Sangamon Sun

Illinois is taking steps to enhance broadband access across the state with the collaboration of the Illinois Broadband Lab (IBL), the Illinois Office of Broadband, and the University of Illinois System. The state plans to deploy $1.04 billion in federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program funds. The BEAD Program allows local governments, nonprofit organizations, and Internet service providers to challenge the accuracy of the FCC broadband map's designation of unserved and underserved locations. Senator Bennett explains, "The hope is that allowing these entities to challenge the map will ensure that federal resources are directed to areas where they are most needed." Interested entities can now sign up for the upcoming challenge process.

Illinois has launched the "Illinois Opioid Settlements Initiative" website to provide updated information about the $1.3 billion opioid settlement that the state will receive by 2038. The website will publicly display details on 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. Senator Bennett encourages interested parties to visit the website for more information.

In an effort to support workforce recovery, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has invested an additional $13 million in the state's Job Training and Economic Development Program (JTED). The program aims to provide workforce training and wrap-around services to 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. The application window is open until January 10.

The State of Illinois currently owes $2,136,238,350.79 to state vendors, including 16,184 pending vouchers. This figure represents the amount of bills submitted to the office of the Comptroller and still awaiting payment. It does not include estimated debts such as the unfunded pension liability, which is subject to a wide range of factors and has been estimated to be more than $139 billion.

Illinois has launched a statewide partnership with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to provide free, high-quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five. The initiative, funded with $1.6 million from the state's Fiscal Year 2024 budget, aims to enhance early childhood learning throughout Illinois. State officials and the Dollywood Foundation hope to ensure that every child within the state has access to the program's benefits.

Senator Bennett is working full-time to represent the 53rd District and encourages constituents to reach out with any concerns or questions.

Source: Senator Bennett

For additional details, please follow this link: https://senatortombennett.com/2023/12/08/update-from-senator-bennett-dec-8/