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Hoffman Joins Governor in Highlighting Metro East Infrastructure Investment, Local Road Projects

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FAIRMONT CITY, Ill. – State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, joined Gov. J.B. Pritzker and local officials Tuesday to highlight a new round of Rebuild Illinois infrastructure funding that is going to invest millions in integral road corridor improvements around the Metro East.

“These projects will make our roads safer, reduce congestion, support jobs and better position our region for economic investment,” Hoffman said. “I appreciate the support from local officials, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Gov. Pritzker as we look to get shovels in the ground right away.”

Projects located within Hoffman’s district receiving state funds include:
– Bissell St. expansion in Venice ($700,000 in IDOT funding),
– Longacre Dr. in Fairview Heights ($1 million in IDOT funding),
– Madison Ave. corridor, from 23rd St. to 27th St. in Madison ($1.4 million in IDOT funding),
– N. 42nd and N. 44th St. in Fairmont City ($670,000 in IDOT funding),
– West Chain of Rocks Bridge in Madison ($3.8 million in IDOT funding), and
– W. Main St., from 28th St. to 49th St. in Belleville ($1 million in IDOT funding).

Additional local projects are highlighted at https://ift.tt/he4OQtR.

For more information, please contact RepJayHoffman@gmail.com.

Rep. Jay HoffmanRep. Jay Hoffman

Assistant Majority Leader (D-Belleville) 113th District

Springfield Office:
300 State House
Springfield, IL 62706
217-782-0104

District Office:
312 S. High St.
Belleville, IL 62220
(618) 416-7407
(618) 416-7409 FAX

Legis

via Illinois House Democratic Caucus https://ilhousedems.com

October 22, 2025 at 04:10PM

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State Rep. Briel condemns federal actions, cites threats to due process

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State Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa, released a statement this week criticizing the federal government for actions she says ignore due process, encourage political violence, and threaten free speech and the press.

“The divisive, cruel rhetoric spouted by federal officials has affected everyone. People in the community I serve are worried for their safety and livelihoods,” Briel said in a statement. “It doesn’t stop at words. The actions we’ve all witnessed have placed many in danger.”

Briel said she began the fall legislative session focused on protecting constitutional rights, due process and community safety after a turbulent summer.

During the session, Briel voted in favor of three House resolutions that rebuke actions by the federal government:

  • House Resolution 508 condemns acts of political violence, including mass shootings, radicalized extremism and violence carried out by masked federal officers.
  • House Resolution 504, criticizing the administration’s use of racial profiling, chemical munitions and alleged illegal search and seizure, as well as its disregard for constitutional due process protections.
  • House Resolution 505, denouncing efforts by the administration to influence and punish news media, restrict free speech and threaten local press freedoms.

Briel said the resolutions were necessary to defend the rule of law and ensure that Illinois residents “feel safe and are treated fairly, regardless of who is in power.”

Region: Northern,Feeds,News,Region: La Salle

via WGLC Classic Country https://www.wglc.net

October 21, 2025 at 07:11AM

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Kifowit urges state to release higher education funds ‘promised’ to fill gap of federal cuts

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State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D–Oswego, is making a plea for the state to release the remaining 2% of higher education funding that she said is “money that was already promised.”

In June, the Illinois General Assembly passed a 1% operational increase for higher education in the FY 2026 budget, short of the 3% proposed by Gov. JB Pritzker. The governor’s office has previously said a discretionary provision allows for an additional 2% increase if federal funding is cut to the state, according to Capitol News.

State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego (Photo provided)

“Withholding these critical funds jeopardizes academic programs and places an even heavier burden on students already struggling with the cost of education,” Kifowit said in a release. “I voted against this year’s state budget for exactly this reason. It failed to make the necessary investments in our future and is constantly making getting a degree more and more expensive.”

Kifowit said she stands in solidarity with the University Professionals of Illinois union, students, and fellow lawmakers, in demanding the funding’s immediate release.

She said the General Assembly needs to get behind their cause, arguing that today’s students are being deprived the same academic opportunities that she herself experienced as a college student.

“Our institutions of higher education are funded at below what they were when I was a college student,” Kifowit said in the release. “It is insulting to approve these reduced resources for our universities, but then withhold them when they are needed most, leaving students and colleges to struggle more than they already are.”

Kifowit urged Pritzker to take immediate action to release the education funds.

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October 19, 2025 at 06:03PM

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Patrick Pfingsten Talks with Rep. Jay Hoffman (R-Swansea)

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Rep. Jay Hoffman (R-Swansea) joins Patrick to discuss energy prices, a bill to give tax breaks for major construction projects, and transit funding ahead of the veto session, which begins Tuesday. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Region: Springfield,Feeds,News,Politics,Local,Central,City: Springfield

via PM Springfield Interviews https://ift.tt/tmQBNfI

October 13, 2025 at 04:12PM

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Investing in a transit system that works for everyone – The Edwardsville Intelligencer

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We’re “the gateway to the gateway,” our vibrant economy linking Illinois to points west. What I’m getting at is transit reform is a Metro East …

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October 11, 2025 at 12:21PM

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Illinois Representative announces new streamlined electric vehicle rebates

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BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) — A State Representative has announced another application round of rebates for electric vehicle owners.

Sharon Chung, a Bloomington Democrat, said in a release that the new round of applications will be launched on Oct. 28 and will close on Jan. 31.

“A new round of applications for rebates for working people driving electric vehicles is a good opportunity for our community to continue to embrace the economic benefits of the growth of clean energy,” Chung said. “As a manufacturing hub for this emerging technology, we are well-placed to take advantage of a program that has already been very successful. I encourage every working family in the Bloomington area that owns an electric vehicle to apply soon.”

The new streamlined application will allow for more EV owners to apply and make the eligibility reach a wider group of people, she said.

She said those wanting to apply should do so as soon as possible to increase the chances of receiving the rebate.

For more information and to apply, visit the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s website.

Feeds,News,City: Peoria,Peoria,Central

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October 8, 2025 at 11:43AM

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Gill Recognized as Legislative Champ

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State Rep. Mary Gill, D-Chicago, was named a Legislative Champion for first responders and their families by The 100 Club of Chicago, recognizing her efforts to provide police officers and firefighters with the resources they need on the job and at home.

“I am honored to receive this award,” Gill said. “Every day our first responders go out and sacrifice their time and well-being to make our communities safe, and it has been one of my top priorities to provide them the support they deserve. While I am beyond thankful to receive this award, it is our first responders who deserve our true thanks.”

Gill has advocated for several pieces of legislation for first responders throughout her tenure. Within the past year, Gill has had several measures signed into law that advocate for additional funding for fire and ambulance vehicles. Most recently, she worked with Club 100 to pass a resolution marking August 27, 2025, as ‘Hero Day’ in Illinois.

The 100 Club of Illinois provides resources, financial support, access to training and moral support to both the families of first responders killed in the line of duty and active duty first responders throughout the state. For more information, please visit 100clubil.org.

For more information, please contact RepMaryGill@gmail.com.

The post Gill Recognized as Legislative Champ first appeared on SW Messenger Press.

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October 7, 2025 at 08:15PM

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National Guard Deployment In Elwood: State Representative Larry Walsh Jr. Has Something To Say

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National Guard Deployment In Elwood: State Representative Larry Walsh Jr. Has Something To Say

We should all be asking how exactly we have strayed so far from our ideals, State Representative Larry Walsh Jr. announced.

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ELWOOD, IL — State Representative Larry Walsh Jr., D-Elwood has issued a statement regarding the deployment of National Guard troops to the Elwood US Army Reserve Center.

“Brave and dedicated members of the Illinois and Texas National Guard were federalized by the President and deployed to the 86th district yesterday,” Walsh announced in his press release. “This ineffective plan does not address any of the real issues the residents of the 86th district are facing. Higher prices for everything from groceries to electricity. A job market that has slowed to a crawl. An energy grid that is struggling to keep up with demand. Instead, our communities, our families, and our neighbors will have their peace of mind taken from them by an act of political theater.

“There are actual issues the federal government could help solve with the money we are spending on this.

“We could change federal rules to better schedule barge traffic, so resident commutes are not extended randomly. We could reopen the federal government and have a serious conversation about energy policy to bring electricity rates down for everyone. This administration could even come together and negotiate with congress to actually fix our immigration system.

“All of these are better ideas than what we are now witnessing. The strength of the people has always come from our willingness to roll up our sleeves, come up with the best plan, and work together. Armed troops on any street in America should be a crimson flag for any and every patriot. We should all be asking how exactly we have strayed so far from our ideals.

“Our founding fathers made it clear what path we should be on. We must stand together or we will fall alone. I am asking that we all take a breath and ask ourselves the question, “what would actually make our lives better”. Then let’s do that instead.”

Image via State Representative Larry Walsh’s Office

via Joliet, IL Patch https://patch.com

October 7, 2025 at 07:51PM

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State Reparations Commission holds public forum at University of Illinois

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URBANA, Ill. (Chambana Today) — The Illinois African Descent-Citizens Reparations Commission held a public hearing Saturday at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts in Urbana. The event brought together local leaders, professors, researchers, and community members to discuss the historical and ongoing impacts of slavery on African American descendants in Illinois.

The Urbana stop is one of several planned across the state as the Commission works toward developing a report for the General Assembly. That report, due next year, will outline findings and policy recommendations aimed at ensuring equity and opportunity for African American communities.

Established by state law in 2021, the Commission is part of the Department of Central Management Services and is composed of state officials, public members, and reparations advocates—most of whom must be descendants of enslaved people. It is one of only a few such commissions in the country.

Champaign County Recorder of Deeds/County Clerk Aaron Ammons was one of many speakers at the event, including Associate Professor Sundiata Keita Cha-Jua, and State Representative Carol Ammons. Its responsibilities include holding hearings, educating the public, and addressing issues such as equitable access to housing, vocational training, state contracts, and corporate accountability for historical ties to slavery. The Commission must submit annual reports to the Governor and legislature, with findings made available to the public online.

Officials say the input gathered from events like Saturday’s will be crucial in shaping future policy proposals.

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October 6, 2025 at 07:51PM

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