SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) recently announced an extensive Transportation Reconstruction program.  The program aims to update the state’s infrastructure, including roads, bridges and public transit.

Illinois State Senator Linda Holmes (D–Aurora) praised the program and highlighted the improvements at Canadian National Railroad.

“The grade separation and retaining wall at the Canadian National Railroad crossing near Rt. 34 will be a significant upgrade for commuters in Aurora,” Holmes said.  “This project is sorely needed to improve the congested traffic in this area.”

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Senator Linda Holmes (D–Aurora) reacted to Governor Pat Quinn’s budget address.

“The budget we saw proposed today is directly linked to our pension problem.  We must address this and the governor must work closely with the legislature to craft a Constitutional plan.”

“The governor’s proposed $400 million in cuts to education is troubling to me.  I think we need to strengthen our educational programs.  Addressing pension reform will allow us to focus on education.”

SPRINGFIELD, IL – After listening to Governor Pat Quinn’s State of the State Address, Illinois State Senator Linda Holmes (D–Aurora) echoed concerns about restoring fiscal order in the state.  She emphasized the need for Illinois lawmakers to find a comprehensive solution to the pension crisis.

“It is absolutely imperative that we get our fiscal house in order,” Senator Holmes stated. “By addressing our spending and developing a consensus solution to our pension crisis, we can bring financial solvency to Illinois.”

Senator Holmes is hopeful Governor Quinn will work diligently with the General Assembly for a budget that is fiscally responsible and will improve the State’s financial stature after years of credit downgrades and increased borrowing costs.

“This legislation will offer Temporary Visitor’s Driver’s Licenses to undocumented immigrants that will be valid for driving purposes only, and will increase highway safety by reducing the share of uninsured drivers on our roadways.” – Senator Linda Holmes

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Nearly fourteen years after initial legislation was filed, Senate Bill 957 passed the Senate today granting undocumented immigrants the right to apply for a Temporary Visitor’s Driver’s License (TVDL).

“I am pleased with action taken today to provide undocumented immigrants with the means to legally get to and from work,” said Senator Linda Holmes (D - Aurora), co-sponsor of Senate Bill 957. “This legislation will offer Temporary Visitor’s Driver’s Licenses to undocumented immigrants that will be valid for driving purposes only, and will increase highway safety by reducing the share of uninsured drivers on our roadways.”

Currently, undocumented immigrants have no driving privileges in Illinois and are thus unable to obtain car insurance. It is estimated over 70,000 automobile crashes occur among uninsured drivers every year, costing $630 million in damage claims that is paid by all drivers in the form of increased insurance premiums. Senate Bill 957 would require drivers who receive a TVDL to obtain car insurance and pass all required driving safety exams currently required of those who obtain a traditional driver’s license.