SPRINGFIELD – Presently, homeowners’ insurance policies are allowed to place limitations based on discrimination against certain dog breeds or mixes. Discrimination in all forms is suspect, and Senator Linda Holmes’ (D-Aurora) bill to restrict this practice was signed by the governor Friday.
“When you have a dog and need to move, it can be difficult to find a place that may allow your breed of dog,” Holmes said. “Humane organizations have been fighting these breed stereotypes for years, and this moves the ball forward to make pet ownership and housing more compatible.”
Read more: Holmes’ bill to rein in dog breed discrimination by insurers signed into law
SPRINGFIELD – To prevent families from having to give up beloved pets to find affordable housing, Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes’ (D-Aurora) measure was signed by the governor Friday. It will allow tenants to keep two cats or a dog, regardless of breed, size or weight, in their residence.
“Eighty-one million American households now share their homes with 173 million dogs and cats,” Holmes said. “Regardless of their income, people love their pets and view them as members of the family. Affordable housing should be accessible for all types of people, and that includes people with pets.”
Read more: Tenants in affordable housing may keep pets, thanks to new Holmes law
Aurora, Ill. - Assistant Senate Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) has released the following statement after hearing the news of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka passing today:
“I’m saddened to hear of President Trumka’s untimely passing, and my heart is not just with his immediate family but also with the millions of working people throughout the U.S. who have lost his leadership and his advocacy for them.
AURORA — Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) invites local residents and friends to the Grand Opening of her new office in Aurora on Thursday, July 29 from 4-6 p.m.
“We moved our office during the middle of the pandemic, so this is our first chance to welcome everyone in safely,” Holmes said. “My staff is looking forward to greeting visitors at last.”
Local and state dignitaries are expected to join Holmes for an official ribbon cutting. Guests will be offered free ice cream for the celebration as well.
For health reasons, unvaccinated guests are asked to wear masks. Guests are also asked to RSVP so Holmes’ office has plenty of ice cream.
Media are welcome to attend. Ample parking is available.
WHAT: Grand opening of new Aurora office of Senator Linda Holmes
WHEN: Thursday, July 29 from 4-6 p.m.
WHERE: 4255 Westbrook Dr.
Suite 216
Aurora, IL 60504
RSVP: 630-820-8650
SPRINGFIELD –There are 17 pet stores in Illinois who offer installment contract loans for the purchase of a cat or dog. House Bill 572, sponsored by Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) to prohibit the use of these loans, was signed into law Friday.
“This doesn’t just happen in payday loan stores, they’ve been getting away with predatory lending interest rates anywhere from 30 to 150% and higher,” Holmes said. “Most pet stores have issues with their animals coming from unprincipled breeders and puppy mills – some in poor condition – so these consumers can end up thousands in debt and grieving as well.”
Read more: Holmes law ends predatory contract loan practice in pet stores
SPRINGFIELD – The work of Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) and an Electronic Notarization Task Force produced a report detailing the benefits for Illinoisans that was provided to the governor and General Assembly, and its findings led to a measure sponsored by Holmes that has been signed by the governor on Friday.
Senate Bill 2664 sets standards for appointment as an electronic notary, creates definitions for electronic notarization; codifies best practices of the National Association of Notaries for electronic notarization; and implements safeguards to ensure the integrity of the technology and the process of electronic notarization.
“I was convinced this was a step to update a process many people use but sometimes can’t find a notary nearby,” Holmes said. “Over the past year, the need for a convenient, protected method for notarization for businesses and consumers became even more obvious.”
Read more: Holmes sees electronic notarization measure become law
SPRINGFIELD – An animal abuser has no place in a home with animals. State Senator Linda Holmes’ (D-Aurora) House Bill 168 has been signed into law by the governor, allowing a court to prohibit an animal abuser from owning or living with others who own animals.
“Anyone convicted of felony offenses like torture, mutilation and animal fighting should have no privilege to own or live with an animal for a reasonable period of time,” Holmes said. “Just as some people who are domestic violence perpetrators continue their behavior, animal abusers may have multiple offenses. No animal should be subjected to this cruelty.”
NAPERVILLE – Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) and Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) will be hosting a free Mental Wellness Fair on Monday, July 19 to help local residents access important mental health services.
“This past year was tough on many of us,” Holmes said. “It is essential that residents have the information required to address their mental health needs and find tools to make adjustments in their lives.”
The mental wellness fair will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. at Neuqua Valley High School, located at 2360 95th St. in Naperville. Several groups will be present at the fair to address residents’ specific mental health needs, including:
“Ensuring that people have access to mental health services is incredibly important,” Ellman said. “This event offers a great opportunity to connect with incredible organizations offering helpful and even life-saving resources right here in our community.”
Attendees will be required to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status, and social distancing guidelines will be in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
For more information, residents can reach out to Leader Holmes’ office by visiting her website or calling 630-820-8650. Senator Ellman’s staff is also available through her website or by calling 630-601-9961.
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