Welcome to Senator Linda Holmes legislative website

Holmes: Budget is responsible, balanced and keeps Illinois moving forward

• Fiscal Year 2027 Budget

SPRINGFIELD – Following the Senate’s approval of the Fiscal Year 2027 state budget, State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) released the following statement:

“This budget reflects a balanced approach to governing – protecting critical investments while maintaining fiscal discipline. By preserving the Local Government Distributive Fund revenues, we are helping communities continue providing the services residents count on while supporting long-term financial stability for local governments.

“This budget also demonstrates our commitment to fiscal responsibility. By continuing to fully fund our pension obligations, we are keeping promises made to state employees while maintaining a balanced and sustainable financial plan for the future.

“I commend my colleagues in both chambers for working together to pass a budget that reflects our values, supports our communities and keeps Illinois moving forward.”

Holmes measure to strengthen unemployment insurance system passes Senate

• Unemployment Insurance
• Assist Workers in Layoffs or Shutdowns
• Connect Workers with Resources
• SB807

SPRINGFIELD – As workers and employers continue to navigate economic uncertainty, State Senator Linda Holmes advanced legislation to strengthen Illinois’ unemployment insurance system by protecting benefits, delaying planned contribution increases and helping workers access assistance faster after a mass layoff.

“Workers and employers alike benefit from stability and predictability,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “This legislation reflects a collaborative approach that protects working families and individuals when they need it most, ensuring they have a sense of security during a major life change.”

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Holmes bans abusive traveling animal exhibitors from exploiting wild animal species

• Traveling Animal Acts
• Severe and Chronic Stress
• HB4255

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes maintains her ongoing commitment to lead legislation that would restrict owners of traveling animal acts from using wild animals in their shows through a measure she passed Wednesday to add specific breeds to the banned species list.

“I passed legislation in 2017 to ban the use of elephants in circuses and other traveling exhibitions that cannot provide the animals adequate living conditions, and we’ve added more species to the ban over the years,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “These animals spend most of their lives in cramped, filthy cages under severe and chronic stress. It is cruel and heartbreaking to witness.”

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Holmes drives statutory guidance for courts to resolve splitting domestic partners’ disputes over pet custody

• Pet Possession Conflicts
• HB4540
• Companion Animals
• Separation

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes remains a leader in Illinois legislation to eliminate hazardous conditions for animals of all sizes, as evidenced by a measure approved this week that would provide statutory guidance to Illinois courts to resolve pet possession conflicts when their unmarried parents separate.

“Laws are revised over time to reflect changing norms in every aspect of our daily lives. Family roles change, and families see pets as adored family members rather than property,” Holmes (D-Aurora) said. “If the future residence of a companion animal is in question when family members separate, the courts need guidance in considering the best outcome for the animal’s consistent caregiving and comfort.”

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