GRAYSLAKE — State Senator Mary Edly-Allen commended the recently acquired $550,000 aimed at helping the Lewis University’s Grayslake General Construction pre-apprenticeship program build pathways to good-paying jobs in the construction and building trades.

“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 Lewis University with new avenues for training, we’re opening doors into steady and much-needed construction and building trade careers.”

SPRINGFIELD — The use of therapy dogs to aid people struggling with PTSD and anxiety has steadily increased nationwide. Over 50,000 therapy dogs are in service today. In an effort to increase the number of therapy dogs available during times of crisis, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen spearheaded Senate Bill 1491 through the Senate.

“Therapy dogs have the ability to help reduce stress-induced trauma, bringing instant comfort and relief,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “This bill helps officer wellness and provides the communities officers are serving with certified therapy K-9s to help those in a time of need.”

SPRINGFIELD — According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, one in every five women will experience sexual violence in their lifetime. To prevent the re-traumatization of sexual assault and rape survivors, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen led Anna’s Law, or Senate Bill 1195, through the Senate.

“As a teacher, it is extremely important to me to come from a position of helping people learn and grow. The intent of this bill is to focus attention on how law enforcement handles survivors of sexual assault,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “While we have come a long way, there is still much work to be done to address this issue. And when we know better, we do better.”

SPRINGFIELD — To bring the Illinois School Code mandates up to date, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen worked with State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, chair of the Senate Education Committee, and multiple statewide education stakeholders to create Senate Bill 1740, which passed the Senate.

“Public school teachers play a critical role in shaping our young minds and preparing them for the future,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “The proposed School Code Mandate Reduction Council will begin evaluating the 699 mandates introduced since 1982 – an essential step toward improving our laws to fit with the evolving education landscape.”