BURBANK – State Senator Mike Porfirio (D-Lyons Township) offered the following statement in response to Governor JB Pritzker’s proposed state budget for the upcoming fiscal year:
“We’re at a good starting point with the budget as we begin negotiations. The proposed budget prioritizes fiscal responsibility, growing the Rainy Day Fund to over $2.3 billion. The emphasis on education, senior services, public safety and support for veterans reflects our commitment to ensuring the wellbeing of residents across our community.
“Investing in education is crucial for contributing to progress. I am proud to see increases in funding for all levels of education that will help our next generation excel and increase access to programs for working families.
BURBANK – State Senator Mike Porfirio offered congratulatory remarks for Village of Bridgeview Trustee Kalid Baste following Baste’s appointment to serve on the Illinois Muslim American Advisory Council.
“The extensive experience of Trustee Baste made him an excellent candidate for this role,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “I’m glad that his knowledge will be used to benefit both our community and the state of Illinois.”
The purpose of the council is to advise the Governor and the General Assembly on policy issues impacting Muslim Americans, advance the role of civic participation and enhance trade and cooperation between other countries and Illinois. Porfirio recommended Baste for the position due to his work with businesses and nonprofits in Bridgeview and other communities. Trustee Baste’s appointment was met with praise from local mayors.
BURBANK – The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program is now open to all income-eligible households, and State Senator Mike Porfirio is urging eligible families to apply to receive assistance with natural gas, propane and electricity bills.
“This program provides vital support to families who need energy bill assistance,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “Ensuring that families can afford electricity, heating and water will safeguard our residents against financial hardship and promote a healthy, secure living environment for all members of our communities. I encourage all eligible families to apply for assistance today.”
LIHEAP provides one-time payments directly to energy service providers on behalf of recipients. While the amount of support varies based on the needs of individual families, over 311,000 households received an average of $1,000 through LIHEAP last year.
All income-eligible households can now apply for assistance, and applications will be accepted through Aug. 15, 2024 or until funds are exhausted. The energy bill assistance offered through the Help Illinois Families Program in program year 2024 will provide $237 million to eligible families for help with utility bills.
For more information or to apply to the program, visit HelpIllinoisFamilies.com or your local agency.
BURBANK — With support from State Senator Mike Porfirio, the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs launched the 2023 Operation Rising Spirit campaign to encourage service organizations, schools, communities and individuals to write letters of appreciation to former service members currently residing in veterans’ homes across the state.
“Writing letters for our veterans is a simple, yet meaningful way to honor their dedicated service and bring joy and comfort during the holiday season,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “These letters serve as a gesture of support, combating feelings of isolation that so many of our veterans experience during the holidays.”
Operation Rising Spirit initially launched in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to support residents who were unable to visit friends and family. The campaign was successful in encouraging veterans and facilitated their connection with the community. During the 2022 holiday season, IDVA distributed over 5,000 letters to veterans in the state’s care.
“Operation Rising Spirit honors veterans, offers support and rallies community involvement in acknowledging the sacrifices made by those who have served,” said Porfirio. “I encourage all our residents to show their appreciation for our former service members by submitting a letter.”
To participate, people can mail letters directly to IDVA, or submit on the IDVA website. Letters will be divided equally between the state’s five veterans’ homes. If mailing, send letters to:
Crystal Womack
The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Central Office
833 S. Spring St.
Springfield, IL 62794-9432
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