SPRINGFIELD — In recognition of his consistent leadership on veterans’ mental health initiatives and suicide prevention, State Senator Mike Porfirio received the 2025 National Innovator of the Year award from the Veteran Mental Health Leadership Coalition.

“We have to treat veteran suicide as the national emergency it is and address it with all resources possible,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “There are breakthrough therapies available that have shown incredible efficacy and saved the lives of veterans. We need to invest in these therapies and build them out to scale so that every veteran has access to the best available and effective treatment – and we need to do it now.”

BURBANK – Thanks to strong support from State Senator Mike Porfirio, the 11th District received a $600,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant to help continue ongoing improvements to Sedgwick Park.

“Our local parks are vital to recreation, community development and our health,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “These OSLAD grants keep our parks accessible, modernized and safe for the entire community to use.”

BURBANK – State Senator Mike Porfirio secured over $20 million to support infrastructure improvements and construction in the 11^th Senate District.

“Good quality roads, highways and transportation networks are the foundation for a safe community,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “The Rebuild Illinois projects are not only investments in safety – they will also improve connectivity and economic growth for our community.”

SPRINGFIELD — In response to the disproportionate risks of suicide that first responders face, State Senator Mike Porfirio is reinstating a task force to study methods to improve their mental health.

“We must confront the harsh, dangerous experiences that first responders deal with and the mental toll it takes on them,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “This task force is a commitment to supporting those who shield Illinois from danger.”