one step closer toward our efforts to transition to 100% clean energy by 2050.
The Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus is hiring
Are you interested in working in Illinois government in a fast-paced, inclusive work environment? The Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus has several open positions in their Springfield office. View the job posting on the Senate Democratic Caucus employment opportunities page .
