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.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) voted in favor of Senate Bill 10 that would allow same-sex couples the same legal rights as other married couples in Illinois.

“Although we passed civil unions, an important first step, marriage equality will make sure we no longer have a ‘separate but equal’ designation for same-sex couples in Illinois.  We will make sure gay and lesbian couples will be treated fairly under the law,” Holmes said.

Illinois joins Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, Washington, Rhode Island, California, Minnesota and the District of Columbia in allowing marriage equality.