GLENDALE HEIGHTS – State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) recently toured the Glendale Heights manufacturing plant of IMI Cornelius and presented the company with a $4,300 grant for safety training programming.

The grant is part of the Employer Training Investment Program administered by the Illinois Manufacturers' Association and funded by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Money from the grant reimburses manufacturers for employee training-related expenses and promotes a skilled workforce that can compete in the global economy.

“The suburbs are a hub of manufacturing in the state and the region. Responsible employers like IMI Cornelius invest in their workers — that is why the state and the IMA are investing in them,” Cullerton said.

IMI Cornelius is an international firm that builds beverage dispensing and cooling equipment.

 Photo:
State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) poses with Human Resource Manager Jim Kurtz, President Alan Duncan and Vice President Human of Resources Tom Stanton while delivering the $4,300 check for employee safety training.

“If eminent domain is necessary, property owners should be justly compensated. This law ensures the compensation truly covers the cost of their land.”
– Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park)

SPRINGFIELD – Suburban property owners required to give up land during vital tollway projects – including the Elgin-O’Hare Expressway expansion – will see a bigger payout from the state under a new law.

State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) sponsored the plan, which requires tollways to use the highest possible levels of relocation assistance available under state and federal law when using eminent domain to take private land.

The governor signed the proposal – HB 4786 – into law Wednesday. It takes effect immediately.

“If eminent domain is necessary, property owners should be justly compensated. This law ensures the compensation truly covers the cost of their land,” Cullerton said.

CHICAGO – A group representing the passenger rail industry presented State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) a legislative award during a lunch Wednesday promoting high-speed rail in Chicagoland.

The Midwest High Speed Rail Association presented Cullerton the award for calling attention to suburban rail congestion and his work to promote mass transit.

“More and more commuters rely on dependable, efficient service from Metra. Improving infrastructure and fixing rail-line bottlenecks reduces delays and speeds-up travel times in commuters’ every-day lives,” Cullerton said.

Rick Harnish, the executive director of the MHSRA, applauded Cullerton's initiative.

“Senator Cullerton understands the value of infrastructure investment in Metra for the entire region, not only for the tens of thousands of suburban commuters, but for drivers who have less traffic congestion to fight through. We appreciate his leadership,” Harnish said.

The two organizations presented the award during a lunch promoting the CrossRail Chicago program, which aims to expand and improve express train service throughout Chicago and the suburbs.

“I am honored by this award, and I’m committed to making affordable, high-speed rail transit a reality,” Cullerton said.

Photo:  State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) poses with Midwest High Speed Rail Association Executive Director Rick Harnish and Metra Board of Directors Chairman Martin Oberman after receiving the organization’s legislative award.

NORMAL – The Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois presented State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) its 2014 Legislative Award during the organization’s convention this month.

“Firefighters risk their lives every day to protect our homes and our families. If lawmakers can help them in any way we are obligated to do so,” Cullerton said. “I am honored and humbled by this award.”

AFFI presented Cullerton the award for his work to pass legislation that consolidates fire protection district and streamlines fire department operations.

Photo: State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) poses with AFFI Legislative Representatives Eddy Crews, President Pat Delaney, Richard Martin and Chuck Sullivan after receiving the organization’s legislative award.