ROCK ISLAND – In a move to strengthen Western Illinois’ competitiveness, spark innovation, and grow the economy, State Senator Mike Halpin announced a grantee in Galesburg received over $1.8 million in funding through the Tech Incubator Enhancement Grant Program.

“This funding will give Galesburg and the broader region a boost in competitiveness and create a pro-growth environment for agricultural tech startups,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “This exciting ag tech incubator connects innovators, higher education and workforce development together to grow Western Illinois’ economy.”

In partnership with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity this initiative is designed to support entrepreneurship and innovation in key growth industries throughout Illinois.

The Galesburg grant will fund a new ag tech-focused incubator project proposed for downtown Galesburg. The 518 Collective will provide physical workspace, business development services, workforce trainings, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help early-stage companies succeed.

SPRINGFIELD – Reading can spur imagination and inspiration in students that will stick with them for life, which is why State Senator Mike Halpin is holding a Summer Book Club for students while they have a few months off from school.

“With phones and iPads in everyone’s hands these days, we need to we instill the values of reading in our young people,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “No matter the subject, no matter the author, no matter the reader, reading is for everyone. I am excited to announce my office is hosting the Summer Book Club again this year and I encourage students in Western Illinois to participate.”

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form, and return the form to Halpin’s Rock Island, Galesburg or Springfield office by Aug. 15. Every child who completes the Summer Book Club will receive a gift card from Halpin. Information forms are available at these local, Western Illinois libraries:

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin secured funding to bring jobs and updated infrastructure to the Moline River Drive.

“This new project will bring major improvements to River Drive to enhance the lives of residents,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “With this money we can fill potholes, bring jobs and make the Moline community safer.”

The Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program grants will fund the Illinois Department of Transportation project along the River Drive between 12^th and 19^th Streets in Moline. The IDOT project will involve a massive streetscape improvement effort. The project will address deteriorating sidewalks and tripping hazards to ease and increase foot traffic. In addition, missing crosswalks and outdated signal will be addressed to make the area more inviting to pedestrians. Finally, to make the River Drive more accessible, several intersections will receive ADA-compliant upgrades.

SPRINGFIELD – With more than 3,000 people reported missing in Illinois, State Senator Mike Halpin is supporting legislation to use every available means of finding and identifying these victims.

“We need to make sure we are using every tool at our disposable to solve these missing person cases, both for the victims and their families,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “This legislation sends a clear message to missing people and their friends and family: We are still searching, Illinois has not forgotten you.”

Halpin is cosponsoring legislation to set new requirements for investigations regarding missing person cases. The requirements include collecting and analyzing fingerprints and DNA, reporting missing people to a national database within 60 days, and prohibiting the closure of a case until the person has been confirmed returned or identified, among other requirements.

Western Illinois has had several high profile missing person cases. One of the cases was the tragic disappearance of 11-year-old Trudy Appleby of Moline. Her disappearance sparked a major search effort, but she has been missing for over 28 years, with family and friends still seeking justice. Another of the most high profile person’s cases in the Quad Cities is that of Jerry Wolking Sr., who went missing in 1990 at the age of 52. Missing Wolking Sr.’s case remains one of the longest-running missing person’s cases in the Quad Cities.

“These victims and their families have suffered long enough,” said Halpin. “By pushing forward on this legislation we can bring justice to missing people and their families not just in Western Illinois, but across the state.”

Senate Bill 24 passed the Criminal Law Committee.