sandoval IEC WebSPRINGFIELD – State Senator Martin A. Sandoval (D-Chicago) was honored for having a perfect environmental voting record by the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) this week.

“I am honored to accept this award and proud that my record shows my concern for our future generations,” Sandoval said.

Sandoval was one of 21 state senators to receive the award for their voting record during the 2018 legislative session.

“Senator Martin Sandoval demonstrated a commitment to environmental issues in Springfield this session,” said IEC Executive Director Jen Walling.

The 2018 Environmental Scorecard included numerous legislative measures.  Specific priorities from the Scorecard include:

● SB2298: Industrial Hemp Act

○ This bill brings new opportunities to farmers as well as benefits to soil by opening new initiatives for sustainable agriculture.

● SB2773: Renewable Energy Financing

○ This measure enhances the property-assessed clean energy (PACE) program by allowing Illinois to help communities access fund for clean energy projects.

● HB4790: Use of Compost

○ This legislation increases the use of compost in transportation projects and helps create a market for compost use in Illinois.

IEC releases its scorecard in August of each year. The (IEC) is a non-partisan 43-year-old organization that promotes sound environmental laws and policies, provides a forum for environmentalists and facilitates a statewide activist network. IEC performs legislative advocacy and serves as the environmental community’s eyes, ears and voice in Springfield.

Sandoval Midway webCHICAGO – State Senator Martin A. Sandoval joined Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, the Chicago Department of Aviation and several community leaders today to open a new food hall at Midway International Airport.

More than 1,000 Chicago residents have already been hired as part of the redevelopment that will bring a total of more than 70 new food and retail brands to the airport by 2020.

“Any job-creating development in our communities is a good thing,” Sandoval said. “Chicago is a transportation hub of the world, and it is important to keep our airports up to date. This, combined with the job creation is a win-win.”

The new 15,000-square-foot food hall is located in Concourse A, a previously undeveloped space. The food hall features seating for 200 travelers, charging stations and Midway’s first-ever sushi bar among several other dining and retail choices. The new venues include: Arami, BIG & little's, Billy Goat Tavern, Camden Food Co., iStore, Nuts on Clark, Porkchop, Reilly's Daughter, and Woodgrain Neapolitan Pizzeria

“It’s good to know that this facility is such a major focus as an economic engine,” Sandoval said. “This sets the bar high for other airports and this project is exceeding minority participation on the construction side and on the vendor side. This is a great sign because it reflects the diversity of our city.”

Midway’s concessions renovation was made possible through a $75 million investment by Midway Partnership and did not require taxpayer funding. The program is anticipated to double permanent concessions jobs within three years, with 1,400 total hires expected. Overall revenue and money spent per passenger would continue to increase as well.

Over the next three years, Midway’s existing concessions will be completely renovated and expanded from 40,000 square feet to more than 70,000, and more than 70 new restaurants and retail spaces are scheduled to be added in several phases.

The next phases of this development are set to begin later this year, including a host of additional new Chicago-based or inspired brands, including: Big Shoulders Coffee, DeColores Burrito, Home Run Inn, Hubbard Inn, Harry Caray's 7th Inning Stretch and more.

Office Info

Springfield Office:
Senator 12th District
111 Capitol Building
Springfield, IL 62706
217-782-5304

District Office:
5807 W. 35th Street
Cicero, IL 60804
708-656-2002