SPRINGFIELD – Advocating for better, safer, and less abusive practices with animals, State Senator Linda Holmes passed two new pieces of legislation that will ensure those who work with animals are using best practices

“Our animal companions are not to be subject to greed and inhumane care,” said Holmes (D-Aurora) “These actions are a positive step toward ensuring those providing and connecting us with pets are doing so in the most humane way.”

Senate Bill 1230 changes the definitions of “dog dealer” and “animal shelter” to not include a person who sells dogs at retail to the public and defines that as selling animals at brick-and-mortar establishments that were obtained from breeders or brokers for compensation and not bred on its premises. This closes the loophole pet shop operators use to avoid obtaining dogs from animal shelters and instead from breeders.

AURORA – Aurora University is set to receive $125,000 in funding for academic and social-emotional learning support through a grant provided by the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

“This funding will mean Aurora University can further assist students with their academic advising and counseling needs,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “Ensuring they get the best guidance on courses to attain their degrees and access to mental health resources will prepare them for success upon graduation.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes responded to several planned budget strategies following Governor JB Pritzker’s budget proposal Wednesday.

“Today, the governor laid out a plan to keep Illinois on the path toward fiscal stability,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “Earning six credit upgrades, paying off the bill backlog, reducing our pension liability and paying off the unemployment insurance trust fund debt show how we’ve strengthened our fiscal standing, and these proposals represent even greater opportunities.”  

AURORA – Upon learning that Illinois has repaid the remaining $1.36 billion unemployment insurance (UI) Trust Fund debt, State Senator Linda Holmes released the following statement:

“I am so proud of this latest achievement in our years-long efforts to right the ship of the Illinois economy. This development will take advantage of recent progress and continue our post-pandemic recovery. I support the choices we made to pay off old debt, shore up our unemployment insurance trust fund, strengthen our Rainy Day fund and boost our pension systems.