Legislative Updates
Governor Quinn signs bills to help municipalities with economic development efforts
On July 11, 2011 two bills introduced by State Representative Al Riley were signed by Governor Quinn at the Regional Consensus Luncheon sponsored by the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce in Tinley Park. Public Act 97-0093 and 97-0094 will help support economic opportunities for all municipalities.
Effective immediatley, 97-0093 allows municipalities to appropirate and expend funds for economic development purposes. Public Act 97-0094 extends the TIF District in Markham from 2017 to 2029. Mayor Web also attended the bill signing. Recent articles are posted below.
- Governor Quinn announces efforts to boost development of south suburban Cook County (link)
- Fed funds flow to six southland towns (link)
Jazz In The Park For Charity 2011
Imagine for a moment a beautiful and historic venue, a warm summer afternoon, fantastic cuisine from fine restaurants, raffles, all topped off with lively entertainment from nationally renowned jazz artists...all in the name of charity. Sounds like an event that you would love to support, doesn't it? 
Please join State Representative Al Riley for Jazz in the Park 2011.
Sunday, July 24
Bicentennial Park in Olympia Fields
Gates open at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets are $50 and support local charities. Please visit www.jazzintheparkforcharity.com to learn more about this charity event as well as purchase tickets.
IDOT Engineering Academy for High School Students
IDOT has established mentoring programs with schools throughout the State of Illinois to expose students to transportation careers and heighten the awareness of civil engineering as a career.
Targeting youth is necessary to grow the diverse workforce we will need for the future. The Engineering Academy will help to increase awareness of careers in the transportation industry. IDOT is offering a Summer Engineering Academy at Ach Technical High School for two sessions, on July 27th through the 29th from 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Session One and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. - Session Two.
The summer Engineering Academy is a 3 day hands-on program that teaches high school students to use math and science to solve real world problems in transportation and civil engineering. The purpose is to introduce some of the real world challenges IDOT civil engineers face and prepare the students for career opportunities in the transportation industry.
IDOT is asking for your help in reaching high school teens to register for the summer Academy. Click here for the registration form. The deadline to register is July 22, 2011.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dianne Williams at (312) 793-5376.
Dianne Williams is the Community Relations Manager at the
Illinois Department of Transportation. You can also email her directly by clicking here.
2011 - 2012 Faces of the Future
State Representative Al Riley is taking applications for his Youth Committee. 'Faces of the Future' was established to develop high school students’ interest in the legislative process. Youth members will complete a project of lasting community significance and meet other legislative and political figures in the state and in their communities.
Students will learn about government issues and operations, world government organizations, strategic planning, the juvenile justice system, and develop personal management skills. Working as a team, youth committee members will also identify issues currently facing high school aged youth and develop resolution strategies.
The Youth Committee will meet on Saturdays throughout the 2011-12 school year. Students must be sophomores, juniors or seniors beginning this fall and submit the following by May 27 to Rep. Riley’s district office, located at 3649 W. 183rd St., Suite 102. Click here for the flyer.
- Interest form (available here)
- A 150-word essay (as described on the interest form)
- Letter of recommendation from a counselor, administrator or official at the place where the student performs community service.
- Proof of a 2.75 GPA (in good academic and behavioral standing)
For additional information, contact Annette at Rep. Riley’s office at 708.799.4364 or via email by clicking here.
2011-2012 Scholarship Applications
State Representative Al Riley wishes to announce that applications for eight, 2011-2012 Illinois General Assembly Scholarships are now available for students residing in the 38th Legislative District. Applications must be returned by 4 p.m., March 18th to Representative Riley’s office, located at 3649 W. 183rd, Suite 102, Hazel Crest, Illinois 60429. Students applying must live in the 38th District and plan to attend an Illinois public university.
Scholarship waivers are available for attendance at the University of Illinois (any campus), and any other Illinois public universities. Each waiver is good for one full year of tuition, including summer sessions. This scholarship does not waive student fees, housing, or book expenses. Private colleges, community colleges and colleges outside of the State of Illinois are not eligible. Click below for the requirements for the application as well as the application itself. For more information, please contact the district office at (708) 799-4364.
* 38th Distrit Scholarship Information
* 38th District Scholarship Application