PRITZKER SENDS CLEAR WARNING BY SIGNING SB 328 INTO LAW
By signing SB 328 into law, Governor Pritzker sent a clear signal: Illinois is putting up barriers instead of welcoming businesses. We can’t afford to push job creators away—now more than ever, Illinois needs pro-growth policies that build opportunity, not limit it.
SMALL EQUIPMENT GRANS OPEN THROUGH ILLINOIS STATE FIRE MARSHAL
Applications for the Small Equipment Grant Program are now open through November 14th.
The program is administered by the Office of the Illinois Fire Marshal and assists eligible fire departments and ambulance services with the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment.
The grants allow eligible applicants the opportunity to purchase small tools and equipment that they may not otherwise be able to purchase. Most Illinois fire departments, fire protection districts, and township fire departments are eligible to apply. Additionally, stand-alone, not-for-profit ambulance service providers are also eligible to apply.
A total of $6 million will be awarded to eligible fire departments and ambulance services to assist with the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment. This year, departments will be required to apply online only with applications due no later than November 14, 2025.
An application video is available by clicking this link. Also, an application guide is available on the Illinois Fire Marshal’s webpage.
SAFE ROUTE TO SCHOOL GRANT PROGRAM THROUGH ILLINOIS DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION
Grant applications for the Safe Route to School Program are now open through October 15th.
Administered by IDOT using federal funds, Safe Routes to School advances projects that improve safety and reduce traffic in areas around schools, grades kindergarten through high school. The new grant cycle will distribute a total of $12 million, with a maximum individual award of $250,000. Projects may include new sidewalks, traffic-calming measures, and improvements that increase accessibility for those with disabilities.
Eligible applicants include school districts, local governments, planning organizations and nonprofit associations. Preference will be given to schools with higher percentages of low-income students and students with disabilities.
The deadline to apply is October 15th, with awards to be announced in the spring. For more information on the program, including selection criteria and details on how to register for webinars to assist in the application process, visit the Safe Routes to School homepage or email [email protected].
HALBROOK PRIORITIZES CITIZENS OVER ILLEGAL ALIENS WITH NEW LEGISLATION
SHELBYVILLE, IL… State Representative Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) issued the following release after filing HB 4118, which prohibits illegal aliens from accessing financial aid, if the same aid is not made available to every U.S. citizen.
The new legislation is in response to Governor Pritzker’s decision to sign HB 460 into law in August. The new law expands eligibility for financial aid to undocumented students, further straining the limited resources available. Halbrook says taxpayer funded benefits should go to citizens first, noting the recent complaint filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) against Gov. Pritzker and Attorney General Kwame Raoul challenging the new law.
“The Department of Justice made it clear: federal law prohibits giving benefits to illegal aliens that aren’t equally available to American citizens,” began Rep. Halbrook. “But here in Illinois, we’ve flipped that on its head—treating law-breaking noncitizens better than law-abiding citizens from neighboring states. Illinois has no business defying federal law just to win points in a so-called ‘race to the bottom’ for sanctuary status. That’s why I’ve filed HB 4118, to bring Illinois into compliance with federal law and restore fairness to our higher education system.”
Keep reading here.
HALBROOK: TAXPAYER-FUNDED BENEFITS SHOULD GO TO CITIZENS FIRST
HALBROOK MARKS 24TH ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11/2001
On this day, 24 years ago, America was forever changed. 2,977 victims lost their lives on that day due to the terror attacks that shook our great nation. This day is forever etched into the collective memory of all of us, a day when the world stood still, watching as the unthinkable unfolded. We must never forget.
