CHICAGO –– The University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine is getting a long-overdue capital grant of $3.35 million for building upgrades, State Senator Patricia Van Pelt announced Friday.

“This investment will repair and improve the historic College of Medicine facilities to keep the campus in good condition for its students, faculty and visitors,” said Van Pelt. “Higher education capital funding was ignored by the governor for far too long while he delayed a state budget, and my efforts to provide these resources to address capital needs are now bearing fruit for UIC.”

Read more ...

As you make your Labor Day weekend plans, be sure to plan for safe, sober driving and to be aware of traffic issues.

The Illinois Tollway expects nearly 8 million vehicles to travel the Tollway system this Labor Day holiday from Friday, August 31, through Tuesday, September 4. The heaviest travel is expected on Friday, August 31, when nearly 2 million vehicles are projected to use the 294-mile Tollway system. On an average day, more than 1.6 million vehicles use the Illinois Tollway.

To accommodate holiday travel on the Illinois Tollway, construction activity will be restricted to better serve Tollway customers.

Read further details about construction zones here.

ComEd/Exelon is participating in the Energizing Student Potential (ESP) program that provides funding and curriculum resources to educate students in grades 5-8 about energy. Schools can apply to receive a cash grant for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) activities in the classroom and an energy fair, $2,000 for hands-on kits and curriculum, and teacher training.

Here’s what schools need to know:

• Energizing Student Potential (ESP) is a STEM-focused energy program for grades 5-8. 
• ComEd/Exelon partner with Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas, North Shore Gas, and BP America to fund the program.
• Curriculum resources are provided to schools to educate students on energy. 
• Link for schools to apply: https://app.wizehive.com/appform/login/ESPIL2018
• Deadline to apply is September 9.

For more information, visit Energizing Student Potential.

SPRINGFIELD – A growing number of employers have “bring your own device” policies requiring employees to use their personal mobile devices for work purposes but receive no reimbursement for the associated costs. The measure sponsored by State Senator Patricia Van Pelt will provide them some protections. It was signed into law Sunday.

Senate Bill 2999 requires employers to authorize or require this use in writing, including provisions on the amounts or limits for reimbursement. This would exclude the loss or theft of a device unless by negligence of the employer.

Read more ...