Porfirio releases statement on islamophobia

Our society has no room for harmful rhetoric that targets and marginalizes Muslim and Arab communities. We must reject islamophobia in all its forms, as it only serves to divide us. Elected officials must lead by example and use their platform to protect the values we cherish, including dignity and respect for all. It is our duty to continue working together to confront harmful stereotypes and build communities rooted in understanding and acceptance.

Porfirio commends over $6,000 library grant coming to North Riverside Public Library District

BURBANK – State Senator Mike Porfirio recently announced a total of $6,967 has been granted to North Riverside Public Library District’s Project Next Generation.

“Support like this helps our libraries remain a cornerstone of learning and connection,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “This funding will ensure the North Riverside Public Library will be able to maintain essential services so many in our community rely on.”

The grants were awarded by Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias, who has awarded nearly $22 million for library services and $6 million for literacy programs throughout the state.

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Porfirio applauds transportation research funding for La Grange Park

• Transportation research funding

BURBANK – To enhance much-needed transportation improvements across the state, State Senator Mike Porfirio joined the Illinois Department of Transportation in announcing nearly $9.5 million for 20 organizations to support their planning and developing efforts, including $225,000 for the Village of La Grange Park. 

“Investing in our transportation infrastructure is not just a commitment to better roads and bridges, but also a pledge to the safety and betterment of our communities,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “This funding ensures critical projects, like the planning study for the 31^st Street Corridor, can move forward – creating jobs and improving our community.”

Administered by IDOT using $7.5 million in federal funds, with matching funds of $1.25 million from the state and $741,000 from local governments, the grants are designed to advance the objectives of the agency’s Long-Range Transportation Plan. Among the criteria considered were projects that implement asset-management strategies and performance-based planning and programming, as well as activities that grow and support economically distressed areas.

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Porfirio announces over $7 million in evidence-based funding for local schools

BURBANK — State Senator Mike Porfirio announced that 13 school districts across the area will receive over $7 million in additional funding to help address the financial challenges of recent years.

“This funding directly supports our schools, providing the necessary resources to enhance the educational experience for our students,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “Investing in the education of our children is an investment in our community. I’m proud to continue supporting this initiative, ensuring every students has the chance to succeed.”

The funding comes from the 2017 Illinois Senate Democrat-backed evidence-based funding formula — an overhaul of the way the state funds K-12 education. The law made school funding more equitable by calculating the needs of individual school districts and basing its state revenue on those needs. The formula takes into account a district’s total enrollment, poverty rate and number of special education or English language learners, among other factors.

Local schools set to receive funding through the formula:

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