SPRINGFIELD –There are 17 pet stores in Illinois that offer predatory installment contract loans for the purchase of a cat or dog. House Bill 572, sponsored by Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) to prohibit these loans, passed the Senate Commerce Committee today.

“This is predatory lending with interest rates anywhere from 30 to 150 percent and higher,” Holmes said. “Most pet stores have issues with their animals coming from unprincipled breeders and puppy mills, which means many of their customers buy a pet for thousands of dollars that could be in poor health and may possibly die. Those consumers can end up thousands in debt and grieving as well.”

SPRINGFIELD – A measure initiated by Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) urging the General Assembly and governor to invest Illinois's transportation and infrastructure dollars as promised under the Rebuild Illinois program passed out of the Senate Transportation Committee Tuesday.

“Rebuild Illinois started in 2019 as a comprehensive plan to fund infrastructure construction projects throughout the state, and create thousands of jobs and economic development,” Holmes said. “The pandemic has heightened the need for programs like this one, and I want to make certain the Rebuild Illinois funding is protected and not transferred out for something else.”

Aurora, Ill. – State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) announced the fourth round of Rebuild Illinois grants will bring more than $18 million in local construction projects to the 42^nd Senate District.

“We definitely need these improvements for safety and efficiency on our roads and in our municipal facilities, and the projects will create jobs that pay well,” Holmes said. “This is another boost to our recovering economy as we get back on track after the worst of the pandemic.”

The funding will be distributed to municipalities across DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties.

Aurora, Ill. – State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) was thrilled to learn of a significant expansion of cabinet manufacturer Magick Woods’ operations and distribution in Aurora this week, bringing a second location, three new assembly lines and 50 permanent jobs to the area.

“If you’ve been trying to buy new cabinets or vanities lately, you know delays are putting homeowners in a pinch. I’m excited Magick Woods has decided to make this major investment in our community to help serve the needs of large consumer retail stores across the country,” Holmes said.