Edly-Allen launches Summer Book Club

LIBERTYVILLE – To emphasize the importance of learning throughout the summer, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen is hosting a Summer Book Club to encourage students to read and continue their studies during the summer vacation.

“As an educator, I recognize how reading has the ability to inspire, educate and expand critical thinking skills,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “Reading over the summer helps students continue building on these skills. This program is a fun and free way to encourage the love of reading while earning a small reward.”

Read more …

Edly-Allen: Budget recognizes challenges ahead

SPRINGFIELD – Following the Senate’s approval of the Fiscal Year 2026 state budget on Saturday, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville) released the following statement:

“This balanced budget recognizes the significant challenges we are preparing for that are coming out of Washington, D.C. At a time when chaos from the federal administration is causing uncertainty and fear within our communities, Illinois presented a compassionate budget that reflects our priorities and values, including supporting the working middle class and those seeking quality education.

Read more …

Edly-Allen measure to create survivor pathways to independence passes both chambers

SPRINGFIELD — In order to ensure that domestic violence survivors get the assistance they need, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen to advance House Bill 2682 through the Senate on Saturday. In 2023, only an estimated 4% of eligible recipients received the Family Violence Option (FVO) protections under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.

“I was proud to partner with the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless and the Network Advocating Against Domestic Violence on this common-sense legislation that helps survivors and streamlines crisis assistance within the TANF application process,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “The proposed waiver and critical assistance funding are crucial tools for survivors. Now more than ever we need to continue to make resources readily known and accessible for our most vulnerable communities.”

Despite TANF applicants needing to be screened for FVO eligibility, very few survivors actually access FVO waivers or Crisis Assistance funding.

Read more …

Edly-Allen measure to create survivor pathways to independence

SPRINGFIELD — In order to ensure that domestic violence survivors get the assistance they need, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen to advance House Bill 2682 through the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Friday. In 2023, only an estimated 4% of eligible recipients received the Family Violence Option (FVO) protections under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. 

“I was proud to partner with the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless and the Network Advocating Against Domestic Violence on this common-sense legislation that helps survivors and streamlines crisis assistance within the TANF application process,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “The proposed waiver and critical assistance funding are crucial tools for survivors. Now more than ever we need to continue to make resources readily known and accessible for our most vulnerable communities.”

Read more …