Porfirio announces over $240 million in infrastructure improvements coming to area

LYONS TOWNSHIP – Building upon the smart infrastructure investments supported by Senator Mike Porfirio, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced an investment of more than $240 million in road and bridge improvement projects for the 11^th Senate District.

“These infrastructure improvements are essential for the betterment of our state and the well-being of our local residents,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “The investments we have received will not only address immediate infrastructure concerns, but will also lay the foundation for more connected and sustainable improvements moving forward.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Porfirio represents will see 36 infrastructure projects totaling more than $240 million over the next six years.

Some of the most vital projects coming to the area include:

• Traffic signal modernization and replacement, accessibility upgrades for people with disabilities and other improvements on Harlem Avenue in Bridgeview
• Drainage and pavement maintenance on First Avenue in North Riverside
• A construction engineering project along Kemman Avenue and Shawmut Avenue in Brookfield and La Grange

These projects are part of IDOT’s Multi-Year Plan, a $40 billion investment in construction projects for the next six fiscal years. The project invests in all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, as well as bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

“Our transportation infrastructure is the backbone of our economy and daily lives,” Porfirio said. “By investing these resources now, we will be guaranteeing a future where transportation is safe and efficient for all of our residents.”

To find a full list of projects slated for the 11th Senate District, visit IDOT’s website.

Porfirio encourages organizations to apply for new workforce development grants

• Grants

BURBANK — Illinois has provided funding for two new workforce development grants intended for historically underrepresented communities, and State Senator Mike Porfirio is encouraging individuals and community-based organizations to apply.

 “Workforce development grants provide essential funding and support to improve the skills and employability of our local labor pool,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “I encourage organizations and individuals across the state to take advantage of these resources while they are available.”

The first grant is $10 million in new funding for the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, which focuses on areas without current programs. The Illinois Works program is designed to increase the number of qualified women, people of color and veteran construction and building trade apprentices.

The second available grant is $37.9 million in funding for the Illinois Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program, which will provide pathways for careers in the renewable energy, electrification and energy efficiency industries. The program represents the largest training component of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, providing grants to 13 hubs across the state offering training, job placement services, barrier reduction support and more.

“We have a job market that is constantly growing and changing,” said Porfirio. “These grants can provide funding for training programs, education and skill development initiatives that empower individuals to obtain the expertise needed for certain jobs and enhance overall community wellbeing.”

For more information about these grants, to apply or to see other grant opportunities in Illinois, visit DCEO’s website.

Porfirio urges local agencies to apply for OSLAD grant

• Grants

LYONS TOWNSHIP – State Senator Mike Porfirio is urging agencies across the 11^th District to apply for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants.

“The OSLAD program is beneficial for our communities as a whole, but especially for ensuring our local parks get necessary care,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “Maintaining outdoor areas and keeping them safe for our residents is a top priority. I encourage local agencies to apply for this program and help keep our outdoor spaces accessible and protected.”

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will be accepting applications for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development, or OSLAD, grants through Aug. 31.

The program offers state-financed funding assistance to local governmental agencies for acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and outdoor recreation areas. A total of $56 million is available for this round of OSLAD grants. In addition, IDNR will once again provide funding to cover 100% of eligible projects located in economically distressed communities.

Applications are being accepted through Aug. 31 and should be submitted to IDNR. For more information on the OSLAD program, visit IDNR’s website.

Porfirio/Kifowit law to protect military service members who are sexual assault survivors signed by governor

• U.S. Military

SPRINGFIELD –Military service members who are survivors of sexual misconduct will now be more protected thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Mike Porfirio, a Navy Veteran, and State Representative Stephanie Kifowit, a Marine Corps Veteran.

“Survivors of sexual assault must receive all the protections they deserve,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “Service members sacrifice their lives for the protection of our country, the least we can do is ensure that they are protected as well.”

The law ensures that Illinois National Guard and reserve military service members who are survivors of non-consensual sexual conduct and have received a military protective order are also protected under the state’s civil no contact and stalking no contact orders.

“Military sexual assault is a real problem that can have long-term safety risks and consequences for victims,” Representative Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) said. “I have been focused on aligning our laws to ensure that survivors receive the protections they deserve, not just from a military judge, but from the state they live in as well.”

In 2022, close to 36,000 service members reported experiencing unwanted sexual contact. Broken down further, the numbers equate to 8.4% of women at nearly 16,000 service members and 1.5% of men at nearly 15,000 service members. Porfirio’s measure will align Illinois laws to ensure that survivors receive protection from both the military and the state.

“Service members who have tragically dealt with unwanted and unwarranted advances deserve the peace of mind that the state will protect them,” said Porfirio. “Everyone deserves to be protected, including those who protect us abroad.”

House Bill 3103 was signed on Monday and goes into effect immediately.