ROCK ISLAND – State Senator Mike Halpin helped secure a $3.8 million infrastructure grant for Fresh Films, awarded through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Soundstage Capital Grant Program. 

“Western Illinois’ film industry has so much potential,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Strategic state investment in our film infrastructure, including Fresh Films and the amazing work done at the Quad Cities Regional Film Office, will boost our local economy and give producers an affordable alternative to complete their projects.”

The Illinois Soundstage Capital Grant Program funds studio infrastructure projects in order to bolster Illinois’ rapidly growing streaming, TV and film industry. The grant funds can be used for building and modernizing soundstages and production space, which will help attract large-scale projects to Illinois while simultaneously bolstering economic activity for local businesses and creating employment opportunities.

The $3.8 million award will support the construction of soundstages, production offices, mill spaces and other facilities that attract and serve large-scale film and television productions. A Rock Island County site for the planned studio is expected to be announced in the coming months.

“Fresh Films is beyond thankful to be receiving this grant to build a studio in Rock Island County. We worked in collaboration with other local partners to showcase how combining our region's unique locations and history with soundstage studio infrastructure will attract large-scale TV and film productions to this part of the state,” said Kelli Feigley, Founder & Managing Director of Fresh Films. “The studio will serve as a catalyst to diversify the local economy, not just in job creation for local talent but also in how it can attract professionals from the entertainment industry, spurring the growth of related businesses and services which adds to the overall financial health of the community.  The grant is an investment in economic growth, cultural enrichment, and community development, with far-reaching benefits for the Western Illinois region and for the State of Illinois.  We look at this as an opportunity for all boats to rise as we partner together to benefit the region and its Illinois residents."

To learn more about the Fresh Film studio, click here.

SPRINGFIELD – The achievements of Career and Technical Education programs across the state will be recognized this February under a measure sponsored by State Senator Mike Halpin.

“Many CTE programs allow students to receive a debt-free education that sets them up with a good job,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “I believe there is agreement out there across our community and state that college isn’t for everyone. We need to be proud of our young people going to vocational school, as our state wouldn’t be able to build any infrastructure without them.”

Senate Resolution 750 declares February 2024 as Career and Technical Education Month in Illinois. Under the resolution, Career and Technical Education is celebrated by highlighting the positive effect it has on students. There are approximately 382,383 secondary and post-secondary students enrolled in CTE programs across the state. CTE is instrumental in ensuring fair and equal access to learning opportunities and supporting local communities.

“Career and Technical Education isn't just about learning skills, it's about empowering students to shape their futures,” said UT Area Career Center Director James Hood. “Students are graduating with not only a diploma, but a toolbox of practical skills ready to use in the real world. Through partnerships with Industry, CTE helps address employer needs, ensuring a pipeline of job-ready candidates.”

Senate Resolution 750 was adopted by the Senate Thursday.

SPRINGFIELD – In response to the governor’s proposed budget address today, State Senator Mike Halpin (D-Rock Island) issued the following statement:

“Stability and growth in Western Illinois starts with a fair budget for everyone. That’s why we have to provide necessary services for residents and businesses alike so they can plan for the future. The governor’s budget is a good start, but we need more for Western Illinois.

“My top priorities will continue to be additional funding for higher education, child care services, infrastructure upgrades and veterans. We have made a good start on these issues in recent years, but there is always room for us to improve.

“As we go through the budget process over these next few months, I will work overtime to ensure that communities in our part of the state get a fair shake. I’m confident that we can get it done, because that’s what our residents deserve.”

ROCK ISLAND – Under a proposal supported by State Senator Mike Halpin, working parents in Illinois earning the median income or less could soon have the option to claim a state-level child tax credit on their state income taxes.

“With the cost of living and housing skyrocketing, it’s time for us here in Illinois to step up and provide relief for families,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “We need to work across the aisle to make sure that our children are taken care of all across the state.”

Senate Bill 3329 would create a state-level child tax credit for eligible low- and middle-income families. Families would receive a $300 tax credit for each qualifying child beginning in tax year 2025. The proposal would benefit joint filers earning less than $75,000 and single filers earning less than $50,000. If passed, Illinois would join more than 14 other states in enacting a state-level child tax credit.

With the cost of living rising across the country, children are often times the most affected.  According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, over seven million children in 2021 lived in a household where they weren’t eating enough because the household couldn’t afford it. In data collected in 2019, 1.1 million children lived in a household where they were sometimes or often not eating enough because the household couldn’t afford it.

“We need this child tax credit because it will help families put food on the table for their children,” said Halpin. “It’s the right thing to do to make sure that no child goes hungry.”

Senate Bill 3329 awaits discussion in the spring legislative session.