In this issue:
- Speaking up for farm safety
- This is Work Zone Awareness Week
- Resentencing bill fails in the House
- 106th District community leaders participate in Women to Watch leadership event
Speaking up for farm safety
I joined two of my House colleagues – and fellow farmers – at a press conference on Wednesday morning to talk about the future of agriculture in Illinois.
We need to reform Illinois’ estate tax laws, which put family farms at risk whenever there is a death in the family. And we also need to do more to ensure that the next generation of farmers is able to get started in agriculture.
I spoke about some of my farm safety legislation from this spring’s session. I am sponsoring a resolution to declare Farm Safety Week in September as a way to shine a light on the importance of farm safety.
I am also sponsoring legislation modeled on the state’s “Scott’s Law” statute which would make the roads safer for farmers and all other motorists. While Scott’s Law requires drivers to slow down or move over for emergency vehicles on the roadside, my legislation would expand it to include farm implements. Every year we see wrecks involving farm implements on the highways. This bill would keep farmers and other motorists safe during planting and harvesting season when it is so important to watch out for farm implements on the roads.
My bill was not called for a committee hearing his spring, but the issue of highway safety around farm equipment is too important to ignore.
This is Work Zone Awareness Week
The theme for National Safety Zone Awareness Week this year is “Respect the Zone so We All Get Home.” It is a call to action to raise awareness about work zone safety and an effort to save lives.
Road workers’ efforts are crucial for keeping travelers safe and our economy moving forward. They are also someone’s spouse, parent, child, sibling and friend, and they all deserve to go home safely to their families at the end of their shift. Unfortunately, too many workers have faced close calls, serious injuries or death due to drivers’ reckless actions in work zones.
Each year, hundreds of motor vehicle crashes occur in Illinois work zones, resulting in injuries and countless deaths. Speeding and distracted driving contribute to more than half of all work zone crashes.
As the construction season ramps up drivers should take greater care when traveling through a work zone. Keep an eye out for workers near the roadway. Slow down, avoid distractions, don’t tailgate and stay in your lane – even if workers are not present. Expect the unexpected and be patient. Penalties for speeding in a work zone are steep, and hitting a worker can land you in prison.
The next few months are peak road construction season. Please be safe on the roads and make sure everyone gets home safely.
Resentencing bill fails in the House
A bill to allow for the resentencing of some convicted murderers and rapists failed in the Illinois House.
House Bill 3332 would have applied retroactively to all convicted inmates who were under the age of 21 at the time they committed their crime. The legislation would have allowed them the possibility of parole and re-sentencing. The law would have applied to over 900 Illinois inmates.
I voted No, as did several members of both parties. The bill did not pass.
House Republicans have established a Truth in Public Safety working group to develop legislation that will restore public safety in Illinois. You can see their proposals here.
106th District community leaders participate in Women to Watch leadership event
This week the House Republican caucus hosted its annual Women to Watch leadership event at the Capitol. I was honored to have Erin Fogarty, the Livingston County Public Health Administrator, and Jamie Bakken, an Iroquois County Board member and local business owner representing the 106th District. They joined an impressive group of women from across the state for an event where they were recognized for their hard work and for the difference they make in each of their communities.
The event was an opportunity for women leaders from throughout the state to participate in seminars and discussions, network, and hear from some interesting speakers.
Our current bill backlog
When a vendor provides the state with goods and services, they submit the bill to the Illinois Comptroller for payment. The Comptroller processes the paperwork and pays the bill when funds are available in the state’s checking account. Currently the total amount of unpaid bills is $1,542,350,765. This figure changes daily. Last year at this time the state had $846 million in bills awaiting payment. This only includes bills submitted to the Comptroller for payment, not unfunded debts like the state’s pension liability, which is well over $100 billion.
Illinois headlines
Illinois GOP: Legislation addressing the state’s high taxes being ignored
Anti-distracted driving program features new requirement for students
Illinois tourism agency hit with scandal
Police will soon be out on the road cracking down on this driving habit