Latest news with #MikeHalpin
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Uncertainty dominates Illinois budget talks as deadline nears
Six more working days. Next Saturday's the deadline for Illinois state lawmakers to pass a new budget. They've got more issues than Iowa lawmakers did for their budget and they worked overtime in Des Moines. Democrats in Illinois are trying to pass the largest budget in state history at the request of Gov. JB Pritzker – this while trying to close a shortfall of at least half a billion dollars, as well as uncertainty about how much support the state will get from the federal government. There are a lot of unanswered budget questions going into the last scheduled week of Illinois' legislative session. We'll try to get some answers this morning from State Sen. Mike Halpin and Rep. Tony McCcombie, also the House minority leader. What are the chances the state adopts a basic budget by the deadline with the intent on coming back in session during the session to hammer out more details? 'We're going to go the best we can, given what we know for a fact, here in Illinois,' Halpin said. 'This budget should be fine. I don't think we need to worry about the Trump administration affecting our going into a $1 billion deficit,' McCombie said. Question of the Week Now we want to hear from you, too, and that brings us to our question of the week. What do you think about the possibility of new taxes on services and/or deliveries in Illinois to help balance the budget? Share your thoughts at 4therecord@ Local 4 News, your local election headquarters, is proud to present , a weekly news and public affairs program focused on the issues important to you. It's a program unlike any other here in the Quad Cities. Tune in each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. as brings you up to speed on what's happening in the political arena, from Springfield, Des Moines, Washington, D.C. and right here at home. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
WIU celebrates early results of ‘Prepare for Illinois' Future' program
Western Illinois University is known as an opportunity institution that helps students increase their social mobility. Taking it a step further, Western Illinois University is the first school to become a part of the 'Prepare for Illinois' Future' program. 'It's this access to affordable, high-quality test prep that can be the difference between that dream being realized, or that dream being deferred,' said State Sen. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island. The program covers costs of test prep for grad students, licensures, and career entrance exams in areas such as medicine, nursing, and cybersecurity. 'What it means is these students are increasing their earning potential, and very likely if they are going to school here in Illinois, they are able to stay here in Illinois and find that career in Illinois,' Halpin two months, the program has saved students nearly $8 million in out-of-pocket costs. 'Of all the investments that we can make as a state, investing in the next generation's education, investing in that workforce is paramount,' said Harrison Dehnert, a Western Illinois graduate student. 'The program helps tear down barriers and ensure the costs are not a deterrent for students seeking to advance their academic endeavors,' said Justin Schuch, Western Illinois University's vice president for student success. The program doesn't just help the students, but also supports local businesses. 'The future success the Quad Cities depends on ensuring that students have the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive,' said Chris Caves, a member of the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce. 'Without them businesses struggle to find qualified talent, innovation stalls, and our community misses out on the full potential of the next generation.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
State of Illinois grants help QCA school libraries with resources
School districts across Illinois are getting state funding to support libraries. Over $1.3 million was awarded to 2,484 Illinois public school libraries through the Secretary of State's School District Library Grant Program. Districts can use the funds for library books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs. 'It is vital we continue to ensure our school libraries have the tools and staff they need to uplift Illinois students,' said Sen. Mike Halpin (D-Rock Island). 'Our children's educations warrant access to the very best resources, reading materials and technology we have available. This money will bolster Western Illinois schools and help nurture bright young minds.' These school districts in the 36th District received a total of $27,792: Bushnell-Prairie City CUSD 170 – $850 East Moline School District 37 – $2,170 Silvis School District 34 – $850 United Township High School District 30 – $1,458 Galesburg CUSD 205 – $3,217 Hampton School District 29 – $850 Knoxville CUSD 202 – $850 Macomb CUSD 185 – $1,593 Moline-Coal Valley School District 40 – $5,912 Monmouth-Roseville CUSD 238 – $1,284 United CUSD 304 – $850 Orion Community Unit School District 223 – $850 Rock Island-Milan School District 41 – $5,086 Sherrard CUSD 200 – $1,118 Carbon Cliff-Barstow District 36 – $850 The grants are awarded once every fiscal year and support school library services for over one million students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade statewide. Data from the Illinois Library Association shows 67% of children ages 6-17 find books to read from libraries and children from low-income families are more likely to get books from school libraries. Schools with librarians have seen increased standardized testing reading scores and school librarians are a critical component for teaching digital literacy, online citizenship and internet safety. Click here to see a list of the libraries that received funding. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Western Illinois University looks to add new program with latest senate bill
Western Illinois University is looking for an upgrade to its Quad Cities campus. State Senate Bill 1308, introduced by State Sen. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island, could potentially bring $7.2 million to help fund the project. The university president wants an innovation center to help bridge the school's programs with the Quad Cities' workforce. 'We know the Quad Cities is a major manufacturing place in the Midwest and the ability to have a space where Western Illinois University, as well as other university partners and other partners can come together to create, to innovate, to invent,' said Kristi Mindrup, the president of the university. 'This is the vision that we have.' The center would focus on three key areas: education, engineering and healthcare. The school has already laid the groundwork. 'There are precursors to the innovation center, some partnerships that have led to the conceptualization of the innovation center, as well as plans and programming that can follow it with support of the funding,' said Mindrup. The partnerships include Iowa State University, the University of Illinois and the Rock Island Arsenal. Additionally, a business incubator is in discussion. This would help local entrepreneurs learn skills and get help in building their businesses. 'We have underutilized space, and we're trying to elevate the role of the Quad Cities campus in terms of its ability to drive economic development, community development and innovation,' said Chris Merrett, the dean of innovation at the university. The school believes this bill could be a new start for the Quad Cities campus. 'Having a public higher education available in the Quad Cities in a way that strategically aligns with the needs of the community, this is the next evolution of Western Illinois University,' said Mindrup. The bill is currently awaiting approval in the Appropriations-Education Committee. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Sen. Halpin collects cards to send to seniors for Valentine's Day
State Sen. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island, is collecting store-bought or handmade cards for residents in long-term care facilities for Valentine's Day, according to a news release. 'I want to give the community a chance to lift up local seniors' spirits this Valentine's Day,' said Halpin. 'A small gesture like a card can have a big effect on a person's day.' Local residents are encouraged to write kind notes and drop them off or mail them to Halpin's district office at 117 E. Main St., Suite 103, Galesburg, IL 61401. He is collecting cards until Feb. 10 and will deliver them to local long-term care facilities. For more information, call Halpin's Rock Island office at 309-558-3612 or his Galesburg office at 309-297-4483. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
