Toro celebrates by creation of Department of Early Childhood in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD — As a former kindergarten teacher, State Senator Natalie Toro is excited that Governor Pritzker has signed Senate Bill 1 into law this week, which establishes Illinois’ new Department of Early Childhood.

“Teaching kindergarten opened my eyes to how important the early years are for a child’s brain development, and setting them up for future success,” said Toro. “When support for early childhood development is inaccessible, we are not just allowing kids to be a little behind in school. We are really restricting their chances of success not just in school, but also in adulthood with their careers and personal lives, so making these programs easier to access is long overdue.”

Before this initiative, services for young children were housed in three separate state agencies, making it difficult and confusing for people to navigate and secure the services they need. This has led to many children and families not accessing care that would benefit them, especially those in historically underserved communities. These gaps in care contribute to families not having access to essential tools for early childhood development, impacting their education and career outcomes for generations, although they have great potential for success.

• Early Childhood Development

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Toro issues statement on Biden's executive order for work authorization

CHICAGO — Following President Joe Biden’s executive order expanding protections for spouses and children of U.S. citizens and establishing a new pathway to work visas for certain DACA recipients earlier this week, State Senator Natalie Toro (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“No family deserves to live in fear of being torn apart. However, for decades, mixed-status families have lived in this constant state of anxiety and shame, worried that they may be permanently separated from each other. All the while, those without permanent resident status worked tirelessly to provide for their families, contributing to our economy while they were terrified of deportation. President Biden’s recent executive action will eliminate these fears and allow for mixed-status families to feel more at home here, as they deserve to be after years of their contribution to our communities and country. I am pleased that the president has prioritized the needs of our immigrant families, as they often sacrifice the most for the least rewards, and I hope to see more improvements to our immigration system moving forward since there is more work to be done.”

• Immigration

Over $57 million invested in road improvements thanks to Toro support

CHICAGO — A lifelong resident of the 20^th District, State Senator Natalie Toro is excited to announce the Illinois Department of Transportation is investing over $57 million in road and bridge improvements in the local community.  

“Our neighborhood’s infrastructure has needed improvements over years of aging and usage,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “These investments will help modernize and repair damaged parts of our roads and bridges, making these modes of travel safer for years to come.”

The district Toro represents will see seven infrastructure projects totaling more than $57 million next year as part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois.

IDOT’s Multi-Year Plan is a $40 billion investment in construction projects over the next six fiscal years. These funds go to improvements across many modes of transportation, including roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

“The Kennedy Expressway and Milwaukee Avenue are important connectors for our community on the Northwest Side. Like many of my constituents, I rely on these roadways daily for transit, and am excited for their modernization,” said Toro.

For a full list of projects coming to the 20^th Senate District, click here.

• Infrastructure
• 20th District
• In District
• Chicago
• District Improvements

Teen Summer DMV Saturdays available through Secretary of State's office

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is launching the office’s FIRST EVER Teen Summer DMV Program, dedicating DMV services exclusively to teen drivers on Saturdays during the summer! The Teen Summer DMVs are located throughout Chicago West will be open on Saturdays from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm until August 31.

Parents and teens can call (800) 252-8980 to schedule an appointment.