SPRINGFIELD – Military service members on active duty status who represent part of a public body – such as a village board, school district or township –may soon be allowed to attend meetings remotely, thanks to a new measure passed by State Senator Mike Porfirio.

“It is our duty to create a more inclusive and adaptable environment for all members of our community, especially those who selflessly serve in the military,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township), a member of the Navy Reserve. “This legislation reflects our commitment to ensuring service members on active duty status can participate in discussions and decisions that impact our communities and the people they have dedicated their lives to protecting.”

Currently, a majority of the members of any public body choose to allow another member to attend remotely in cases of illness, disability, employment related to the business of the public body, a family emergency or unforeseen child care obligations.

BURBANK – The Park District of La Grange and the Community Park District of La Grange Park are among the 111 recipients of Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants distributed through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, State Senator Mike Porfirio announced Friday.

“By securing this funding for our local park districts, we ensure the preservation of natural spaces and develop sanctuaries where families can gather,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “We are promoting a healthier, happier community that thrives on outdoor recreation for generations to come.”

Nearly $55 million in state grants are being awarded for 111 local park projects throughout Illinois to help communities acquire land and develop recreational opportunities. The Park District of La Grange and the Community Park District of La Grange Park are each set to receive $600,000 through the OSLAD program.

BURBANK – State Senator Mike Porfirio and State Representative La Shawn Ford applauded the Illinois Department of Transportation’s implementation of a school speed zone on Ogden Avenue for La Grange and La Grange Park students.

“The new school speed zone serves as a testament to our commitment to protecting our younger generations,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “I commend IDOT for their quick response to our residents’ concerns and remain dedicated to investing in the safety and wellbeing of our children.”

Ogden Avenue is highly dense, narrow and congested during school days when rush hour is at its peak. Previously, there were no operating restrictions for cars, semi-trucks, emergency vehicles, construction vehicles or wide-load carriers, even with residential neighborhoods abundant right off Ogden Avenue.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Porfirio introduced legislation that would require public colleges and universities to waive transcript evaluation fees for refugees of Iraq and Afghanistan.

“In waiving these fees, we can invest in the academic journey of Iraqi and Afghan refugees while helping them,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township), who served alongside Iraqi and Afghan translators during Operation Iraqi Freedom and served as a police advisor during the war in Afghanistan. “We have a moral obligation to support those who have served shoulder to shoulder with us.” 

Currently, transcript evaluations assess foreign transcripts as part of an admission process for higher education institutions. These evaluations are used to establish a U.S.-equivalent GPA, verify the accreditation of the schools where the applicant obtained or will obtain their degree, and benchmark completed coursework to determine if the applicant has met the prerequisite coursework requirements for their intended program.