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.

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.”