SPRINGFIELD –There are 17 pet stores in Illinois that offer predatory installment contract loans for the purchase of a cat or dog. House Bill 572, sponsored by Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) to prohibit these loans, passed the Senate Commerce Committee today.

“This is predatory lending with interest rates anywhere from 30 to 150 percent and higher,” Holmes said. “Most pet stores have issues with their animals coming from unprincipled breeders and puppy mills, which means many of their customers buy a pet for thousands of dollars that could be in poor health and may possibly die. Those consumers can end up thousands in debt and grieving as well.”

SPRINGFIELD – A measure initiated by Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) urging the General Assembly and governor to invest Illinois's transportation and infrastructure dollars as promised under the Rebuild Illinois program passed out of the Senate Transportation Committee Tuesday.

“Rebuild Illinois started in 2019 as a comprehensive plan to fund infrastructure construction projects throughout the state, and create thousands of jobs and economic development,” Holmes said. “The pandemic has heightened the need for programs like this one, and I want to make certain the Rebuild Illinois funding is protected and not transferred out for something else.”

Rebuild Illinois, the largest capital construction program in Illinois history at $45 billion distributed over six years, is tackling Illinois’ crumbling infrastructure by funding projects to improve roads, bridges, public transit, clean water infrastructure, rural broadband and public schools.

“Every dollar spent on infrastructure returns $1.57 to local economies,” Holmes said. “It is important to make sure these funds are used as intended.”

Senate Resolution 215 now will go before the full Senate for consideration.

Aurora, Ill. – State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) announced the fourth round of Rebuild Illinois grants will bring more than $18 million in local construction projects to the 42^nd Senate District.

“We definitely need these improvements for safety and efficiency on our roads and in our municipal facilities, and the projects will create jobs that pay well,” Holmes said. “This is another boost to our recovering economy as we get back on track after the worst of the pandemic.”

The funding will be distributed to municipalities across DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties.

Through the Rebuild Illinois program, a total of $1.5 billion spread out in six installments will be invested over three years to advance municipal, township and county projects across the state. Projects include road and bridge improvements, traffic signal upgrades, new storm sewers and bike paths, sidewalk replacements and other long-term maintenance needs, with financial oversight from the Illinois Department of Transportation.

A complete list of local governments and awards can be viewed here.

Aurora, Ill. – State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) was thrilled to learn of a significant expansion of cabinet manufacturer Magick Woods’ operations and distribution in Aurora this week, bringing a second location, three new assembly lines and 50 permanent jobs to the area.

“If you’ve been trying to buy new cabinets or vanities lately, you know delays are putting homeowners in a pinch. I’m excited Magick Woods has decided to make this major investment in our community to help serve the needs of large consumer retail stores across the country,” Holmes said.

SPRINGFIELD – In 2018, Illinois prohibited the trade of ivory and rhino horn, but other animal species continue to face the threat of extinction due to demand for their parts. Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) says it’s time for Illinois to protect more species, and legislation for that purpose passed out of the Senate Commerce Committee on Thursday.

“The federal policy regarding illegal smuggling and trafficking of wildlife parts has been strengthened, and it’s time for Illinois to get on board,” Holmes said. “Species are threatened with extinction because of these practices.”

House Bill 395 would prohibit the sale of products and parts of giraffes, sharks, sea turtles, pangolins, tigers, lions, great apes and other imperiled species. Some examples:

SPRINGFIELD – Prior authorization is a health insurance company practice meant to ensure treatments are medically necessary, but it often forces patients to wait too long for treatments they need. House Bill 711, sponsored by State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) to rein in that practice, passed the Senate Insurance Committee on Wednesday.

“People requiring surgery, supplies or services often experience stressful delays as they await approval for medical treatment, and it is past time to shorten and simplify that process,” Holmes said. “For those with chronic or life-threatening conditions, it can be an ongoing battle for however long the treatment continues.”

The Prior Authorization Reform Act would create a system that requires transparency, appropriate peer-to-peer review, medically appropriate timelines for both urgent and non-urgent care, and continuity of care. If authorization is approved for a given treatment, related supplies or services would also be considered to be authorized, and the approval would remain in effect for the extent of the care.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) carries on her attention to legislation supporting animal welfare with House Bill 168 in the Illinois Senate this week, allowing a court to prohibit an animal abuser from owning or living with others who own animals.

“Individuals who have been convicted of felony offenses like torture, mutilation and animal fighting have proven they should have no privilege to own an animal for a reasonable period of time,” Holmes said. “Sadly, 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 violence.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) recently honored five Aurora-area high school students who were named 2021-22 Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

Illinois State Scholar winners rank in approximately the top 10% of the state’s high school seniors from 676 high schools in all 102 counties. Selection is based on a combination of standardized test scores and class rank or unweighted GPA at the end of the student’s junior year. ISAC works in conjunction with the students’ high school guidance counselors to determine the winners.

“I am so proud of all the hard work these students have put in despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Holmes said. “This prestigious award recognizes their commitment to educational achievement. These Scholars are the best of the best, and recognition of their efforts is well deserved.”

The Scholars include students from five high schools, including Waubonsie Valley, Aurora Central Catholic, East Aurora, Rosary and Oswego East high schools.

Recipients of the award will receive a congratulatory letter from ISAC, and a Certificate of Achievement will be sent to their high school. State Scholars will also receive a digital badge issued by ISAC that can be displayed on online profiles, exhibited on social media, and shared with prospective colleges and employers.

“The college and financial assistance application process is extremely competitive. This Illinois State Scholar recognition will give these students the opportunity to afford and attend a college of their choice,” Holmes said.

More information about the State Scholar program can be found at ISAC’s website.