Dear Neighbor,
As we head back to session today, I want to provide you with a quick update about what was accomplished before the legislative spring break – yes, we have actually been able to come together to produce some meaningful results for Illinois. There remains an attitude of everyone working together, which I hope continues through the end of session.
Significantly, the legislature passed and the Governor signed a mini-capital bill of $3 billion. This roads and transit bonds program will create jobs in time for the current construction season and requires no new revenue. It maintains a 2-to-1 formula for roads-to-transit, meaning $2 billion is available for roads and bridges repairs, and $1 billion is targeted for transit. In the 7th Senate district, which I represent, state road projects that are included are:
- Sheridan road from Arthur Avenue to Juneway Terrace
- Broadway and Sheridan Road from Devon to Hollywood – the traffic signal interconnects
- Lake Shore Drive viaducts at Lawrence and Wilson
Significant dollars will also be available to resurface various local roads throughout the district. The transit funds will also provide significant dollars to Chicago Transit Authority, including work on the Red Line. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, State Representatives Harris and Osterman, and Aldermen Moore, O’Connor, Shiller and Smith and I have been meeting with top CTA officials to ensure the Red Line and its station are the highest priority.
I also got 15 bills passed from the Senate to the House, including:
Longitudinal Data System (SB1828)
This significant bill creates a longitudinal data system that will enable us to evaluate student, teacher, and school district performance from early learning to higher education. This system fully implements all ten essential elements that the National Data Quality campaign recommends.
Low-Profit Limited Liability Corporations (SB239)
A new LLC structure for businesses with a charitable or education purpose created under this bill increasing their ability to get start up capital from foundations.
Food Waste Composting (SB 99)
This legislation eases state restrictions to allow commercial food waste composting. Benefits include reducing our waste stream, cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions, and providing an organic soil amendment for Illinois’ farms and gardens.
School Intervention Task Force (SB2119)
The Innovation, Intervention, and Restructuring Task Force will develop strategies to allow for the innovation, intervention, and restructuring of schools, including those that need comprehensive or focused intervention.
Lead Sinker Education Program (SB 1269)
This bill creates a state education program to encourage the use of alternatives to lead fishing products, which can cause the death of wildlife and endanger human health.
Electric Bicycles (SB 236)
This legislation ends the need for a title and registration for electric bicycles, in order to end conflicting laws and encourage their use.
Natural Lawn Care (SB1769)
This bill creates new notice provisions when a school or day care sprays pesticides on areas where children will be present.
Stroke Care Working Group (SB 1516)
Procedures will be established enabling stroke patients to be taken to emergency centers that specialize in stroke care immediately, rather than the nearest emergency centers
Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act (SB1770)
This legislation offers additional protections to victims of domestic violence to allow them to take unpaid leave to seek things like medical help or legal assistance for sexual or domestic violence incidences.
Humane Euthanasia – Ban Gas Chambers (SB38)
This bill bans the use of gas chambers to kill animals in shelters, except under the supervision of a veterinarian.
Mental Health – Voluntary Admission (SB209)
This bill heightens the standards for voluntary admission of mental health patients, consistent with a recent Supreme Court Case
Medicaid Study – Low Birthweight (SB2043)
This bill creates a pilot program for disease management for treatment for patients at risk of low birth weight or premature birth.
For additional information on any of the bills click here.
As we return we must address critical issues, including significant ethics reform legislation, the budget and a complete capital plan. I will keep you updated as we progress.
Sincerely,
Heather A. Steans
State Senator
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