Joins IDOT to “Go Orange” during Transportation Work Zone Safety Awareness Week

SPRINGFIELD – To help increase awareness of the avoidable dangers in work zones and to honor those workers who have died in work zones accidents throughout Illinois, State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) reminds drivers to be more aware during the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Work Zone Safety Awareness Week.

Bridges and buildings throughout the state will be turning orange this week to honor those who have died in work zones and to raise awareness as IDOT signals the start of another construction season.

SPRINGFIELD – Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora)’s measure to add more safeguards in the courts for abused animals has passed the Illinois Senate.

The Senate passed Senate Bill 153, which would give trial courts discretion in prosecutions for cruelty to companion animals to appoint a supervised law student to assist the court as a special advocate.

“Animal abuse cases may end in dismissed charges or reduced sentences for animal owners accused of cruelty, often because prosecutors have good intentions but not enough resources for research and information to make a strong case,” Holmes said. “These advocates can aid the courts in working for consistent reinforcement of Illinois’ mandate to properly protect companion animals.”

Holmes also pointed out there is a well-documented cycle of violence between those who abuse humans and those who abuse animals. Domestic violence perpetrators have a history of animal cruelty in their pasts, as do murderers, so bringing animal abusers to justice could help save human lives.

SPRINGFIELD – To prevent families from having to give up beloved pets to find affordable housing, Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) has moved a measure through the Senate to allow tenants to keep at least two common household pets, regardless of breed, size or weight, in their 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 would prevent landlords from enacting policies that prohibit pets of a specific breed, size or weight, addressing a problem for many renters who face giving away or surrendering a pet to a shelter if they must move. The legislation applies to units funded under the Illinois Housing Development Authority Trust Fund.

Last Friday, I was pleased to join Governor Pritzker with Aurora and other area advocates and professionals to announce $1.6 billion in federal aid to increase access to high quality early childhood education and child care.

Child care providers will receive $140 million in direct grants in coming weeks, and the administration announced a network of early-childhood planning councils to launch statewide.

Child care providers have been among the hardest hit during the pandemic. It’s been helpful to provide some financial relief, and now to receive this federal funding as well. They will continue to need support to help us ensure all families have access to affordable, reliable child care.