Halpin and Johnson designate a portion of Illinois Route 84 as “Chris James Memorial Highway”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin and State Representative Gregg Johnson’s resolution to honor the memory of Christopher Allan James was adopted by the Senate.

“Chris was a dedicated family man, hard worker and public servant who was a warm light to his community,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “The purpose of this dedication is so Chris’ memory will live on and bring good memories to those who knew him.”

Christopher Allan "Chris" James – of Savana – died tragically in an accident on May 23, 2023 at just 48 years old. Chris worked for Guffey Motors (now JC Carey Motors) as a mechanic. He then worked for Elkay for approximately a decade, then at the Illinois Department of Corrections, first as a correctional officer, then vehicle maintenance, and then as a groundsman. Chris served as a councilman and treasurer for AFSCME, and he also served on the Savanna City Council.

“Next month will mark three years since the passing of my friend, Christopher James, while on the job at the East Moline Correctional Center,” said Johnson (D-East Moline). “Chris was not just my friend; he was a friend to everyone his life touched – at work and in his community. We can never do enough to honor his service to all of us, but I’m looking forward to the day we can leave a permanent symbol to those who enter Savanna – giving citizens and visitors the opportunity to learn just how special a person he was.” 

House Joint Resolution 17 designates Illinois Route 84 from 1030 Viaduct Road (south point) to U.S. 52 – intersection of Chicago Avenue and Viaduct Road – in Savanna as the "Chris James Memorial Highway.”

HJR 17 was adopted by the Senate last week.

Halpin works across the aisle to address downstate teacher shortage

SPRINGFIELD – In the face of a growing teacher shortage in downstate Illinois, State Senator Mike Halpin’s plan to allow retired teachers to work additional paid hours has passed the Senate with bipartisan support.

“If we are going to build a future in Illinois that works for all of us, teachers are one of the most valuable human resources we have,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island).  “Retired teachers have the experience and the time to support our school districts, students and communities. Giving them the option of more substitution hours will give much needed support to our education system.”

Every single Democrat and Republican in the Senate supported Senate Bill 2953. Halpin’s measure, to extend the sunset of a provision that allows retired teachers to work up to 120 days or 600 paid hours as a substitute teacher without impacting their retirement status – in turn addressing the teacher shortage downstate.

Illinois continues to suffer through a teacher shortage. According to the Illinois State Board of Education, 87% of schools surveyed said they have a teacher shortage problem and 91% are struggling to fill substitute teacher openings. Also according to the ISBE, nearly 4,000 teaching positions went unfilled and 87% of education leaders indicated a minor, serious, or very serious problem with teacher shortages.

“This legislation will support every school in every district downstate,” said Halpin. “Making sure our kids have the tools they need to thrive and be successful in life isn’t a partisan value, it’s a family value. If retired teachers want to work to support our children, we should not stand in their way.”

Senate Bill 2953 passed the Senate and awaits further consideration in the House.

Steel and Sears Dam Meeting will happen as scheduled

The Sears and Steel Dam meeting will be happening this evening as scheduled.

We will be hosting at the IBEW Hall on 52nd in Moline from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The hearing will include a presentation of the preliminary findings of the study and allow the public to voice their questions, concerns and suggestions.

Halpin to hold hearing regarding Steel and Sears Dam study and invites public comment

MOLINE - In order to promote transparency, engage the community and consider various safety proposals for the Steel and Sears Dams, State Senator Mike Halpin is calling for the community to attend and comment at a public hearing regarding this key issue.

“This hearing will give folks who live, work, and play near the Rock River a chance to share their views on the Steel and Sears Dams,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “IDNR’s safety study will give our municipal and community leaders powerful insight into alternatives that protect the environment and recreation on the river, while ensuring the river is as safe as possible for that purpose.”

The hearing will include preliminary findings from the safety study conducted by Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and will include public comment following the presentation of their findings. The Steel Dam and Sears Dam have been the site of fatal accidents and the study’s purpose is to examine ways to mitigate the safety risk and prevent these tragedies in the future.

Senator Halpin invites the public to attend the hearing at the IBEW Hall at 1700 52nd Ave., in Moline on March 16 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Those with questions should call Senator Halpin’s office at 309-558-3612, text at 309-297-4483 or check out his website.