Local Lawmakers Holmes, Kifowit disappointed Oswego left out of property tax relief grants

SPRINGFIELD- On Tuesday, the Illinois State Board of Education announced that 28 Illinois school districts are eligible to receive a Property Tax Relief Grant for fiscal year 2019. The grant covers a portion of local property tax reductions up to the statutory limit.

Oswego District 308 was among 373 districts who applied for the relief but did not make the short eligibility list. Lawmakers Sen. Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) and Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) learned of the outcome and reacted with concerns for students and local property taxpayers. 

“I’m disappointed our districts won’t have this resource to support local schools and taxpayers,” Sen. Holmes said. “Seeing the number and amount of this year’s relief grants, I believe the formula needs some modifications to make the system more fair and equitable going forward.” 

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Holmes sworn in for new term as state senator

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) was sworn into office on Wednesday as the Illinois Senate officially began a new session.

“I am ready to get to work again as we start 2019 and the 101st Illinois legislative session,” said Holmes. “I will continue working to increase local government control, economic development and government efficiency, to address health and environmental issues, and to support the working people of the 42nd district.”

Holmes has served in the Senate since 2007.

Holmes stands up for first responders, overrides governor’s veto

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) ensured a series of proposals will take effect to extend the same rights granted to firefighters to paramedics who are also employed by units of local government. The measures had been vetoed by the governor, but today Holmes successfully overrode those vetoes.

“Just like firefighters, paramedics face life-threatening circumstances to save lives and serve our communities,” Holmes said. “We owe it to paramedics and their families to give them the same rights as firefighters for the dangerous sacrifices they are willing to make.”

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Senate overrides veto of Holmes’ government reform measure; will provide for election of Fox Metro Water Reclamation trustees

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) overrode a veto this week of a measure to address the election of trustees for the Fox Metro Water Reclamation District. Senate Bill 2830 requires the trustees be elected rather than appointed. The bill had been vetoed by the governor in August and Holmes successfully overrode that veto today in the Senate.

“I believe it is important that those who represent the citizens of our communities should be elected and not appointed,” Holmes said. “This bill provides for trustee candidates to go on the ballot during consolidated elections. It represents government reform that will better serve water quality needs in the future for people in the Fox River Valley.”

The Water Reclamation District was created in the late 1920s and today serves nearly 300,000 residents in Aurora, North Aurora, Boulder Hill, Montgomery, Oswego, Sugar Grove and portions of Yorkville and Batavia, according to the Board’s website.

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