Holmes: Governor’s budget priorities reflect needs of people in 42nd District communities

• FY2024 Budget

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes released the following statement in response to Governor JB Pritzker’s budget proposal Wednesday:

“In recent years, we’ve built a more secure fiscal position for Illinois. The governor’s proposed budget builds on those previous accomplishments to ensure this stability continues, with attention to current economic realities.

“Right now, food insecurity is a growing problem for many Illinois families. My Farm to Food Bank Program is building a supply chain where farmers can give surplus food to food banks across the state for hungry families. Advancing from a plan to putting meals on tables will require funds, and the governor indicated his commitment to provide more fresh foods – meat, dairy, produce – than food banks sometimes have.

“With the governor’s proposal shared for consideration, now it is our turn, and lawmakers will consider our obligations and priorities alongside the needs of Illinois families for the coming year and beyond.”

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.”

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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.

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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.”

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