Sen. Millner attends intermodal center groundbreaking
JOLIET,
Ill.
– State Senator John Millner attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the new
CenterPointIntermodalCenter on Thursday, calling it an
opportunity to create jobs and stimulate the
Illinois economy.
“At a time when
Illinois
faces a rising unemployment rate, it’s good to celebrate private investment
that’s bringing jobs to our state,” Sen. Millner (R-
Carol
Stream) said. “Being able to improve our rail infrastructure while
providing new employment opportunities helps us tackle two challenges at once.”
Sen. Millner was the chief co-sponsor of legislation, Senate
Bill 1342, to enable the center in
Joliet
to be built.
New bills signed to help law enforcement, assist food banks
Two bills sponsored by State Senator John Millner (R-Carol
Stream) have been signed into law by the Governor.
Senate Bill 1544 creates an income tax check-off for the
Hunger Relief Fund on the individual return form. Individuals can choose to
donate a portion of their income tax refund to the fund, which provides grants
to food banks, food pantries, soup kitchens, hunger relief centers or other charities
that provide for the needy.
Senate Bill 2026 allows law enforcement agencies to use cameras
and audio equipment to gather intelligence during a hostage situation. These
devices would be used to help law enforcement resolve these situations by having
more information when conducting such operations to ensure the safety of the public,
the hostage and the police.
Senate Week in Review: New FOIA laws signed
SPRINGFIELD,
Ill. – A new law intended to increase public access to
state records and information received widespread support from the public, the
media and good government groups when it was signed by the governor this week,
said State Senator John Millner (R-Carol Stream).
On Aug. 17, Gov. Pat Quinn
approved legislation (SB 189/PA 96-0542) that makes substantial changes to
Illinois’ Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA).
Sen. Millner explained that
the state’s FOIA laws have been criticized for lacking the teeth to force
government to comply with FOIA requests. The new law will enact strict rules,
reduce the time deadline for government entities to respond to FOIA requests,
drastically scale back possible FOIA exemptions, and penalize governments with
fines if they are found to have intentionally violated the law.
Panel calls for trustee resignations, distracted driving bills signed
SPRINGFIELD,
Ill.– A panel commissioned to review the admissions policies at the
University of
Illinois issued its final report on
August 6, which calls for the resignation of the University of Illinois Board
of Trustees.
Also
during the week, two measures were signed into law to restrict the use of cell
phones while driving. One measure prohibits sending text messages while
driving, while the other restricts cell phone use in construction zones.
Senate Week in Review: Redistricting committee meets
SPRINGFIELD,
Ill. – This
week, the Senate Committee on Redistricting convened its first hearing in
Chicago to receive testimony from witnesses on
Illinois’ redistricting
process, and the state’s history of gerrymandering legislative and
congressional districts. Lawmakers
heard testimony from a panel of experts who provided background on the federal
census process and a historical perspective of redistricting in
Illinois.
