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.

Read more …

Holmes bill to fight obesity with K-12 physical education vetoed by governor

• SB2572

SPRINGFIELD – A bill sponsored by State Senator Linda Holmes (D – Aurora) to fight the growing epidemic of obesity in Illinois was vetoed by Gov. Bruce Rauner yesterday.

The measure, Senate Bill 2572, would require schools to provide a minimum of 150 minutes of physical education per school week for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

"Governor, why do you want to limit a school’s flexibility in scheduling PE?” Holmes asked. “It is still such a minimal amount of time for physical activity that impacts health with respect to obesity-related diseases and proven research on how exercise positively affects the brain and the ability to learn.”

Read more …

New Holmes law bringing growth and revenue to Illinois Math and Science Academy

• SB2939

SPRINGFIELD – A plan to expand the Illinois Math and Science Academy without any added cost to the state is now law, according to the bill’s sponsor, State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora).

The plan will allow out-of-state and international students to attend IMSA; they will be charged tuition, fees, room and board to cover all their costs. It ensures state appropriations will be used solely for Illinois resident students. This new population will make up 25% or less of the student body.

“The Academy is a fantastic resource for Illinois and a source of pride for Aurora,” Holmes said. “I am thrilled we can expand IMSA and bring capital development jobs to the community in construction of a new residence hall for these brilliant new students.”

Read more …

Holmes fights illegal poaching with ban on ivory trade

SPRINGFIELD – Those who participate in the ivory trade could face stiff penalties under a measure by State Senator Linda Holmes, which became law Tuesday.

“Elephants, rhinos, and other ivory producing animals are being brutally killed under the sickening practice of illegal poaching,” said Holmes (D – Aurora). “It’s our duty to defend these magnificent creatures, and I’m proud to have passed a law to help protect them.”

Read more …