SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin introduced legislation to bring $7.2 million to Western Illinois University to drive new initiatives in innovation, workforce development and economic growth in the Quad Cities.

“Our state must ensure it can continue to fully serve its students and the broader community,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “This funding will give WIU the boost it needs to tackle higher education needs in the Quad Cities and beyond.”

Western Illinois University is launching several initiatives to help shape the next evolution of WIU-QC, including growing opportunities for local business through procurement and development assistance and building on programs that will position Western Illinois University to implement the community needs outlined in the recently released Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) “Thrive Quad Cities” report.

“These dollars will allow WIU to step forward,” said Halpin. “We must give the university the tools to enable a stable solution and this funding is the way to accomplish that goal.”

“As a lifelong resident of the Quad Cities, it is an honor to lead the next era of public higher education for our community,” said Dr. Kristi Mindrup, president of Western Illinois University. “An additional $7.2 million investment in Western Illinois University will lead to exciting opportunities in education, engineering, and healthcare that meet the needs of the Quad Cities region and beyond.”

Senate Bill 1308 is awaiting to be heard in the Senate Education Appropriations Committee.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin has been appointed chair of the Senate Committee on Educations Appropriations in the 104th General Assembly.

“I am committed to the upkeep and expansion of Illinois’ public education system,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Education is the bedrock of the economy and our community. Laser focus on education will be required to begin the revitalization of the Quad Cities and other downstate communities.”

The Senate Committee on Education Appropriation deals with funding and oversight of projects related to education. Education Appropriations covers primary, secondary, as well as higher education. This means projects covering everything from grade schools to public colleges and universities.

“Education is a person’s best tool to navigating these uncertain times,” said Halpin. “As chair, I will dedicate my time to ensuring Illinois has a fully funded education system and every Illinoisan has full access to that system.”

Halpin will chair the committee throughout the 104th General Assembly.

ROCK ISLAND – State Senator Mike Halpin announced Tuesday that Henderson Health Center is set to receive over $110,000 through the Health Equity Zone Pilot Projects pilot program.

“Addressing health inequities within our community continues to be a priority. Everyone deserves to have access to compassionate, quality, and accessible health care,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “At a time when corporate health insurance continues to fail regular people in western Illinois, grants such as the Health Equity Zone pilot program play an integral role in bolstering access to care.”

SPRINGFIELD – To help protect consumers from utility scams, State Senator Mike Halpin spearheaded a resolution in the Senate declaring Nov. 20, 2024 as Utility Scam Awareness Day.

“Scammers are smart and ever-evolving with their tactics to trick customers into sharing personal or financial information,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “This leaves residents unaware and unable to decipher if a phone call, text or email is from their utility company or not.”