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.

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.