Holmes congratulates Virginia for ratifying ERA
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AURORA – Illinois became the 37th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment in 2018, and State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) is pleased the Virginia legislature ratified the ERA today. This brings the total number of states to ratify to 38 -- the threshold necessary for it to be included in the U.S. Constitution -- and it sets the stage for all 38 states to call for a historic constitutional convention.
“This is a good day,” Holmes said. “It is frustrating that there are still several hoops to jump through to actually get the ERA over the finish line, but we will keep working to enshrine the simple concept of equality in our nation’s Constitution, as it should have always been.”
Holmes notes that this year is the 100th anniversary of the amendment’s introduction; she expects the anniversary and ratification benchmark to be observed in Illinois.
Holmes serves as the co-chair of the Senate Women’s Caucus.
Holmes' pension consolidation plan signed into law
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SPRINGFIELD – With so much ongoing pressure on the state’s pensions systems, State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) and the Senate passed a measure in November to consolidate local police and firefighter pensions. Governor JB Pritzker signed the measure into law today.
“Consolidation is one means to reduce some of Illinois’ pension funding crisis; it will save the state millions of dollars in administrative costs without affecting the members’ benefits,” Holmes said. Holmes was the chief co-sponsor of the legislation.
Under Senate Bill 1300, the roughly 650 separate funds will be consolidated over a 30-month transition period. It is expected to save $160 million annually.
“Every option has to be considered to address the pension crisis, and I’m happy this worked out among the legislators and advocates negotiating for a solution,” Holmes said. “It is just one step, but it is one in the right direction. Now it’s time for more progress.”
Holmes outlines major infrastructure improvements for area roads
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SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) has announced that the new Illinois Department of Transportation five-year highway construction program includes major investments in roads in the Aurora area, to the tune of $10.8 million in improvements.
In the multi-year plan’s first year, a project on Route 31/Lake Street from Rathbone Avenue in Southwest Aurora to Webster Street/Aucutt Road in Montgomery is already nearing completion. Started in September, the $850,000 project includes 1.22 miles of asphalt resurfacing and ADA compliant crosswalks and ramps. It is scheduled for completion in November.
“These are long overdue issues for safety and traffic flow on Lake Street,” Holmes said. “I’m pleased to already see positive results this funding is bringing to our community, and I look forward to more projects ahead in this multi-year plan.”
Holmes sponsored measure to cap insulin costs passes Senate
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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate passed a measure today to cap the cost of insulin for people with diabetes. State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora), voted in support of the legislation.
“People need this lifesaving medication and shouldn’t have to choose between food, rent and medicine,” Holmes said. “Capping this cost ensures patients won’t be put at risk by skipping or rationing their insulin because of the cost. We need to do more to stop the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs and this is a step in the right direction.”
Senate Bill 667 caps the out-of-pocket cost for insulin at $100 per month. It also directs the Office of the Attorney General to investigate the causes of the rising price of insulin and publish a report on their findings.
Having passed the Senate, the bill will now head to the House of Representatives for consideration.
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