MARYVILLE – In preparation of construction season and summer heat, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) is urging workers to familiarize themselves with the warning signs and preventative measures for heat-related illnesses.

“While working in extremely hot conditions, there can be serious, life-threatening consequences when signs of heat-induced illnesses such as heat stroke or exhaustion are ignored,” Crowe said. “In order to keep yourself and other workers safe, monitor your body temperature and drink plenty of water.”

More than half of outdoor, heat-related deaths occur in the first few days of working in hot situations because the body needs to build a tolerance to heat gradually. Workers that do not acclimatize to the heat and humidity face a much greater risk factor for serious injury or death, according to the Illinois Department of Labor.

While heat can affect anyone, it poses specific dangers to workers who do physical labor in the humidity – both indoors or outdoors.

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related health problem and can be fatal if not recognized and treated quickly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms of heat stroke include:

• Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech
• Loss of consciousness
• Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
• Seizures
• Very high body temperature
• Fatal if treatment delayed

To prevent heat-induced illnesses, frequent breaks in the shade to drink cold water are recommended. For more information and other recommendations, visit www.cdc.gov.

MARYVILLE – Realizing the financial devastation the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have on local communities, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) is relieved by the investments made for downstate Illinois in next year’s budget, which the governor signed into law Wednesday.

“It’s difficult to think of one department or industry that hasn’t been hurt by the pandemic,” Crowe said. “This budget recognizes our state’s fiscal reality, while funding essential services in downstate Illinois’ education institutions, health departments, businesses and local governments.”

The FY 21 budget:

• Continues to fulfill the state’s commitment to fully fund P-12 and higher education, with an additional $12.7 million going to the Illinois State Board of Education,
• Provides an additional $400 million for local health departments,
• Gives over $200 million to help businesses effected by COVID-19 in downstate communities, and
• Allocates $250 million in CARES Act funding for downstate local governments.

“With funding for businesses dependent on geographic location within state lines, investments will be seen in every corner of Illinois,” Crowe said. “Grants and other resources are also secured specifically for daycare providers in an effort to provide much needed support when residents return to work.”

In addition, the budget appropriates nearly $60 million in funding to the Department of Employment Security to address the challenges with the unemployment system, allowing the department to hire more staff for assistance on claims.

The FY 21 budget is effective July 1, 2020.

MARYVILLE – In an organized effort to replenish the stock at three Metro East food banks, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) is encouraging residents to drop donations off at a coordinated food drive this Saturday.

According to event organizer Tom Anderson, the collection site will be on the corner of Illinois Rt. 140 and Texas Blvd. in Bethalto from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 30. With a drive-thru style drop-off plan, volunteers will be accepting donations at that location for Community Hope Center in Bethalto, Crisis Food Center in Alton and Day Spring Four Square Church in South Roxana.

“One scripture has been my only motivation: ‘I was hungry, and you fed me,’” Anderson said.

“Residents are being turned away and going hungry, because our food banks are struggling to keep the shelves stocked,” Crowe said. “While there are many ways to help our friends and neighbors through the pandemic, I strongly encourage anyone able to donate to this food drive.”

The event, named the Karen Rodgers Memorial Food Drive, primarily needs food and other items for single mothers: diapers, wipes, formula, baby food and microwavable meals for children aged through 12. However, all non-perishable food items are being accepted, as well as monetary donations directly to each food bank.

If needed, a rain date is scheduled for the following day on Sunday, May 31 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

SPRINGFIELD – Following the Illinois General Assembly’s passage of a budget maintaining the state’s commitment to fully fund P-12 public schools, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) released the following statement:

“While I have faith in teachers and students adjusting to e-learning, investing $12.6 billion in public education is fundamental to our students’ success and access for future opportunities. To ensure students are not falling behind, we must establish economic relief for our school districts.”