Porfirio receives National Innovator of the Year award for leadership on veterans’ suicide prevention

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.”

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Porfirio announces $600,000 investment in Sedgwick Park in 11th District

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.”

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Porfirio emphasizes efficiency, safety following historic transit investment

SPRINGFIELD – The Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act, a historic investment into public transit, passed the Senate thanks to support from State Senator Mike Porfirio.

“In the 11^th District, we have commuters who travel in and out of Chicago every day, navigating complex public transit transfers and changes,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “This legislation aims to create a seamless system for commuters and residents, while also prioritizing safety for all.”

Senate Bill 2111 would create the Northern Illinois Transit Authority – known as NITA – shifting authority from the Regional Transit Authority to the new entity that will oversee the CTA, Metra and Pace with the goal to create an integrated, coordinated system with a single fare. The NITA board would be comprised of 20 members, with five appointments each from the governor, mayor of Chicago and Cook County Board president, as well as one from each chair or county executive of the collar county boards of DuPage, Kane, McHenry, Lake and Will.

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Porfirio calls for action to protect Illinois families from SNAP benefit shutdown

BURBANK — State Senator Mike Porfirio is urging the federal administration to resolve the ongoing government shutdown to prevent the halt of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits, come Nov. 1. Nearly two million Illinois residents rely on SNAP to provide basic nutrition for themselves and their families.

"SNAP benefits that help feed thousands of residents in my community and millions across the country should never be at risk because of political disagreements," said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “I am calling for the federal administration to ensure that families in need are fed and that food security is prioritized."

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