Edly-Allen passes measure to promote usage of consumer-owned containers

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mary Edly-Allen passed a measure to lessen the use of plastic and Styrofoam.

“In order to reduce waste in our landfills and be more conscientious of our impact on the environment, we need alternatives like using consumer-owned containers,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “Not only will restaurants save money on packaging, grocery stores will also help the environment by allowing their customers to use their own items for bulk purchases.”

Edly-Allen’s measure would allow restaurants and retailers to fill and refill consumer-owned containers with bulk or ready-made food.

A restaurant or retailer has to take necessary precautions to prevent cross contamination and make those written procedures available to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

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Edly-Allen celebrates new Libertyville tourism grant

LIBERTYVILLE – State Senator Mary Edly-Allen, alongside Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, announced $12,400 will be awarded to Libertyville to boost local tourism efforts and attract visitors to drive along the historic Route 66.

“Libertyville has a rich history of travel and tourism thanks to Route 66,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “That includes the thriving arts and performance scene, parks, forest preserves and trails, dozens of wonderful local shops, restaurants and more. It’s a great place to stop by with family and friends, and this grant will help keep these businesses running.”

The Route 66 Grant Program is awarding $3.7 million to seven recipients for the development of tourism, education, preservation and promotion leading up to the 100th Anniversary of Route 66 in 2026.

The grantees, including Libertyville, will help develop and enhance sites along Route 66 – with a focus on future transportation and tourism trends such as electric vehicles.

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Edly-Allen applauds School Meals Grant awarded to Round Lake High School

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mary Edly-Allen commended the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) for awarding Round Lake Community School District 116 funding that allows students to create tasty and healthy recipes for schools across the country via the School Meals Recipe Development Grant.

“This grant is a wonderful opportunity for students to showcase their skills and help improve school lunches,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “As an educator, I recognize that developing these culinary skills at an early age will provide students with the necessary tools for their future.”

ISBE celebrated student chefs during a special taste test event at Joliet Junior College on April 21, 2023. The student chefs hailed from eight districts across the state that received federal Team Nutrition School Meals Recipe Development Grants.

These grants supported students with local cooking competitions, taste testing events, chef demonstrations, and field trips to farms or production facilities of local agricultural products, culminating in the students developing their own tasty and nutritious recipes for school meals.

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Edly-Allen spearheads Manufacturing Mentorship Program

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mary Edly-Allen is leading a measure that would create new job opportunities and connections for Illinois high school students.

“Giving our youth more opportunities to form connections and expand their job experience is crucial to ensuring long-term manufacturing jobs stay in Illinois,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville) ”The trade industry is vital – not just for workers but for our community as a whole.”

Senate Bill 1996 would amend the age within the Manufacturing Mentorship Program so more students can participate. Under this program, people 17 years and older would be given new opportunities toward temporary positions within the manufacturing field. Employers would train and mentor the participants of the program.

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