SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Emil Jones (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget:

“Safety net hospitals are a life line for many – and the increased funding will ensure everyone receives the medical care they need.

“I am proud to support a budget that has education at the forefront – from preschool to college. Continuing to increase our investments in education is the surest way to guide Illinois to a brighter future.

“We aren’t just prioritizing the present – we’re prioritizing the future with our continued commitment to fully funding pensions and putting money into the Rainy Day Fund.

“This year’s budget shows a bright future ahead for the residents of Illinois.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Emil Jones is leading a measure to allow municipalities to have a greater say in its development plans.

“Concentrating IDOT funding for pedestrian and bicycle ways to larger cities will increase efficiency and usability of said funding,” said Jones (D-Chicago). “This measure will make sure that resources are not wasted.”

Currently, IDOT must fund pedestrian and bicycle ways to in conjunction with construction, reconstruction or other change of state transportation facilities in or within one mile of a municipality of over 1,000 people. This forces municipalities to work pedestrian and bicycle ways into their development plans even if they won’t be used.

House Bill 4489 would allow an area of a county within one mile of a city with a population of 50,000 or more to pass a resolution to opt out of IDOT-funded pedestrian or bicycle ways. 

“This measure will give smaller municipalities the power to have more say in their infrastructure,” said Jones. “This will help communities by allowing them to plan and build new construction without the restriction of including pedestrian and bicycle ways.”

House Bill 4489 passed the Senate Transportation Committee Tuesday.

CHICAGO – Building upon the smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Emil Jones III, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced an investment of nearly $38 million in road and bridge improvement projects.“Our community has suffered tremendously due to the poor infrastructure of our highways and bridges.” said Jones (D-Chicago). “It is more important than ever to look at new and innovative ways to improve our local highways and bridges for the betterment of our community.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Jones represents will see 14 infrastructure projects totaling more than $38 million over the next six years.

Some of the most vital projects coming to the area include:

CHICAGO – State Senator Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) is excited to announce that the 14th District will receive more than $4.5 million in grants for local libraries.

“Libraries are more than just a place to rent books – they are a resource for people to learn and build community engagement,” Jones said. “A library is often an extension of a classroom, and it is important for our communities to be thoroughly equipped with the resources necessary to teach our children.”