CHICAGO – Senator Natalie Toro and the Illinois Department of Transportation announced a $58 million investment in road and bridge improvement projects for the 20^th District.

“Our state’s aging infrastructure can cause disruptions for commuters and delays for cyclists or pedestrian travelers if roads are not accessible,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “These investments will ensure our community’s pathways are improved and maintained to make commuting through the district more convenient for our neighbors.” 

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Toro represents will see eight infrastructure projects totaling $58,281,000 over the next six years.

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

• Standard overlay on Milwaukee Avenue from Logan Boulevard to Armitage Avenue
• Bridge preservation along the Kennedy Expressway from the Edens Expressway junction to Hubbard Street
• Sign maintenance and pavement patching along the Kennedy Expressway from the Edens Expressway junction to Hubbard Street

These projects are part of IDOT’s Multi-Year Plan, a $40 billion investment in construction projects for the next six fiscal years. The project invests in all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, as well as bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

“Infrastructure is essential to keeping us connected to our community and beyond,” said Toro. “Ensuring it is upgraded and enhanced will make traveling around our neighborhood more efficient and enjoyable.”

To find a full list of projects slated for the 20^th Senate District, visit IDOT’s website.

CHICAGO — State Senator Natalie Toro released the following statement in response to the Illinois Supreme Court’s ruling on the pretrial release portions of the SAFE-T Act:

“I applaud today's landmark decision by the Illinois State Supreme Court upholding provisions of the SAFE-T Act that finally clear the way for Illinois to be the first state to end cash bail.

“For far too long, the cash bail system has given the wealthiest an unfair advantage within our criminal legal system. The SAFE-T Act takes the first steps to make our criminal legal system one that actually stands for justice, ensuring all folks are truly treated as innocent until proven guilty and granted the same freedoms regardless of their access to economic resources. 

“I am proud that our state’s highest court prioritized public safety over wealth in their decision. I stand with the grassroots organizers who have fought for vulnerable communities for decades in their work to eliminate cash bail. This movement has led to a monumental win in reforming our criminal legal system to stand for justice, which is just the beginning of more reforms to come.” 

Read more about the SAFE-T Act here.

SPRINGFIELD — People with disabilities will soon be protected from unnecessarily hostile encounters with police thanks to an initiative spearheaded by State Senator Natalie Toro that takes effect Jan. 1.

“Law enforcement have the responsibility to be educated about the community that they serve—including the unique communication methods of people with autism,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “This law will ensure they are up to date with training on how to best engage with people with disabilities, in turn preventing tragic misunderstandings.”

Without proper training on how some people with autism communicate, some members of law enforcement have interpreted their behavior as being noncompliant with questioning or instructions. This has caused several interactions between law enforcement and individuals with autism to escalate quickly, resulting in unnecessary use of force, trauma or death.

CHICAGO — To assist residents in their search for employment opportunities, State Senator Natalie Toro and State Representative Will Guzzardi are hosting a job fair Dec. 6 at Portage-Cragin Library.

“In today’s job market, it can be difficult for prospective employees to stand out, or get a sense of a company culture from fully remote communications,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “This job fair will give residents the opportunity to make in-person connections with organizations who are hiring, and help them find work that is fulfilling.”