Leader Holmes optimistic about governor’s full pension payment intention, approach to reducing pension liability faster

• FY2021 Budget
• Pensions

Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) joined her colleagues to hear Gov. JB Pritzker introduce his budget proposal to the General Assembly today, and released the following statement in response:

“I was happy to hear the governor’s intention to not only pay the required full pension payment, but to potentially fund another $100 million to pay down our pension debt. This addresses a complex but ongoing need to reduce our pension liability faster.

Read more …

Holmes seeks to cut delays for patients’ medical care due to “prior approval” process

• health insurance
• SB3822

SPRINGFIELD – Delays and denials for health care are a growing concern for patients across the country as insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers add barriers and even longer times to receive care. Senate Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) is sponsoring legislation with reforms to streamline this process and improve transparency.

“Extra paperwork and delays for treatment are a hassle and distraction to those of us seeking routine or emergent procedures and treatment, and to our health care providers as well,” Holmes said. “The Prior Authorization Reform Act will take down obstacles, get patients the care they need more quickly and save them money.”

Read more …

Holmes introduces bill to cut pet restrictions in public housing

• Pet friendly housing
• SB2973
• Video

SPRINGFIELD – Pets are part of two out of three households in America, including 72 percent of renters. Restrictions in public housing can prevent a family from keeping a pet based on its size, weight or breed. That results in pets being surrendered to already-burdened animal shelters.

Senate Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes is introducing Senate Bill 2973, which would allow any tenant living in housing acquired, constructed or rehabilitated with state funds for low-income housing to keep a pet dog or cat regardless of its size, weight, or breed.

“A leading reason pets end up surrendered to shelters is housing issues that force some pet owners into a position of choosing between keeping their pet or keeping a roof over their head,” Holmes said. “Pets are part of our families, regardless of the family’s income level.”

Read more …

Holmes outlines priorities for 2020 legislative session

• State of the State

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) is ready to get started on the new legislative session and was pleased to hear Gov. JB Pritzker describe his priorities for the year in his State of the State address to the General Assembly.

“I share his enthusiasm for taking on college affordability, healthcare, property tax and pension reform, and government consolidation,” Holmes said. “And we must continue to fight against the culture of corruption at the Capitol. We have to rebuild the public’s trust and I expect the governor and General Assembly to put together a strong ethics reform package this year.”

Holmes looks forward to her new role as Assistant Majority Leader with Senate President Don Harmon’s team.

“We have a diverse caucus with a wide range of priorities, representing a diverse state, and I feel confident we can work together to address those priorities,” Holmes said. “I’m working on a range of legislation for this session, from insurance reform to addressing affordable healthcare and pre-authorization practices, to helping farmers deal with problems controlling herbicides, to my continuing efforts in animal welfare. It’s going to be a busy and productive year.”