Koehler’s FOID card modernization passes General Assembly

SPRINGFIELD – An initiative sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) to address the backlog of FOID card applications, which negatively affects responsible gun owners, passed out of the House on Wednesday.

“The backlog of FOID applications creates unnecessary hassles for responsible gun owners—a concern which has been raised to me by many people,” Koehler said. “It also creates extra work for the Illinois State Police, whose first priority should be keeping firearms out of the hands of people who are a danger to themselves and others.”

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Holmes’ unemployment security reforms pass General Assembly with House vote, await signature by Pritzker

SPRINGFIELD – Following unprecedented job losses and economic hardship due to the pandemic, Assistant Senate Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) sponsored a bipartisan reform package to address challenges faced by the Illinois Department of Employment Security during the unemployment surge, which has now passed the House of Representatives and is one step closer to becoming law.

“IDES, Democratic and Republican lawmakers, and business and labor groups worked together to craft this omnibus approach,” Holmes said. “It targets the weaknesses revealed in a system that wasn’t designed to address the wave of job losses, phone calls and fraudulent claims all hitting the department at once.”

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Johnson announces $2.5 million investment in local bike, walking paths

BUFFALO GROVE – Lake County residents will be able to enjoy the outdoors more safely thanks to over $2.5 million in funding to improve local bike paths and sidewalks, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) announced.

“Walking and biking are great ways to get outside, stay healthy and enjoy time with friends and family,” Johnson said. “These investments will ensure residents can continue to enjoy our beautiful natural spaces for years to come.”

Residents of Lake County will see improvements to a number of area trails for pedestrians and bicyclists, including over $500,000 to advance the Route 60 Bicycle Path Connectivity Project and $2 million to complete Stage 4 of the Patriot Path, a 5.5-mile pedestrian and bicycle route along Route 137 between Libertyville and North Chicago.

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Joyce invites youth to participate in Summer Book Club

PARK FOREST— In an effort to maintain student progress outside the classroom, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is launching a Summer Reading Club for children and young people who live in the 40^th State Senate District.

Joyce is launching a Summer Reading Club to counteract summer learning loss, which occurs when students “turn off their brains” during summer months.

“Summer reading is critical in keeping our children engaged and curious for the next academic year,” Joyce said. “I am encouraging young readers to set aside 10-15 minutes a day to read and make it a part of their summer routine.”

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