BURBANK – A measure to make significant strides to expand the AIM HIGH Grant Pilot Program –which received support from State Senator Mike Porfirio – was signed into law Friday.

“By making the AIM HIGH program permanent, students will be given more access to in-state, higher education opportunities,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “This program is necessary for ensuring our universities and residents have the appropriate resources to excel and grow.”

The AIM HIGH Grant Pilot Program provides merit-based, means-tested student financial aid to first-time, full-time undergraduate students and transfer students who are Illinois residents attending any of the 12 Illinois public four-year universities since 2019.

House Bill 301 makes the AIM HIGH Grant Pilot Program permanent, increases transparency in the program to allow more students to take advantage of it, increases access for part-time students and makes changes to the matching requirements for the public universities.

The changes to the matching requirement for institutions is based on the percentage of students receiving Pell Grants. Institutions with at least 49% of students receiving Pell Grants will now be required to contribute 35% of the grant amount, up from the previous 20%. Similarly, institutions with less than 49% of students receiving Pell Grants will now be required to contribute 70% of the grant amount, compared to the previous 60%. These changes will ensure that the AIM HIGH Grant Program targets those most in need, further amplifying its impact.

“Providing students with appropriate financial aid options is imperative to keeping residents in Illinois,” said Porfirio. “This program will make attending college more feasible and affordable, which is pertinent for the success of our students.”

House Bill 301 was signed on Friday and goes into effect immediately.

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.

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.

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.