AURORA – The Illinois Department of Agriculture has sent petitions of license revocation to three pet shops in Illinois operating in violation of the Animal Welfare Act, and State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora), sponsor of House Bill 1711, commends this effort and released the following statement: 

“This new state law prohibits the sale of pets from unscrupulous breeders and puppy mills and instead requires these stores to help connect shelter or rescue pets with potential adopters.

“Some store owners have attempted to skirt the new regulations, but the Illinois Department of Agriculture has investigated and is acting to potentially revoke their licenses. IDOA is working to ensure compliance with this and other laws that keep animals safe, and I commend their efforts in this matter.

AURORA – The City of Aurora will soon receive $4 million in funding to replace lead water service lines in parts of DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties, according to state Sen. Linda Holmes. The Illinois EPA’s State Revolving Fund will provide funds for drinking water, wastewater and storm water projects through a low-interest loan. The City will get 100% principal forgiveness for this loan.

“This is great news for our community and state, where we some of the most lead service lines in the nation,” Holmes (D-Aurora) said. “Our families have been quite concerned about this threat and insistent that we find ways to eliminate the risk and provide safe, clean drinking water, and I’m pleased we will have these resources.”

AURORA – State Senator Linda Holmes announced three area school districts will be receiving $50,000 each for infrastructure improvements, thanks to funds distributed by the Illinois State Board of Education. The recipient districts are Indian Prairie CUSD 204, Aurora West USD 129 and Aurora East USD 131.

“Our kids deserve a safe, healthy setting for learning in their classrooms,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “This investment in our communities will allow these districts to fund projects and give students the learning environment they deserve.”

AURORA – State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, removing the right to choose from millions of women.

"It is unbelievable that 50 years of precedence can disappear overnight due to the decisions of an incredibly conservative Supreme Court, which does not represent a majority of our country. Women who feel they have no other option but to have an abortion will resort to dangerous and deadly procedures that killed thousands of women before Roe v. Wade.

“Here in Illinois, I have fought to codify Roe v. Wade to ensure that women have the right to make fundamental decisions about what to do with their bodies. As long as states have the power to make decisions, Illinois will continue to give women their fundamental right to choose.”