Illinois General Assembly

“The Mahomet Aquifer is a priority for communities and people across Central Illinois. We are hopeful that there will be a permanent solution to protect this valuable resource from contamination to ensure clean drinking water for generations to come. We are aware of efforts to effect a settlement on these issues that will protect our water supply. Further, we have talked to local officials and stakeholders who are optimistic about these recent developments. However, we are still waiting to see final language of any settlement agreement.”

Consumer fraud and identity theft are becoming an epidemic in our communities. To raise awareness and to promote prevention, the Urbana Free Library and our office are offering paper shredding services for Champaign-Urbana residents.

To help reduce the chances of identity theft, experts recommend shredding things like bank statements, credit card offers and credit card convenience checks. Residents should also shred canceled credit cards, canceled checks, pay stubs, old photo IDs and tax returns that are more than three years old.

Saturday, May 2
Time: 9 a.m. to noon
Location: Parking lot on Cedar St., west of the Urbana Free Library (210 W. Green St., Urbana).

SPRINGFIELD– Taxpayers will have a better understanding of government boards’ work under a new proposed law advanced by Sen. Scott Bennett (D-Champaign).

“We need to engage more people in the democratic process. Making this information readily available will help keep people informed and engaged,” said Bennett.  “We should embrace technology to promote government transparency and accessibility to taxpayers.”

His initiative, Senate Bill 1339, does two things.

First, it requires government boards to post video on their websites of the board meeting within two business days. This would apply to boards where the governor appoints at least one member that is confirmed by the Senate.

“This simply makes it easier for taxpayers to access public information,” Bennett said. “The technology is readily available today to make this possible and affordable.”

Second, Bennett’s proposal would require those boards to post their public meeting agendas at least 72 hours prior to meeting, except in cases of emergency meetings. The current posting requirement is only 48 hours.

SB 1339 passed the Senate with bipartisan support and moves to the House for consideration.

CHAMPAIGN- The Illinois State Senate held a joint Appropriations I and II Committee Hearing yesterday to collect testimony about the impact the governor’s proposed budget cuts would have on the Central Illinois economy. Representatives from the University of Illinois, local health care organizations, and the cities of Champaign, Urbana, Rantoul and Danville all attended.

Under the proposal, the University of Illinois faces a 31.5 percent ($208.8 million) funding decrease. University officials testified that the cuts could hurt their ability to recruit top-tier students and staff.

“The University of Illinois is one of the largest economic drivers in the state. Forcing a 31% cut on them will not only impact Central Illinois, but the entire state. We cannot cut so much today that it hurts us tomorrow,” said State Sen. Scott Bennett.

Additionally, proposed cuts to Medicaid reimbursement rates may also have a deep impact on area hospitals.

“Presence United Samaritans Medical Center and Covenant Medical Center are truly an asset to the community – as the region’s health care delivery system and one of its largest employers. That’s why I am deeply concerned that if the governor’s proposed Medicaid cuts are implemented, our future would be threatened,” said Dr. Jared Rogers, CEO of Presence United Samaritans Medical Center and Covenant Medical Center.

Local mayors also voiced concerns about the 50 percent reduction in state funding proposed by the governor. Champaign, Urbana, Rantoul and Danville would lose $7.7 million, $3.9 million, $1.23 million and $694,000 respectively. All mayors voiced concerns about being forced to lay off first responders, like police and firefighters.

The Senate will continue to hold hearings around the state regarding the governor’s budget proposal over the upcoming weeks.