Collins encourages residents to apply for pre-apprenticeship program applications

CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins wants to encourage residents to apply for the fifth round of the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program offering training opportunities while expanding the talent pipeline that boosts diversity in the construction and trade industries.

“Our tradesfolk are vital parts of our community and we have to make sure people have access to educational opportunities that allow them to participate in trades,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “This program works to get residents foot in the door and to give them educational opportunities to grow within a trades industry.”

This round of $25 million in funding will increase the representation of underrepresented groups – including people of color, veterans and women in the construction trades. This round of Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program funding will fund up to 45 programs throughout the state including new grantees, serving nearly 2,000 residents.

• 5th District
• Illinois Works
• Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Read more: Collins encourages residents to apply for pre-apprenticeship program applications

Collins secures nearly $600,000 for mHUB to expand innovation

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.

• 5th District
• State Grant
• Deep Tech Innovation Lab at mHUB
• Tech Incubator Enhancement Grant Program

Read more: Collins secures nearly $600,000 for mHUB to expand innovation

Collins announces $160,000 for local affordable housing project

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.

• 5th District
• Affordable Housing
• Housing
• State Grant

Read more: Collins announces $160,000 for local affordable housing project

Collins law helps residents deal with criminal trespassing

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Lakesia Collins’ new law will give clarity to law enforcement so they can more easily remove criminal trespassers from a person’s home.

“Our intention is to make it easier for law enforcement to enforce criminal trespassing and remove squatters from property,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “We are responding to constituents who have had trouble with squatters who could not be removed without an eviction, and this will simplify the process.”

Collins’ new law, Senate Bill 1563, clarifies the state’s eviction law to ensure nothing about the eviction process keeps law enforcement from enforcing criminal laws. This change clarifies that squatters – who are trespassers – can be removed without going through the eviction process.

“Squatters are a problem, and no one should have to get an eviction notice to remove squatters from their home,” said Collins. “Law enforcement need to be able to do their job and return homes to their rightful owners. This law will bring back much-needed security to residents.”

Senate Bill 1563 was signed on Monday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.