
State Senator Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island, is the new chair of the Illinois Senate Committee on Education Appropriations, which oversees spending and projects for primary, secondary and higher education in Illinois.
Mr. Halpin, who served three terms in the Illinois House, was elected to the Illinois Senate in the 36th District in 2023. He had previously co-chaired the Illinois Senate Higher Education Committee before being selected to lead the education appropriations panel.
“I am committed to the upkeep and expansion of Illinois’ public education system,” Sen. Halpin said in a Tuesday, Jan. 21, news release. “Education is the bedrock of the economy and our community. Laser focus on education will be required to begin the revitalization of the Quad Cities and other downstate communities.”
The Senate Committee on Education Appropriations deals with funding and oversight of projects related to education. Education Appropriations covers primary, secondary as well as higher education. This means projects covering everything from grade schools to public colleges and universities.
“Education is a person’s best tool to navigate these uncertain times,” Mr. Halpin said in the release. “As chair, I will dedicate my time to ensuring Illinois has a fully funded education system and every Illinoisan has full access to that system.”
The 36th District contains portions of Rock Island County, Henry County, Mercer County, Knox County, McDonough County, and Warren County.