SPRINGFIELD – Though many Illinoisans may not be aware, human trafficking occurs in every part of the state, from Rock Island to Chicago. To crack down on the statewide scourge, State Senator Mike Halpin passed a measure through the Senate Thursday.

“We must empower our local governments and law enforcement to keep tabs on businesses to make sure every instance of human trafficking is accounted for and the perpetrators are brought to justice,” said Halpin. “By allowing localities to monitor hotels, restaurants and truck stop training, we can create a more targeted approach to combatting these terrible crimes.”

While current law requires human trafficking recognition training at hotels, restaurants and truck stops, this legislation would give municipalities the legal authority to act if a business is not complying the training laws. In addition, the new law would allow local governments to issue fines of up to $1,500 per offense.

In 2023 the Human Trafficking Hotline received over 760 signals from Illinois. These signals can range from labor trafficking to sex trafficking though some are unknown or unspecified. Though most of the cases were adult females the issue also impacts minors and males though at a lower rate. While Illinois is combatting the human trafficking epidemic, it remains one of the most under-reported and under-identified crimes. In addition, the sinister dynamics of human trafficking mean that most victims do not reach out for help according to the Illinois State Police. This means that trafficking hotspots like hotels, restaurants and truck stop employees need the proper training to identify this crime.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin’s resolution to declare April 1 as “Skip the Plastic Day” in Illinois passed committee Thursday.

“With our landfills and waterways being filled with plastic waste, Illinois has an opportunity to stand up and be part of the solution rather than the problem,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island) “Skip the Plastic Day will bring more awareness to this issue that is impacting the whole planet.”

“Skip the Plastic Day” would urge all residents, businesses and visitors to reduce plastic waste and protect our environment. The resolution would also commend businesses for willingly participating in offering single-use plastics only at customer request. The single use plastics included under the day are straws and cutlery, though businesses are encouraged to draw down all plastic use.

“Skip the Plastic Day” is the vision of Nicolina Pappas, an 8^th grader from Rock Island. Nicolina has already gotten several Illinois mayoral proclamations in support of “Skip the Plastic Day.” She brought her “Skip the Plastic Day” idea to Halpin’s office and testified at the Environment and Conservation Committee.

“The environment is one of the most pressing issues for young people,” said Nicolina “If we push to cut single use plastics it will lower expenses for businesses and protect the environment. Young people are concerned about the legacy they are inheriting and we must take action.”

Nicolina also has a website you can check out to see restaurants that have pledged to Skip the Plastic.

Illinois’ public universities and select community colleges will prepare students for professional licensing exams, graduate-level admissions exams, and credential exams

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin and State Representative Dan Swanson have announced a new state program that will help Illinois college students prepare for graduate school and in-demand careers.

“Prohibitive cost on prep courses and entrance exams can close the door on a students’ post-graduate ambitions,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island) chair of the Senate Appropriations Education Committee. “This program ensures every prospective post-graduate student gets the fair shot they deserve, opening the door to a good education and a fulfilling career. Illinois’ investment in our students represents an investment in our future.”

The Prepare for Illinois' Future Program is the result of a commitment by the State of Illinois, Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), and leading global education company Kaplan to provide free test preparation courses to students enrolled in Illinois’ public universities as well as five community colleges. Western Illinois University was the first school to join the program, and Carl Sandburg College is also being on boarded for all students.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin is disheartened the federal administration ended the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program and the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program – a major blow for both farmers and the people who depend on the programs.

“With this decision, the federal administration has shown total contempt and lack of empathy for our local farmers and our communities most vulnerable,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Many Illinoisans depend on these programs to get fresh, healthy food and the federal administration is gleefully taking that food off folks’ dinner tables. The Illinois-EATS program allows us to connect disadvantaged farmers to people who desperately need access to healthy food. Slashing this program has brought uncertainty to folks who need as much stability in their lives as they can get.”