CHICAGO – Deep Tech Innovation Lab at mHUB is set to receive nearly $600,000 to support entrepreneurship and innovation, thanks to strong support from State Senator Lakesia Collins.

“When we invest in tech hubs, we are investing in the key industries of the future for our communities,” said Collins (D-Chicago).  “The 5^th District has a strong presence in innovation and entrepreneurship, and this funding will make critical advancements in the tech industry while growing our economy.”

Through the Tech Incubator Enhancement Grant Program, a total of $7 million in grant funding was awarded to four grantees in an effort to grow industries around the state. The TIEG Program was designed to modernize and revitalize tech incubators across Illinois to meet the evolving needs of startups. The initiative aims to support the transformation of tech spaces fostering an ecosystem of innovation, collaboration and resilience.

CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins announced $160,000 in state grant funding has been awarded to support an affordable housing development in the 5^th Senate District.

“This funding focuses on efficiency-centered building upgrades and development projects that support our communities, including upgrades that expand access to local affordable housing,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “We are putting our fair share toward supporting sustainable developments and ensuring equitable opportunities are available to all communities.”

The Equitable Energy Future Grant Program delivers seed and pre-development funding to equity-eligible contractors, nonprofits and cooperatives working on renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in low-income and historically disadvantaged communities. The program is a critical part of the state’s work to expand access to clean energy while reducing systemic barriers to development.

CHICAGO – Encouraging students and children throughout the community to continue their education through summer reading, State Senator Lakesia Collins is launching her Summer Book Club for residents in the 5^th District.

“Reading is one of the most important skills a child can practice, and by continuing to read they will be better prepared for the new school year,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “This is a fun way to keep kids engaged with school topics and gives them something to work toward this summer.”

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form, and return the form to Collins’ Chicago office by Aug. 15. Every child who completes the Summer Book Club will receive a prize and a certificate from Senator Collins.

SPRINGFIELD – Addressing health care deserts and ensuring mothers get the care they need, State Senator Lakesia Collins moved legislation through the Senate to give certified nurse midwives more independence and greater flexibility in care they provide.

“We are giving certified nurse midwives the flexibility to collaborate and deliver services and care to our communities,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “This legislation modernizes the rules for providers to give residents greater access to health care in our community.”

Currently, certified nurse midwives have to collaborate formally with a physician to practice at full scope, but this can pose a challenge as more than one-third of Illinois counties lack sufficient maternity care. Under Collins’ legislation, House Bill 2688, CNMs would be allowed to provide out-of-hospital birth services at licensed birth centers without the need for a formal collaboration agreement, as long as they have permission from the birth center’s clinical director.