“This proposal would curtail the potentially devastating impact of micro-beads on the environment.” - State Linda Holmes (D-Aurora)

SPRINGFIELD – Micro-beads, small, plastic spheres in personal care products, can cause serious environmental damage according to recent studies. 

A measure co-sponsored by State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora), chair of the Senate Environment Committee, seeks to ban micro-beads in Illinois and reduce their environmental impact.

“Products with micro-beads can cause serious harm to fish and other wildlife,” Holmes said.  “This proposal would curtail the potentially devastating impact of micro-beads on the environment.”

SPRINGFIELD – Bears, wolves and mountain lions could have added protections in Illinois after a measure sponsored by State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) passed the Senate today.

The legislation would add American black bears, gray wolves and mountain lions to the Illinois Wildlife Code.  These animals were native predators, but have been absent for decades in Illinois.

“It is increasingly important that we put protections in place for bears, wolves and mountain lions as they return to their natural habitats in Illinois,” Holmes said.  “This legislation ensures that indigenous species’ populations can grow to sustainable levels.  It includes safeguards for farmers who could be affected by their return.”

AURORA – State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) released the following statement on President Obama’s infrastructure plan:

“Illinois is one of the country’s central transportation hubs; investing in infrastructure projects like those the president outlined is vital.”

Click below to read more about the President's initiative:

Obama: Tax overhaul should fund transportation projects (USA Today)

Today, the General Assembly passed a pension reform proposal that I did not support.

Like supporters of Senate Bill 1, I’m concerned about our state’s fiscal situation. But the state’s budget should not be balanced on the back of our state retirees. We made a promise and, based on those promises, retirees made plans for their future.

The state signed an agreement with state retirees but as seen today, the General Assembly broke their promises.