SPRINGFIELD – To address an issue allowing pets in rental properties, Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) has moved a measure through the Judiciary Committee that will allow tenants to maintain at least two common household pets, regardless of breed, size or weight, within the tenant's residence.

 “Eighty-one million American households now share their homes with 173 million dogs and cats,” Holmes said. “Regardless of their income, people love their pets and view them as members of the family. Affordable housing should be accessible for all types of people, and that includes people with pets.”

Senate Bill 154 applies to units funded under the Illinois Housing Development Authority Trust Fund. It addresses a problem for many renters who face giving away or surrendering a pet to a shelter if they must move due to a landlord’s arbitrary policy prohibiting a breed, size or weight of a pet. This will end this practice.

AURORA – State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) announced that the city of Aurora is slated to receive more than $2 million in construction funding over the next three years. The broader area investments will surpass $41 million.

“Rebuild Illinois continues to be a historic investment in our roads and bridges,” Holmes said. “The keys to our recovery from the pandemic are jobs and the economy. This program will help put people to work in the district I serve and ensure safer transportation infrastructure as well.”

SPRINGFIELD – With a long history of successful animal protection legislation in the Illinois Senate, Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) has now presented a measure to add more safeguards in the courts for abused animals.

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved Senate Bill 153 on Tuesday, which would give trial courts discretion in prosecutions for cruelty to companion animals to appoint a volunteer lawyer or supervised law student to assist the court as a special advocate.

“Abuse cases can result in dismissed charges or reduced sentences for animal owners accused of cruelty, often due to prosecutors with good intentions but not enough resources for research and information to make a strong case,” Holmes said. “These advocates can assist the courts in working toward consistent reinforcement of Illinois’ mandate to properly protect companion animals.”

Aurora –  Assistant Senate Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) is reminding small businesses in DuPage, Kane and Will counties that Economic Injury Disaster Loans are still available for those organizations affected by civil unrest that occurred from May 26 to June 8, 2020. She also is sharing information on upcoming workshops for businesses interested in the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program.

The Small Business Administration is urging those eligible to apply before the deadline of March 23.

“If your business suffered damage or loss during this period last spring, I encourage you to apply for these low-interest loans,” Sen. Holmes said. “This does not cover COVID related losses, but those due to the civil unrest that took place in communities across the country.”