GOVERNOR’S HIGHLIGHTS:
Water Infrastructure Grants: The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency issued more than $571 million in water infrastructure loans to local governments and water districts for the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 2023 (April – June 2023). The Illinois EPA State Revolving Fund Program provides low-interest loans which fund wastewater, stormwater, and drinking water projects. More than $53 million in loan forgiveness was also provided to those recipients meeting the loan rules for either the Small Community Rate or Hardship Rate. Read more here.
First West Nile Death Reported in Illinois: The Illinois Department of Public Health is reporting the first Illinois human West Nile virus related death in 2023. The individual, who was in their 90’s and lived in suburban Cook County, had an onset of symptoms of WNV in early August and died soon after. IDPH is also reporting 11 non-fatal cases of WNV confirmed to date this year.
Department of Labor Receives Federal Grant: The Illinois Department of Labor received a $1.35 million federal grant to go towards supporting tradeswomen-led efforts to train and support the entry of more women into infrastructure and construction careers. This grant will allow CWIT to provide specific guidance on program design and best practices to construction companies, unions, public bodies, and other stakeholders to promote workforce equity on infrastructure projects. Read more here.
REV Agreement: MicroLink Devices is set to receive a new Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) agreement for the company’s $9.5 million facility expansion in Niles. The expansion will enable the company to grow its design and manufacturing operations for the production of state-of-the-art solar cells and solar sheets, with a new state-of-the-art testing and assembly lab. MicroLink plans to invest $9.5 million and create 9 new jobs an retain the existing 54 jobs.
ILLINOIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY:
Governor Pritzker concluded acting on the 567 bills (347 House Bills/220 Senate Bills) forwarded to him from the 2023 Spring Legislative Session. The Governor signed 561 bills into law, amendatorily vetoed 3 bills, and vetoed 3 bills. The General Assembly will have the ability to address those vetoes (should they wish) during the upcoming Fall Veto Session scheduled for October 24-26 and November 7 – 9.
Legislative Democrats formed the Sustainable Fuels Caucus to address domestic energy supply needs, offer policy solutions to air and environmental quality issues and explore alternative energies. Members of the new caucus include Representatives Terra Cost Howard, Eva Dina Delgado, Dave Vella, Ann Williams and Dagmara Avelar and Senator Patrick Joyce.
OTHER NEWS:
2024 Election Update: Democratic Representative Lance Yednock announced he will not seek reelection. He has served the 76th House District since being elected in 2018. Rep. Yednock’s Chief of Staff Amy Murri Briel is exploring running for the seat.
Republican Adam Beaty has filed paperwork to challenge Representative Anthony DeLuca in the November 2024 General Election.
Mark Hamberlin has filed paperwork to challenge Representative Mary Flowers in the 2024 Democratic Primary.
Republican Representative Steve Reick announced he will seek a fifth term in the Illinois House.