As many Illinoisans struggle with food access, lawmakers consider state grants for grocers
SPRINGFIELD -- Lawmakers are considering creating a grant program that would send state dollars to grocers in Illinois communities that have few options for buying food.
Senate Bill 850 would direct the state's Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to establish the "Grocery Initiative," a program that would study "food deserts" in Illinois and provide grants to new or existing grocery stores in these areas. The grants would be available to grocery stores that are organized as independently owned for-profits, co-ops and nonprofit organizations as well as grocery stores owned by units of local government.
"It's incredibly expensive to run a grocery store," said Rep. Mary Beth Canty, an Arlington Heights Democrat and the bill's sponsor…
Arlington Heights trustees say goodbye to exiting colleagues who made ‘all of us so much better’
The Arlington Heights Village Board has new trustees following the outcome of the election last month, but the exiting elected leaders were bid farewell in a reception where they were presented with proclamations, gifts and accolades from their peers.
Two Arlington Heights esteemed trustees are gone from the board – one to take on a new role as a state representative and the other simply retired – and were recognized for their stewardship by fellow trustees…
Lawmakers Approve Kindergarten Reform Plan to Address Childhood Literacy
CHICAGO – Lawmakers are looking at several ways to improve learning outcomes and access for young students in Illinois.
On Thursday, members of the House of Representatives approved a proposal that would require school boards in Illinois to provide full-day kindergarten starting with the 2027-2028 school year.
The measure, House Bill 2396, was met with bipartisan, though not universal, support, passing out of the House on Thursday on an 87-23 vote.
“I think we can all recognize that our children are our most important resource in the state of Illinois,” Mary Beth Canty, D-Arlington Heights, said on the House floor Thursday.
State Rep. Canty Open House
State Rep. Mary Beth Canty, a Democrat from Arlington Heights, is hosting an open house from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday at her district office, 12 E Northwest Highway in Arlington Heights. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Canty, tour the office and learn about the services available to residents of the 54th District. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, email info.repmbc@gmail.com. Canty was elected in November to the 54th District seat, which represents portions of Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect, Prospect Heights, Rolling Meadows, Palatine and Buffalo Grove.
Arlington Heights Trustee Sworn In As State Representative
SPRINGFIELD, IL — While she will remain in her current role as an Arlington Heights Village Board trustee through April, Mary Beth Canty was sworn in Wednesday as a new member of the Illinois House of Representatives…