State Senator Pat McGuire issued the following statement today as the Illinois Senate approved a bipartisan budget compromise that included an increase in funding for state colleges and universities:

“The Illinois Senate today adopted a Fiscal Year 2019 state budget which is balanced. It was achieved by bipartisan cooperation. And it was accomplished without bitterness,” McGuire said. “The serious challenges which still face Illinois are more likely to be solved now that a bridge has been built between Democrats and Republicans.”

CREST HILL — Rockdale School District 84 will be awarded $36,000 in state funds to expand an existing music program and add arts education to its STEM program, State Senator Pat McGuire (D-Crest Hill) announced today.

The Illinois Arts Council Agency Award is slated to extend the K-5 music program to allow sixth, seventh and eighth graders to participate, and the school’s STEM program will become a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) program, said Dr. Lori Gehrke, District 84 Superintendent.

“Bravo to the school board, administration and staff of Rockdale School for winning this grant,” McGuire said. “Rockdale School wisely recognizes the value of a strong music program – and that adding ‘A’ for the arts to its STEM curriculum draws more students to the excitement of learning and discovery.”

SPRINGFIELD — Secretary of State Jesse White has announced more than $15 million in funding to libraries statewide through Illinois Public Library Per Capita, including libraries in the 43rd Senate District.

“Libraries aren't what they used to be. They now encourage active learning using technology while still providing quiet spaces to read hard copies of books, magazines and newspapers,” State Senator McGuire (D-Crest Hill) said. “Grants from Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White bolster the traditional and modern work of libraries, ensuring every Illinois resident has a source of facts, knowledge and civic education.”

Per Capita grants like the ones awarded in the 43rd District help fund library expenses such as materials, personnel, equipment, electronic access, telecommunications and technology.

Libraries in the 43rd Senate District will receive the following grants:

Students from throughout the state visited Springfield Thursday for a Tech Day event, including schools from the 43rd Senate District.