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.”

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.”

SPRINGFIELD – Individuals who have overcome addiction can no longer be denied life insurance coverage or charged sky-high rates solely because they have undergone treatment for substance abuse under a new law sponsored by State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove).

“For too long, life insurance companies have discriminated against those who have shown exceptional strength and commitment in seeking treatment for their addiction,” Johnson said. “This new law empowers them to move forward from their past and celebrate their recovery.”

DANVILLE – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) applauded the signing of legislation aimed to protect Illinois communities from toxic coal ash pollution, ensuring only trained employees work on coal ash removal projects.

“Coal ash, the toxic byproduct of burning coal in a power plant, is extremely dangerous and can leave a lasting impact on the environment, even after a plant has closed,” Bennett said. “I thank Governor Pritzker for signing this legislation to reduce coal’s toxic footprint in Illinois.”

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois homeowners can more quickly, easily and affordably remove racist language from their property deeds under a new law sponsored by State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove).

“Racial covenants have held back Black and Brown families for generations, and many residents may not even be aware that the language still lingers in their property deeds,” Johnson said. “Homeowners shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to strike such harmful and antiquated provisions from their property records.”

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.”

SPRINGFIELD – A new law sponsored by State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) will help prevent potentially fatal accidents by increasing training requirements for private detectives and private security guards who want to carry firearms.

“Private detectives and security guards who want to carry guns need to be properly trained,” Connor said. “They need to know when and how it is appropriate to use deadly force.”

Existing law required security guards to complete 40 hours of basic training to be licensed as private security contractors. Guards employed by corporations were able to carry weapons without completing the required training if the corporation they work for employs five or less armed guards. The new law would require all armed employees to complete the training and creates even more stringent training requirements for private detectives and private security contractors.