Aurora, Ill. – Senator Linda Holmes is encouraging those who skipped mammograms in recent years get back to their health care provider as soon as possible, as the National Cancer Institute says an estimated 9.4 million screening tests did not happen during the pandemic.

“October 21 is National Mammography Day, and it is a particularly urgent time to schedule annual mammograms as we’ve learned how many screenings did not take place in recent years,” Holmes (D-Aurora) said. “Studies show that screening mammography can help reduce the number of deaths from breast cancer among women ages 40 to 74, and especially for those over age 50.”

The prognosis for breast cancer is best if the diagnosis occurs in the condition’s earliest stages. The Illinois Department of Public Health is urging women who have delayed their screenings to take action now.

Aurora – Thanks to support from State Senator Linda Holmes, the City of Aurora will receive a $3 million investment as part of the Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets program.

“Aurora is a great, growing city and our local business districts are what make our area a fantastic place to live and work,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “Investing in our business community will help build an equitable recovery from the pandemic, create jobs and grow a stronger local economy.”

With new federal funding made available through the American Rescue Plan Act, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity administered grants to 50 commercial corridors throughout the state. The City of Aurora received $3 million to make needed improvements to the Broadway Avenue corridor street and streetscape.

AURORA – The Illinois Department of Agriculture has sent petitions of license revocation to three pet shops in Illinois operating in violation of the Animal Welfare Act, and State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora), sponsor of House Bill 1711, commends this effort and released the following statement: 

“This new state law prohibits the sale of pets from unscrupulous breeders and puppy mills and instead requires these stores to help connect shelter or rescue pets with potential adopters.

“Some store owners have attempted to skirt the new regulations, but the Illinois Department of Agriculture has investigated and is acting to potentially revoke their licenses. IDOA is working to ensure compliance with this and other laws that keep animals safe, and I commend their efforts in this matter.

AURORA – The City of Aurora will soon receive $4 million in funding to replace lead water service lines in parts of DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties, according to state Sen. Linda Holmes. The Illinois EPA’s State Revolving Fund will provide funds for drinking water, wastewater and storm water projects through a low-interest loan. The City will get 100% principal forgiveness for this loan.

“This is great news for our community and state, where we some of the most lead service lines in the nation,” Holmes (D-Aurora) said. “Our families have been quite concerned about this threat and insistent that we find ways to eliminate the risk and provide safe, clean drinking water, and I’m pleased we will have these resources.”