Edly-Allen joins legislative leaders to address Illinois infrastructure

WASHINGTON, D.C. – State Senator Mary Edly-Allen joined legislative leaders from Illinois and Indiana at the White House last week to discuss improvements to the state’s infrastructure, including updates made in Lake County thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration.

Among the standout projects funded through numerous federal grants including Community Projects Funding (CPF) was the Cedar Lake Road realignment. This transformative projects creates a smoother aligned thoroughfare in the downtown Round Lake. This investment includes bicycle and pedestrian pathways and an improved bus and rail transit facilities.

“Investments in our infrastructure are an investment in people. It’s easy to overlook how critical infrastructure improvements are until a piece stops working. We lose time with our loved ones because we are sitting in traffic or on a train that is delayed,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “Investments like CPF bring essential transportation infrastructure updates that will not only institute high-quality jobs to our state but improve the lives of every Illinoisan. Our district is well maintained thanks to this funding.”

Additionally, the Cedar Lake Road project will provide an 86% reduction in travel delays and a 36% decrease in the frequency of crashes. The area within a 0.5 mile radius of the project has a demographic index of 51% for the number of minority and low income residents belonging to underserved communities.

“The $135.2 million in funding that Lake County received from the American Rescue Plan Act has been critical in enabling the county to invest in numerous local programs and projects to benefit our residents and communities,” said Sandy Hart, Lake County Board Chair. “Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s funding allocation to Lake County and the collaboration with our state and local partners, these initiatives were made possible.”

Several major projects were federally funded across Lake County in addition to Cedar Lake Road thanks to CPF and ARPA.

"Here in Lake County, we have seen tremendous benefits from the Biden-Harris Administration's investments in healthcare, gun violence prevention, and protecting the environment," said State Representative Bob Morgan (D- Highwood). "Thanks to unprecedented federal support, we have been able to expand health insurance coverage, invest millions in community-based violence intervention and prevention, and deploy over $30 million for flood mitigation resulting from climate change. With today's White House visit by the Lake County delegation, we will continue to look for new ways for our federal partners to support our communities."

To learn more about federal funded projects across Lake County, visit the Lake County’s website.

Edly-Allen encourages students to apply to Township Officials of Illinois scholarship

LIBERTYVILLE – State Senator Mary Edly-Allen is encouraging graduating high school seniors that plan to continue their education at an Illinois college or university to apply to this year’s Township Officials of Illinois Scholarship.

“This scholarship has aided Illinois students interested in leadership for over 35 years,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “From paying for textbooks to getting a new laptop, this is an opportunity for students to take advantage of assistance to offset the high costs of furthering their education.”

Annually, the TOI awards seven $2,000 scholarships to Illinois high school seniors. Students interested in applying are encouraged to visit toi.org to check eligibility requirements, including a history of extracurricular activities that demonstrates a willingness to accept leadership responsibilities or a commitment to civic responsibility, social consciousness and more.

Additionally, students who apply must also submit a 500-word essay on “The Role of Township Government in Today’s Society and in the Future” that will include information gained from an interview with an elected township official.

“As students are considering the different higher education institutions across the state, they’re considering what they can afford,” said Edly-Allen. “Our future leaders can get a head start with this scholarship and expand on their essay writing skills at the same time.”

The application must be mailed or submitted online no later than March 1. All scholarship awards are disbursed directly to the award recipient’s school and must be used for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Edly-Allen announces over $27,000 in library grants for local school districts

LIBERTYVILLE – State Senator Mary Edly-Allen announced 12 school districts in the 31st District have received more than $27,000 to provide resources to libraries through books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs.

“As an educator, I know how essential these grants are to our students and the benefits that come with it,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “By providing high-quality educational materials, the state is not only preparing future generations to come but also ensuring students have the resources and skills they need for a bright academic career.”

Based on a statutory formula, school districts receive $0.885 per student enrolled at each school with a qualified library. Funding for the School District Library Grant Program originates from the General Reserve Fund and is appropriated for this purpose by the Illinois General Assembly.

The following school districts in Edly-Allen’s district received a total of $27,194:

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Edly-Allen encourages eligible households to apply for utility bill assistance

LIBERTYVILLE – The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program is now open to all income-eligible households, and State Senator Mary Edly-Allen is urging eligible families to apply to receive assistance with natural gas, propane and electricity bills.

“Families shouldn’t have to decide between groceries and paying utility bills in the winter to keep warm,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “The state is offering assistance for families in need, and I strongly encourage all eligible residents to apply to ensure everyone stays safe and healthy.”

LIHEAP provides one-time payments directly to energy service providers on behalf of recipients. While the amount of support varies based on the needs of individual families, last year over 311,000 households received LIHEAP, with an average of over $1,000 per household.

All income-eligible households can now apply for assistance, and applications will be accepted through Aug. 15, 2024, or until funds are exhausted. The energy bill assistance program offered through the Help Illinois Families Program in program year 2024 will provide $237 million to eligible families for energy bill assistance.

For more information or to apply to the program, visit HelpIllinoisFamilies.com or your local agency.