Quincy Reporter

Illinois is taking significant steps to improve broadband access, provide information on opioid settlements, boost job training and economic development, and enhance early childhood learning.

The state's broadband expansion initiative is entering its next phase, with the Illinois Broadband Lab (IBL) collaborating with the Illinois Office of Broadband and the University of Illinois System to deploy $1.04 billion in federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program funds. Under this program, local governments, nonprofit organizations, and Internet service providers will be allowed to challenge the accuracy of the FCC broadband map's designation of unserved and underserved locations. The goal is to ensure that federal resources are directed to areas where they are most needed. Interested entities can now sign up for the upcoming challenge process through a pre-registration webform. The IBL is also hosting webinars this December to provide assistance and insight for interested eligible entities.

In an effort to keep stakeholders and residents informed about developments involving opioid settlements, Illinois has launched the "Illinois Opioid Settlements Initiative" website. The website will publicly display information about settled lawsuits, funding allocations, approved abatement uses, and organizations awarded funding. It will also serve as the location for future Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFO) for the distribution of funding for approved opioid abatement uses.

To support equitable workforce recovery for Illinois residents facing employment challenges, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is investing an additional $13 million in the state's Job Training and Economic Development Program (JTED). This initiative will provide workforce training and wrap-around services, targeting underemployed, unemployed, or underrepresented individuals. Priority populations include at-risk youth, immigrants and refugees, justice-involved individuals, and rural residents. Eligible entities can apply for grants ranging from $250,000 to $750,000 until January 10.

Furthermore, the state of Illinois has partnered with the Dollywood Foundation to bring Dolly Parton's Imagination Library statewide. This collaboration, funded with $1.6 million from the state's Fiscal Year 2024 budget, aims to enhance early childhood learning by providing free, high-quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five. The program currently operates in 40 counties in Illinois, benefiting over 30,000 children. The goal is to ensure that every child in the state has access to the program's benefits, as research shows that daily readings during the first five years significantly contribute to school readiness and long-term outcomes.

Illinois is making significant strides in improving broadband access, providing information on opioid settlements, investing in job training and economic development, and promoting early childhood learning. These initiatives will have a positive impact on the state's residents and contribute to its overall development and progress.

To learn more, click on this link: https://senatorjiltracy.com/2023/12/08/senate-week-in-review-dec-4-8-2023/