Holmes celebrates $2.8 million investment in Batavia Park District’s indoor recreation space

• Batavia Park District
• IDNR
• Indoor Recreation Center

BATAVIA – State Senator Linda Holmes is pleased to share that a $2.8 million investment in a community recreation facility has been awarded to serve Batavia, through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

“I’m happy to see the Batavia Park District receive these funds for their project to create a large indoor recreation center,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “The Callahan Community Center will establish 8,480 square feet for indoor recreation spaces to serve a variety of programs available to area residents of all ages and abilities.”

Read more …

Holmes featured in National Geographic story on top new animal welfare laws

• Animal Welfare
• SB1883
• National Geographic

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes sponsors legislation on a variety of topics each year, and it isn’t unusual for her animal welfare bills to gain media attention. That has risen to a new level this week as her “bear selfie” law has been featured in National Geographic.

“Throughout my career in the Illinois Senate, I have championed laws that address how wild and domestic animals are confined and used for profit, often in dangerous and unhealthy conditions,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “The Wild Animal Public Safety Act addresses concerns with roadside zoos and traveling exhibitions by prohibiting close public contact with all primates and bears.”

The new law took effect Jan. 1, 2024, making it a Class B misdemeanor for any person to allow any member of the public, except for certain exempted people, to encounter a bear or primate. The National Geographic story added that Holmes’ 2017 law made Illinois the first state to prohibit using captive elephants in traveling circuses.

Read more …

Holmes announces more than $64,000 in library grants coming to Aurora area school districts

• Library Grants
• Aurora Area Schools Grant

AURORA – State Senator Linda Holmes announced six school districts in the Aurora area have received more than $64,000 to provide resources to libraries through books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs.

“Our school libraries require the resources necessary for students to fulfill their educational goals,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “The General Assembly funds these grants each year, and I look forward to seeing how these dollars will be applied and what enhanced resources our libraries can add to their present offerings.”

Read more …

Senate Democrats applaud $13 million investment in Job Training and Economic Development Program

• Job Training Investment
• Holmes
• Sims

CHICAGO – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus celebrated the recent announcement of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s additional $13 million investment in the Job Training and Economic Development Program for workforce training and wrap-around services.

“After the great success of the first round of the JTED program, I’m thrilled to encourage eligible entities to apply to serve as community partners to help uplift working families,” said Senate Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora). “The community partnerships created through JTED are essential to boosting an equitable workforce recovery in every corner of Illinois.”

Read more …