Welcome to Senator Mary Edly-Allen's Legislative Website

Edly-Allen announces workforce training grant program now open

GRAYSLAKE – State Senator Mary Edly-Allen announced the Illinois Workforce Pell, a new program expanding on the federal Pell Grant by allowing eligible students to use grant funding for short-term workforce training programs aligned with in-demand occupations, is now accepting applications.

“Removing financial barriers to workforce training helps more people build stable careers and meet the needs of employers across Illinois,” said Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake). “This program creates more pathways to family-supporting jobs in growing industries, ensuring students can quickly gain the skills they need while helping businesses find the qualified workers they’re looking for.”

By extending Pell eligibility to shorter-term programs, Workforce Pell broadens access to a more affordable path to a recognized credential, tied to employer-validated, high-skill, high-wage or in-demand jobs across the state. Illinois developed a rigorous approval process to ensure participating programs meet high standards for quality, workforce alignment and student outcomes – protecting students while ensuring public investments support credentials with strong labor market value.

Eligible programs are required to demonstrate strong completion and job placement outcomes, employer-validated demand and reasonable tuition relative to graduates' expected earnings – all to ensure that Illinois students can pursue short-term workforce training with confidence. The program also supports the state's broader economic development goals by aligning training investments with the skills employers need across Illinois.

The application for the first round of approvals is now open and closes Aug. 31. Institutions can apply here.

New Edly-Allen law to strengthen play-based learning

 SPRINGFIELD – Children in play-based learning environments show stronger language skills, cognitive and social development than their peers in more challenging academic settings, according to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, a finding that is driving new efforts in Illinois to strengthen early education. State Senator Mary Edly-Allen advanced House Bill 4577 to reinforce those practices in classrooms across the state.

“By clearly defining play-based learning, we are giving educators the tools they need to create classrooms where children can explore, grow and build the foundational skills that set them up for long-term success,” said Edly-Allen (D- Grayslake). “As an educator and parent, I have seen firsthand how powerful play can be in helping children develop confidence, curiosity and a love of learning.”

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Edly-Allen secures over $388,000 for Lake County libraries

GRAYSLAKE – State Senator Mary Edly-Allen announced 18 public libraries and school districts across Lake County are set to receive more than $388,000 for library services, enhanced programming and construction and security upgrades.

“As an educator I know that strong school and public libraries open doors to learning, creativity and opportunity for people of all ages,” said Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake). “These grants will help expand programs, update resources and ensure more families, students and lifelong learners have access to the tools they need to succeed.”

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Edly-Allen’s landmark AI safety law to address catastrophic risks, increasing transparency signed by governor

CHICAGO – Senator Mary Edly-Allen’s landmark law, the first of its kind in the country, was signed into law, aiming to establish safety standards and transparency requirements for the largest artificial intelligence (AI) developers.

“This bipartisan law is about putting responsible safeguards in place before a preventable catastrophe occurs. Illinois has an opportunity to lead the nation by setting clear expectations for transparency, accountability and public safety,” said Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake). “While artificial intelligence holds extraordinary promises from curing disease to transforming scientific research, we have a responsibility to confront the catastrophic risks associated with the systems.”

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