Senator Fine announces more than $27 million in local infrastructure investments

SPRINGFIELD – Building upon the smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Laura Fine, the Illinois Department of Transportation will invest $27.6 million in road and bridge improvement projects for the 9th Senate District.

“Transportation infrastructure is an essential part of daily living for drivers who are traveling for work, running errands, or visiting our area,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Investing in infrastructure will ensure our roadways are up to the highest standard of quality and safety.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the 9th Senate District will benefit from $27.6 million in infrastructure investment, over the next six years, into 16 infrastructure projects.

A few of the projects that will receive funding in the next year include:

• Pavement preservation on IL 21, Milwaukee Avenue, and Willow Road
• Bridge reconstruction on Forest Way Drive and Willow Road
• Traffic signal modernization at Lake Avenue

These projects are part of IDOT’s multi-year plan, a $34.6 billion investment in construction projects for the next six fiscal years.  

The $34.6 billion will go to highway reconstruction and preservation, bridge improvements, strategic expansion, system support such as engineering and land acquisition, and safety and system modernizations. Over six years, the funding will be dispersed to improve more than 2,500 miles of roads and nearly 10 million square feet of bridges.

“IDOT’s multi-year plan is essential for the safety of commuters and travelers all over our state,” Fine said. “I am eager to see the results of this investment in my home district and across Illinois.”

To find a full list of projects slated for the 9^th Senate District, visit IDOT’s website.

Senator Fine chosen for prestigious Milbank Fellowship

GLENVIEW – State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) has been selected to join the new class of Milbank Fellows. The Milbank Fellows Program is a leadership program that focuses on public policy to improve health outcomes. This year’s class consists of 23 legislative and executive branch leaders from around the country whose work includes improving population health and health equity.

“I am honored to be selected to participate in this program, along with leaders from across the country who are also committed to improving health care in their communities,” Fine said. “During my time in the legislature, I have focused on a realm of healthcare issues, from access to affordability for both physical and mental health. I am excited to work with the program and learn new, evidence-based approaches to improve population health—allowing me to better serve my district and Illinois as a whole.”

The Milbank Fellowship program works to improve population health and health equity by collaborating with leaders and decision makers. Under the fellowship program, leaders will gain new knowledge about specific population health issues, interdisciplinary health and human services systems, and evidence-based approaches to improving population health. It also offers opportunities to expand their personal insight and leadership capacities in support of defining and advancing a population health vision and agenda, as well as to create meaningful connections with a network of colleagues.

“Each Fellow in our new cohort brings a remarkable wealth of health policy expertise as well as diversity of life experience,” said Milbank program officer Kate McEvoy, who oversees the state leadership programs. “We look forward to engaging with the Fellows and supporting them in continuous learning and the development of successful population health initiatives.”

Senator Fine will serve as a fellow in the 2022-2023 cohort.

Fine: New 9-8-8 helpline launches Saturday, July 16

GLENVIEW – The new 9-8-8 crisis line for mental health and substance use emergencies is launching Saturday, July 16. This new helpline will provide people in a mental health crisis with necessary supports.

“The past two years have been an overwhelming time for many Illinoisans, and some feel like they are struggling alone,” said Senator Fine (D-Glenview). “9-8-8 is an expanded resource to assist people experiencing mental health issues. I encourage anyone feeling anxious or depressed to dial 9-8-8 for local support, because a caring voice or a listening ear can make all the difference during times of stress.”

9-8-8 is a 24-hour hotline for people experiencing a mental health crisis. Individuals in need can dial 9-8-8 and be connected with a trained mental health professional who can help provide assistance. The hotline is a free, confidential service.

Senator Fine is the chair of the Mental and Behavioral Health Committee in the Illinois Senate. She has been working to improve mental health care access for all Illinoisans. This past session, she introduced and passed Senate Bill 3617, which will increase the mental health workforce in the state so that more Illinoisans are able to utilize mental health care resources. The 9-8-8 hotline is an additional tool to fill the current gap in mental health care by making immediate, high-quality support accessible to people throughout the state.

“Mental health is as important as physical health, and should have similar accessible and quality resources available in the event of an emergency,” Senator Fine said. “This hotline will now provide support in times of crisis for anyone who simply dials 9-8-8.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, more resources are available at Lifeline 988.

Senator Fine announces local school districts to receive $350,000 in grants

GLENVIEW – State Senator Laura Fine announced Wednesday that several local school districts will receive grants totaling $350,000 from the Illinois State Board of Education to improve their infrastructure.

“When schools have outdated heating and cooling systems, or areas that are inaccessible, it may create challenges for academic success,” said Senator Fine (D-Glenview). “This investment will ensure that students have the learning environment that they deserve so they can perform at their highest ability.”

A total of $30 million in 2022 School Maintenance Grants was distributed to districts across the state. To be eligible for the grants, applicants were required to match the state funds and commit to completing proposed projects within two years.

Projects made possible under these grants include updates to heating and cooling, improvements to ventilation, increased accessibility throughout buildings and more. High school districts 225 and 203, as well as school districts 28, 29, 30, 37, and 38 will receive funding.

“Improving the infrastructure of schools will be transformational in students’ learning experiences—both in our district and all throughout Illinois,” Fine said. “I look forward to seeing this investment at work in schools across the community and around the state.”

A full list of grantees and awards can be viewed on the ISBE website.