Illinois District 95 State Representative Michael J. Coffey, Jr.
State Government: Agencies/Departments/Divisions | Elected State Legislators
Recent News About Illinois District 95 State Representative Michael J. Coffey, Jr.
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Labor Day's historical roots: From worker protests to national holiday
For many Americans, Labor Day marks the end of summer, a time for parades, picnics, events, and store sales. However, Labor Day is rooted in much more. The holiday was instituted in the late nineteenth century to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.
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Illinois towns uphold 'Friday Night Lights' tradition with fervent local support
The origins of high school football in Illinois date back to the 1880s. Some of the state’s most tradition-rich programs originated before 1900, including schools such as Oak Park, East Aurora, Freeport, Woodstock, Joliet, West Aurora, Pontiac, Pittsfield, and East St. Louis. Many of the greatest legends in the history of the sport played high school football in Illinois, including Red Grange, Otto Graham, Dick Butkus, Ray Nitschke, and Kellen Winslow.
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Springfield receives $54,000 grant from Illinois EPA for water treatment upgrades
The City of Springfield, located in Sangamon County, will receive $54,000 from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for upgrades to its drinking water treatment operations. This funding is part of the Public Water Supply Energy Efficiency Grant Program, which aims to support energy efficiency improvements in water supply facilities.
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Illini football season kicks off against Eastern Illinois
Illini college football returns to Illinois tomorrow night as the University of Illinois hosts Eastern Illinois University at Memorial Stadium in Champaign. This game marks the third matchup between the two teams since 2008 and coincides with the 100th anniversary of Memorial Stadium.
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Illinois marks Constitution Day honoring state's journey since first ratification in 1818
Illinois Constitution Day is observed every August 26, marking the ratification of Illinois’ first state constitution in 1818. This day provides an opportunity to reflect on this historic event and its lasting impact on Illinois' governance and identity. House Bill 2834 from the 102nd General Assembly, introduced in 2021, established Illinois Constitution Day to ensure statewide recognition and celebration of the state's constitutional history.
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Illinois Secretary of State announces new funding for district libraries
The Illinois Secretary of State has announced that districts across Illinois will receive funding for library resources and programs to ensure residents have equal access to library services. The funding comes from a mix of annual per capita grants, equalization aid grants, public library construction grants, and newly introduced technology grants.
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Rep. Mike Coffey discusses child welfare with local organization
This week, Representative Mike Coffey met with the staff of The Center for Youth and Family Solutions to discuss challenges within the state's child welfare system. The meeting aimed to explore solutions that would enhance services for children, families, and communities.
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Proposed Grain Belt Express faces legal challenges over financing requirements
The proposed "Grain Belt Express" transmission line, intended to carry wind-generated electricity from the Kansas Great Plains to Indiana, faces an uncertain future as it encounters resistance from private property owners in Central Illinois. The 800-mile high-voltage line is designed to transport green energy but would be constructed on private lands, raising concerns among local residents.
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Illinois celebrates National Senior Citizen Day with events and activities
Today, Illinois joins the nation in celebrating National Senior Citizen Day, a day dedicated to honoring the wisdom and experience of senior citizens. The observance, established by President Ronald Reagan in 1988, falls on the third Sunday of August each year.
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Illinois unemployment rises; Morton Salt relocates headquarters
Illinois' unemployment rate rose to 5.2 percent in July, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). The increase of 0.2 percentage points comes as nonfarm payrolls grew by 12,900 during the same period, based on preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The revised unemployment rate for June remained at 5.0 percent, while the change in payrolls was adjusted from an initial increase of 10,400 jobs to a decrease of 4,300 jobs.
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State Representative Mike Coffey introduces bills supporting Illinois veterans
State Representative Mike Coffey is advocating for veterans in Illinois through several legislative measures aimed at improving their quality of life. Rep. Coffey, a Republican from Springfield, has emphasized the importance of supporting those who have served in the military.
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Strategies for Illinois families facing rising back-to-school costs
With sky-high inflation still impacting hard-working Illinois families and the new school year set to begin, it’s important to consider ways to save money. Food prices, gasoline costs, interest rates, rent, and almost all living expenses continue to rise with little end in sight. Saving money in the current economic climate may not be easy, but there are tips and strategies that can be utilized to help families.
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Illinois honors Air National Guard's legacy on National Airborne Day
Today on National Airborne Day, the Illinois Air National Guard is being celebrated for its enduring commitment to both state and national defense. Established in 1927, this military reserve unit has evolved from its early days of aerial reconnaissance to playing a critical role in modern national defense and humanitarian missions.
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Illinois State Fire Marshal announces grant program for firefighting equipment
The Illinois State Fire Marshal is now accepting applications for the Small Equipment Grant Program. Grants of up to $26,000 are being provided for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment. All interested departments should send an application to OSFM electronically or postmarked no later than October 1, 2024.
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Rep. Coffey attends Ag Day at Illinois State Fair
Rep. Coffey attended Ag Day at the Illinois State Fair on August 13, 2024, where he engaged with the community and explored the significance of agriculture to Illinois. The state is a major producer of soybeans, corn, and swine, benefiting from its diverse climate and soil types which support various agricultural commodities such as cattle, wheat, oats, sorghum, hay, sheep, poultry, fruits, and vegetables. Additionally, Illinois cultivates specialty crops including buckwheat, horseradish, ostriches, fish and Christmas trees.
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Drivers urged to prioritize safety as schools reopen
As the back-to-school season begins, increased activity involving children, families, and buses is expected on daily commutes. Authorities urge drivers to prioritize safety by slowing down near bus stops and school zones.
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Illinois considers halving prison sentences amid rising unemployment rates
A proposed bill in Illinois could potentially reduce prison sentences by half, sparking debate over its fairness. House Bill 5219, sponsored by state Rep. Barbara Hernandez and co-sponsored by Kevin John Olickal and Lilian Jimenez, aims to allow inmates convicted of severe felonies, including first-degree murder and aggravated predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, to serve only half their imposed sentences.
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Rep. Coffey's bill expanding scholarships for children of veterans passes Illinois House
State Representative Mike Coffey expressed his gratitude to veterans for their service, stating, "Thank you, veterans for your sacrifices to protect the freedom of our great nation. We owe you a debt of gratitude for safeguarding the ideals of our founding fathers and you will always be a pivotal part of our communities."
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Online applications launched by IDFPR streamline licensing process
The professional licensure system has been a significant issue for professionals who need a license to work in Illinois. On Monday, August 12, the following applications for professional licensure will be available online from IDFPR for the first time. Professionals can create an account to complete and submit their application.
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Purple Heart Day honors recipients; Rep. Coffey's bill passes unanimously
On Purple Heart Day, the courage, resilience, and sacrifice of all Purple Heart recipients are recognized. Their bravery serves as a beacon of resilience and unity for all. According to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, more than 1.8 million Purple Heart medals have been presented to service members since the award was created in 1782.