Archives

U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD), took his “Mike on the Move” transportation initiative to Divvy, a city wide bicycle ride-sharing system. His visit highlighted the trends of public transit and biking that the city is adapting in order to create a more transportation friendly and safer environment for bicyclists in the City of Chicago.

U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) has joined 59 of his House colleagues in cosponsoring H.R. 6100, the Protect Family Farms and Businesses Act. Recent regulations from the Treasury Department artificially increase the value of many family farms and businesses, which could ultimately force them to pay more in estate, or “death” taxes. For years the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has discounted interest held in businesses for estate tax purposes—now the IRS plans to count that interest as a percentage of what the business is worth

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Department of Family Supports and Services (DFSS) Commissioner Lisa Morrison Butler announced today the innovative Day for Change initiative—a jobs program that will provide up to 100 homeless individuals an opportunity to connect to services while earning a modest wage. A Day for Change will connect homeless panhandlers with temporary employment opportunities and supportive services.

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that the cities of Savanna and Rochelle, Illinois have received nearly $5 million through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) grants to invest in transportation infrastructure projects, boosting economic development and creating jobs throughout the region.

U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD), successfully included an amendment to the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2016 that requires the Army Corp of Engineers to expedite the completion of Stage 2 of the McCook Reservoir construction project. Rep. Quigley’s remarks on the House Floor during debate of his amendment are available here. The amendment passed by voice vote.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced today that campsite reservations are now available at southern Illinois State Parks and the World Shooting and Recreational Complex for visitors making plans to view the total solar eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017. Reservations can be made for dates within the window of Aug. 14 – 27, 2017

Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) has announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration has awarded Midway Airport two grants to improve safety at the airport. An almost two million dollar grant will be used to help rehabilitate over a mile of runway to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement and to minimize foreign object debris. In addition, a separate grant for $72,000 will help pay for equipment needed to reduce the risk of runway incursions and conflicts between aircraft and vehicles operating at the airport

U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) today applauded the Senate’s passage of the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (WRDA) which will improve drinking and wastewater systems, flood protection, waterway shipping, and the Great Lakes

Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) is announcing that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration has awarded a $17.5 million grant for noise mitigation measures around Midway Airport.

30,122 Square Foot Terminal Building Expansion Will Improve Traveler Experience. U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) today announced over $6 million in federal funding to support a 30,122 square foot terminal building expansion at the Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD).

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has awarded Illinois organizations grants totaling $9,540,655 to prevent homelessness among veterans and their families. Today’s funding will help pay for outreach, case management, and assistance related to VA benefits. More than $300 million were awarded nationwide today through the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program.

U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky(D-IL-9), along with U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (D-IL-5), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL-8) today announced $20 million in federal funding for aircraft noise mitigation efforts near O’Hare International Airport. Today’s funding, awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), will help soundproof residences with noise levels between 65 and 69 DNL

The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity’s Office of Energy Assistance announced today that the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will begin accepting applications for winter heating assistance for seniors and people with disabilities beginning September 1, 2016.

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced $1.6 million in federal funding for the Chicago-based National Runaway Switchboard (NRS), which helps homeless and at-risk youths and their families access counseling, prevention services, and local resources. Today’s funding, awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will allow the NRS to continue operating 24-hours a day, 365 days a year, and promote its 1-800-RUNAWAY Hotline.