“Community Hope Center is there for people when they need a helping hand, and I want to make sure organizations like this have the resources they need to continue their work,” said Senator Harriss. “I’m glad to bring this funding back home to support needed upgrades and help Community Hope Center continue serving families across our area.”

Community Hope Center provides assistance to individuals and families facing hunger and other hardships throughout the region.

“This funding will help us make important updates to our facility and continue meeting the needs of the people we serve,” said Community Hope Center Executive Director Ann Crane. “We appreciate Senator Harriss recognizing the needs of our organization and helping bring these resources to our community.”

Since taking office, Senator Harriss has secured more than $3.5 million in state funding for first responders, infrastructure projects and social service agencies across the Metro East.

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“Our firefighters put themselves in harm’s way to protect others, and they deserve to have reliable equipment when they answer the call,” said Senator Harriss. “I’m glad we were able to bring this funding back to Roxana and support the men and women who serve this community.”

The funding will help the department purchase breathing equipment, air bottles, facepieces and emergency air equipment used to help protect firefighters while responding to fires and other dangerous situations.

“This is equipment our firefighters rely on when they are working in smoke and other hazardous environments,” said Roxana Fire Chief Andrew Pence. “We’re grateful for the support and for this investment in the safety of our department and our community.”

Roxana Mayor Marty Reynolds said the funding will help the Village continue supporting its fire department and public safety needs.

“We appreciate Senator Harriss helping bring these resources back to Roxana,” said Mayor Reynolds. “This funding will help us continue providing our fire department with the equipment they need to serve our residents.”

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“When I hear from our local leaders about a need in their community, I want to do what I can to help,” said Senator Harriss. “This funding is about putting resources directly into Granite City and giving their crews another tool to keep up with the work residents count on every day.”

Mayor Mike Parkinson said the new equipment will help the city continue addressing street and infrastructure needs throughout Granite City.

“Our Public Works Department covers a lot of ground, and having dependable equipment matters,” said Mayor Parkinson. “This investment gives our crews another resource to help them do their jobs and continue serving our residents. We appreciate Senator Harriss recognizing that need and helping make it happen.”

Public Works Director Rick Daily said the new mud jack will be a useful addition to the department’s equipment.

“Our crews are constantly working throughout the city, and new equipment like this gives us another way to tackle the work in front of us,” said Daily. “We’re looking forward to getting it into service and putting it to use for Granite City.”

Since taking office, Senator Harriss has secured more than $3.5 million in state funding for first responders, infrastructure projects and social service agencies across the Metro East.

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“Paying for college is a big decision for families, and the financial aid process can come with a lot of questions,” said Senator Harriss. “We want to make sure students and parents know what options are available and where to start.”

The webinar will cover the general financial aid process, student eligibility, FAFSA, the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid, state and federal aid programs, student loans and repayment options.

Virtual Student Financial Aid Webinar
Tuesday, September 29
6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Free and open to students and families

To register, email Lori Yates at lyates@sgop.ilga.gov. Webinar access information will be sent to registered participants before the event.

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“When the state requires local departments to have certain equipment, we should also be doing what we can to help communities cover those costs,” said Senator Harriss. “This $85,000 will help Glen Carbon meet those ongoing needs while keeping more of that expense off local taxpayers.”

Mayor Bob Marcus said the funding will help the Village keep pace with equipment needs without placing the entire cost on the local budget.

“Public safety is one of the most important responsibilities we have as a Village,” said Mayor Marcus. “This funding helps us continue providing our police department with the resources it needs while making good use of state dollars coming back to Glen Carbon.”

Police Chief Todd Link said dependable equipment plays a role in everything from documenting calls to reviewing incidents and preserving evidence.

“Body cameras are now part of the equipment our officers rely on every day and keeping that technology current comes with an ongoing cost,” said Chief Link. “This funding will help us stay on top of those needs and continue providing our officers with dependable equipment in the field.”

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“One of my priorities is making sure the communities I represent see state dollars come back home for projects that matter locally,” said Senator Harriss. “I’m glad to help secure this funding for Godfrey and support the continued work happening at Glazebrook Park.”

The funding will help the Village continue work to enhance Glazebrook Park and expand opportunities for residents who use the park.

“Glazebrook Park is a tremendous asset for Godfrey, and we continue to look for ways to build on what it offers,” said Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick. “We appreciate Senator Harriss helping us secure funding that allows us to keep moving projects like this forward.”

Godfrey Parks and Recreation Director Chris Logan said the project will add another connection within the park and complement the recreational amenities already in place.

“We want Glazebrook Park to be a place people can come back to again and again,” said Logan. “This is another step in continuing to grow the park and make it an even better experience for the community.”

The post Senator Harriss Secures $40,000 for Glazebrook Park Project appeared first on Erica Harriss.

Event details are as follows:

Alton VFW

Saturday, September 19

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

4445 N. Alby Street, Alton

To participate, simply drive to the location with your documents where staff will assist.

Questions can be directed to Rep. Elik’s office at elik@ilhousegop.org or 618-433-8046.

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“Bryant Park is an important part of the Bethalto community, and I’m proud to bring these dollars back for a project residents will be able to see and enjoy,” said Senator Harriss. “This is a great example of state funding being put to work right here at home.”

The funding will support the installation of lighting along the walking path at Bryant Park.

“We appreciate Senator Harriss continuing to invest in Bethalto and helping us move projects like this forward,” said Mayor Gary Bost. “Bryant Park is a place our community takes a lot of pride in, and we’re excited to make another addition to it.”

Public Works Director Rod Cheatham said the lighting will improve visibility along the path and help residents feel safer while walking during early morning and evening hours.

“Bryant Park is a central hub for our residents. The new path lighting will greatly improve evening safety and accessibility for walkers, runners, and families. We deeply appreciate Senator Harriss’ continued advocacy for the Village of Bethalto and the broader Metro East community and thank her for championing initiatives that enhance our local quality of life,” said Cheatham.

Senator Harriss said she will continue working with local leaders to bring state resources back to communities across the 56th District.

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State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) announced she has secured $100,000 in state funding to support the City of Collinsville’s ongoing work to add specialized PFAS treatment to its water treatment system.

“Addressing PFAS is a significant undertaking, and I know this project will require substantial resources,” said Senator Harriss. “This funding is one piece of that larger effort, and my hope is that it helps ease the burden on local taxpayers as Collinsville moves forward with this important project.”

The City of Collinsville is planning an approximately $11.5 million project to retrofit its water treatment facility with specialized PFAS treatment. The city has already identified roughly half of the funding needed for the project and is continuing to pursue additional state and federal resources.

“This is an important investment as we continue planning for the long-term needs of our water system,” said Collinsville City Manager Derek Jackson. “We appreciate Senator Harriss working with the city and helping secure additional resources for this project.”

Mayor Jeff Stehman said the funding is another step toward helping Collinsville meet the significant cost of the project.

“We appreciate Senator Harriss recognizing the scope of this project and continuing to advocate for Collinsville,” said Mayor Stehman. “Every additional resource helps as we work toward a long-term solution for our community.”

Senator Harriss said she will continue working alongside Collinsville officials to pursue additional resources and support the city as the project moves forward.

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“Earlier this year, a constituent stopped by one of my ICASH events and discovered they had $94,000 waiting for them,” said Senator Harriss. “That’s exactly why these events matter. It only takes a few minutes to check, and you never know what may be waiting for you or your family.”

Representatives from the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office will be available at both events to assist residents with searching the state’s ICASH database and provide information on how to claim property.

Edwardsville ICASH Event
Wednesday, September 16
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Edwardsville Gun Club
4104 Staunton Road, Edwardsville

Bethalto ICASH Event
Thursday, September 17
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Bethalto Public Library
321 South Prairie Street, Bethalto

“Too often, people have money sitting with the state and don’t even know it,” said Senator Plummer. “These events make it easier for people to find out what they’re owed and start the process of getting it back. If the money belongs to you, you should be able to get it without jumping through hoops.”

The events are free and open to the public. No appointment is necessary.

For more information, contact Dominick at DVessimi@sgop.ilga.gov or by calling 217-782-1154.

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