State Rep. Nicholas "Nick" Smith

📚🎓 Scholarship Opportunity Alert! 🎓📚

The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2026 Scholarship Program! Since 2002, the Foundation has awarded nearly $2 million in scholarships to deserving students and will provide over $150,000 in scholarships again this year.

⏰ Application deadline extended to June 12th!

Don't miss this opportunity to invest in your future. Apply today and share with students who may qualify!
🔗 Apply here: https://illinoislegislativeblackcaucusfoundation.formstack.com/forms/2026_copy

On Tuesday, we announced a transformative public-private partnership to restore the historic Hotel Florence and key buildings within Pullman State Historic Site, leveraging $21 million in state capital funds to unlock more than $83 million in private investment.

This agreement will revitalize the 1881 Hotel Florence, its annex, and portions of the Pullman Car Works building, transforming the site into a boutique hotel, dining destination, and cultural hub. Led by Scott Henry of Celadon Construction Corp., this marks the first major public-private partnership for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

This project strengthens our local economy while preserving an important piece of our history, bringing new energy and opportunity to our community.