ROCK ISLAND – The Illinois EPA announced $50,000 is coming to Rock Island to help the City identify service lines that may contain lead.

“The well-documented adverse health effects of exposure to lead in drinking water poses a serious risk to our children,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Funding to identify the City’s lead service lines will help keep our families protected.”

Senator Halpin voted for the legislation creating the Lead Service Line Replacement Notification Act in 2021. The Lead Service Line Replacement Notification Act establishes timelines and requirements for the removal and replacement of all lead service lines in Illinois and creates a low-income water assistance program to help fund financial assistance and water projects that include lead pipe replacement.

Illinois has more lead service lines than any other state in the nation, with an estimated 730,000 to 1.4 million lead service lines in the ground. There is no safe level of exposure to lead.  

“This funding will provide many communities with the necessary funding to develop a complete inventory identifying the types of water lines that exist in their drinking water supplies,” said Illinois EPA Director Kim.

To see a full list of Lead Service Line Inventory (LSLI) Grants, click here.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin will serve as chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee and Representative Gregg Johnson will serve on the House Labor and Commerce Committee for the 103rd General Assembly.

“I will work to not only protect higher education funding, but look to make increases where we can,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “We need to make sure that the tremendous higher education institutions in Western Illinois and across the state retain and recruit more in-state residents.”

Senator Halpin will also serve on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. To see the full list of Halpin’s committee assignments, click here.

Representative Johnson will serve on the House Labor and Commerce; Mental Health and Addiction; Prescription Drug Affordability and Accessibility; Transportation: Rail Systems, Roads and Bridges; and Veterans’ Affairs Committees. Johnson worked in the Illinois Department of Corrections for 32 years and looks forward to gaining experience during his freshmen term.

“With my law enforcement and labor background, I will bring a unique perspective to legislation going through committee,” said Johnson (D-East Moline). “I look forward to representing the Quad Cities and making sure our voices are heard down in Springfield.”

 Click here to see the 103^rd General Assembly’s Senate spring session schedule and here to see the 103^rd General Assembly’s House spring session schedule.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin was sworn in to serve in the Illinois Senate Wednesday, furthering his commitment to workers, veterans and seniors across Western Illinois.

“Here in Western Illinois, we care about good paying jobs, fiscal responsibility and creating an environment where our seniors can retire in dignity,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “I look forward to serving in the Senate down in Springfield, and I thank the residents of the 36th District for choosing me.”