SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mary Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville) issued the following statement after hearing the governor’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget proposal:

“Middle class and working families have faced grave financial despair over recent years – from the COVID-19 pandemic to inflation. It’s vital that we continue to set families and children up for success by fully funding the education system, providing more workforce development opportunities and increasing MAP grant eligibility.

“As a teacher, I know firsthand the effects of the ongoing teacher shortage. While there is more work to be done to attract young people to the field, I am pleased the proposal includes recruitment and retention efforts to improve the teacher pipeline.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues over the coming months to pass a balanced budget that prioritizes education, teachers and working families.”

GRAYSLAKE – St. Augustine College will be granted $500,000 to help boost pre-apprenticeship programs throughout the northern suburbs in partnership with the University Center of Lake County, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen announced.

“Expanding the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship program will bring more jobs and opportunities to the Lake County area,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “By providing St. Augustine College with new avenues for training, we’re opening doors into steady and highly-needed construction and building trade careers.”

The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship was created to promote diversity, inclusion and use of apprentices in state-funded capital projects. Comprehensive pre-apprenticeship programs help participants gain admission to apprenticeship programs, which provide a greater opportunity to obtain employment in the construction trades and secure long-term employment. The program providers offer structured pathways and manage the program graduates' transition from the pre-apprenticeship program to a full apprenticeship program in construction and building trades. 

SPRINGFIELD –  State Senator Mary Edly Allen was sworn into the Illinois Senate Wednesday. The former House Representative released the following statement:

“I look forward to once again serving and representing the people of Lake County.. I vow to prioritize effective legislation in the field of education, health care access and clean energy. Thank you to the residents of the 31^st Districting for trusting me to be your voice in Springfield.”