“Studies show that physical activity increases the ability to concentrate and improves cognitive function. There is a connection between a healthy body and a healthy mind.” – Senator Linda Holmes

SPRINGFIELD, IL – With just over 30 percent of high school students participating in physical education class on a daily basis and rates of childhood obesity skyrocketing, the need for daily physical activity for America’s youth has never been higher. To address this growing problem in Illinois, Senator Linda Holmes (D – Aurora) passed legislation signed today creating the Enhance Physical Education Task Force.

“This bill is the first step in taking a serious look at the positive impact physical education has on students,” Holmes said. “It benefits them both physically and mentally. Studies show that physical activity increases the ability to concentrate and improves cognitive function. There is a connection between a healthy body and a healthy mind.”

Senate Bill 3374 creates the 19-member Enhance Physical Education Task Force composed of four members of the General Assembly as well as representatives from school districts, not-for-profit organizations, principals, and physical education instructors. The task force will evaluate current standards, curriculum, and best practices, making recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly regarding policies to promote and enhance physical education programs across Illinois. In addition, a full report with the task force’s findings will be presented to the Governor and members of the General Assembly by August 31, 2013.

 “How are we able to effectively deal with our budget situation if we don’t know where we stand financially?” – Senator Linda Holmes

AURORA, IL – Illinois’ financial reporting process is antiquated and costly, according to the Auditor General. That’s a big problem for a state that’s billions in the red.

“How are we able to effectively deal with our budget situation if we don’t know where we stand financially?” Senator Linda Holmes (D – Aurora) said.

To address the problem, State Senator Linda Holmes created the Financial Reporting Standards Board, which will work with state agencies to improve the state’s overall financial reporting process.

SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Senator Linda Holmes (D–Aurora) is announcing a joint town hall event with the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) next Thursday, July 26.  The event will give residents of the 42nd district the opportunity to learn about DHS services, including help with application processes and what to expect from the agency once applications have been submitted. 

Expert DHS staff will also be in attendance to answer questions relating to their programs.   

“I am looking forward to having DHS staff on hand to offer their knowledge and expertise on what programs are available and how they can benefit residents of the 42nd district," Holmes said.

“I applaud Governor Quinn for signing this legislation today, ending a program that unfortunately became synonymous with abuse.” – Senator Linda Holmes

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Governor Quinn signed legislation today ending the troubled legislative scholarship program.  House Bill 3810 abolishes the tuition waiver program and sets up a task force to review and evaluate other tuition and fee waiver programs offered by universities in Illinois. 

State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) ended her participation in the program in January.    

“I applaud Governor Quinn for signing this legislation today, ending a program that unfortunately became synonymous with abuse,” Senator Holmes said.  “I am proud of the many students in my district that worked hard and benefited from this program.  And it is unfortunate that students could not continue to utilize this program.  However with allegations of abuse by some legislators, ending the program is a necessary step to restore faith and integrity in state government.”