Springfield – State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) released the following statement in anticipation of Thursday’s conference committee on pension reform:

“This Conference Committee gives us an opportunity to move forward on a comprehensive pension stabilization plan that is constitutional and fair,” Holmes said.  “I will continue to advocate for people who have spent their lives serving the people of Illinois.  During these negotiations, we must be conscious of the rights of working men and women as well as the economic security of retirees. Of course, this issue is about the State’s finances, but we should remember it also about people’s lives.”

Click below to hear an audio statment from Senator Holmes regarding the creation of the pension conference committee:

Springfield, IL – State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) released the following statement on being named to a conference committee on pension reform.

“I look forward to serving on this committee,” Holmes said.  “I am disappointed House members did not have the opportunity to vote on the agreed bill by Senate President John Cullerton and myself, in addition to representatives of those impacted. I will continue to stand up for people who have spent their lives serving the people of Illinois.  I want to make sure that as we have these negotiations, we are conscious of the rights of working men and women as well as the economic security of retirees. This issue is about the State’s finances, but it is also about people lives and we can’t lose sight of that. I am hoping this Conference Committee can have Illinois move forward on pension stabilization with a solution that is constitutional and fair.”

Springfield, IL – State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) released the following statement on her vote for concealed carry in Illinois:

“I have been a consistent advocate for Second Amendment rights and concealed carry for citizens in Illinois and voted yes on House Bill 183,” Holmes said.  “I am proud that we worked together in a bipartisan matter to forge a compromise and pass a bill that ensures everyone in Illinois has the ability to protect themselves and their families.”

Springfield, IL – State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) released the following statement on Senate Bill 1.

“This bill is fundamentally flawed and simply unconstitutional,” Holmes said.  “I worked out a proposal with our unions.  That measure passed the Senate with overwhelming support.  I stand by our teachers and prison guards and other people who spent their lives serving the people of Illinois.”

Click below to listen to Senator Holmes floor speech regarding Senate Bill 1.