SPRINGFIELD, IL – After listening to Governor Pat Quinn’s State of the State Address, Illinois State Senator Linda Holmes (D–Aurora) echoed concerns about restoring fiscal order in the state.  She emphasized the need for Illinois lawmakers to find a comprehensive solution to the pension crisis.

“It is absolutely imperative that we get our fiscal house in order,” Senator Holmes stated. “By addressing our spending and developing a consensus solution to our pension crisis, we can bring financial solvency to Illinois.”

Senator Holmes is hopeful Governor Quinn will work diligently with the General Assembly for a budget that is fiscally responsible and will improve the State’s financial stature after years of credit downgrades and increased borrowing costs.

“This legislation will offer Temporary Visitor’s Driver’s Licenses to undocumented immigrants that will be valid for driving purposes only, and will increase highway safety by reducing the share of uninsured drivers on our roadways.” – Senator Linda Holmes

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Nearly fourteen years after initial legislation was filed, Senate Bill 957 passed the Senate today granting undocumented immigrants the right to apply for a Temporary Visitor’s Driver’s License (TVDL).

“I am pleased with action taken today to provide undocumented immigrants with the means to legally get to and from work,” said Senator Linda Holmes (D - Aurora), co-sponsor of Senate Bill 957. “This legislation will offer Temporary Visitor’s Driver’s Licenses to undocumented immigrants that will be valid for driving purposes only, and will increase highway safety by reducing the share of uninsured drivers on our roadways.”

Currently, undocumented immigrants have no driving privileges in Illinois and are thus unable to obtain car insurance. It is estimated over 70,000 automobile crashes occur among uninsured drivers every year, costing $630 million in damage claims that is paid by all drivers in the form of increased insurance premiums. Senate Bill 957 would require drivers who receive a TVDL to obtain car insurance and pass all required driving safety exams currently required of those who obtain a traditional driver’s license.

Read more ...

“Studies show that physical activity increases the ability to concentrate and improves cognitive function. There is a connection between a healthy body and a healthy mind.” – Senator Linda Holmes

SPRINGFIELD, IL – With just over 30 percent of high school students participating in physical education class on a daily basis and rates of childhood obesity skyrocketing, the need for daily physical activity for America’s youth has never been higher. To address this growing problem in Illinois, Senator Linda Holmes (D – Aurora) passed legislation signed today creating the Enhance Physical Education Task Force.

“This bill is the first step in taking a serious look at the positive impact physical education has on students,” Holmes said. “It benefits them both physically and mentally. Studies show that physical activity increases the ability to concentrate and improves cognitive function. There is a connection between a healthy body and a healthy mind.”

Senate Bill 3374 creates the 19-member Enhance Physical Education Task Force composed of four members of the General Assembly as well as representatives from school districts, not-for-profit organizations, principals, and physical education instructors. The task force will evaluate current standards, curriculum, and best practices, making recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly regarding policies to promote and enhance physical education programs across Illinois. In addition, a full report with the task force’s findings will be presented to the Governor and members of the General Assembly by August 31, 2013.

Read more ...

 “How are we able to effectively deal with our budget situation if we don’t know where we stand financially?” – Senator Linda Holmes

AURORA, IL – Illinois’ financial reporting process is antiquated and costly, according to the Auditor General. That’s a big problem for a state that’s billions in the red.

“How are we able to effectively deal with our budget situation if we don’t know where we stand financially?” Senator Linda Holmes (D – Aurora) said.

To address the problem, State Senator Linda Holmes created the Financial Reporting Standards Board, which will work with state agencies to improve the state’s overall financial reporting process.

Read more ...