SPRINGFIELD – Non-traditional students seeking vocational training would be eligible for a new scholarship program under legislation co-sponsored by State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon).

“Public education encourages growth for local economic developments and job markets,” Crowe said. “Our state should be incentivizing trade school for students who want different opportunities for their futures.”

The legislation establishes an Adult Vocational Community College Scholarship Program, run by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. To be eligible, a student must be over the age of 30 and unemployed but actively searching for work.

The scholarship would be enough to cover the cost of tuition and fees to attend the community college without exceeding $2,000 per recipient per academic year.

Senate Bill 1167 passed the Senate today and will go for further consideration in the House.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) adopted legislation in the Senate today urging Illinois to adopt “buy Illinois” and “buy America” steel policies.

Senate Resolution 84 recognizes the importance of the steel industry and the jobs it supports in Illinois. This legislation is an effort by Crowe to highlight her region’s vital contributions to the nation’s steel production.

“Our local communities have been hurt by the shift to using steel from overseas sources,” said Crowe. “Illinois has an abundance of resources to contribute to the nation’s need for steel, so let’s make use of them.”

In Illinois, the steel industry employs more than 9,000 workers and supports about 64,000 jobs. Production has steadily declined over the years because of imported steel.

“Our steel mills have been threatened for years, costing jobs and deficits to our economy,” said Dan Simmons, president of United Steelworkers Local 1899 in Granite City. “I’m pleased our lawmakers and the state are taking initiatives to protect the industry.”

Pictured from left to right: Jason Fernandez, State Senator Rachelle Crowe, Craig McKey and Dan Simmons – the gentlemen are some representatives of the steel industry in the 56th District

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) released the following statement regarding the Illinois State Police’s backlog of DNA evidence processing in murder cases:

“During my time as a prosecutor assigned to the Violent Crimes Unit for the Madison County State’s Attorney’s office, I saw firsthand the consequences of this state’s mismanagement of DNA evidence. Violent crime cases are extremely time sensitive and most of the time rely solely on DNA evidence. To ensure justice for these victims and their families, we must make the timeliness of these test results a priority. I support the plan to invest in more technicians to combat the thousands of unfinished DNA tests dating back several years.”

“I will continue being an advocate fighting for more protections for victims of violent crimes and am proud to support these initial steps being taken to strengthen the Illinois State Police Division of Forensic Services.”

SPRINGFIELD – Non-traditional students seeking vocational training would be eligible for a new scholarship program under new legislation cosponsored by State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon).

“Our trade students are essential to the future of our economy,” said Crowe. “If we can encourage more people to take advantage of our trade schools when they have the opportunity a little later in life, we’ll be making better use of state resources and helping local job markets.”

The legislation establishes an Adult Vocational Community College Scholarship Program, run by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. To be eligible, a student must be over the age of 30 and unemployed but actively searching for work.

The scholarship would be enough to cover the cost of tuition and fees to attend the community college without exceeding $2,000 per recipient per academic year.

Senate Bill 1167 passed the Senate Higher Education Committee today and is scheduled for further debate before the full Senate.