CHICAGO – Illinois Senate Democrats celebrated the Illinois Department of Unemployment Security’s announcement of a $450 million payment towards the remaining $1.8 billion borrowed from the state’s unemployment trust fund.

“Paying down this debt continues to strengthen our fiscal security, adding to the benefits the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund is seeing from historic low unemployment,” said State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora). “The fund now has a $1.2 billion surplus due to fewer claims, making it very practical to pay back the borrowed funds. It’s another great step in our state’s record of continuous financial improvements of the past few years.”

Aurora – Thanks to support from State Senator Linda Holmes, the City of Aurora will receive a $3 million investment as part of the Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets program.

“Aurora is a great, growing city and our local business districts are what make our area a fantastic place to live and work,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “Investing in our business community will help build an equitable recovery from the pandemic, create jobs and grow a stronger local economy.”

With new federal funding made available through the American Rescue Plan Act, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity administered grants to 50 commercial corridors throughout the state. The City of Aurora received $3 million to make needed improvements to the Broadway Avenue corridor street and streetscape.

The Rebuild Illinois program is a historic $45 billion investment in Illinois’ transportation infrastructure and state facilities, passed in 2019 with support from Senator Holmes.

DCEO originally administered $50 million for the program in 2021. Due to federal funding, the state allocated an additional $56 million to support 29 more projects. With matching funds from recipients, a total investment of $215 million was made in downtowns across Illinois.

For a full list of recipients, visit Illinois.gov.

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.

“The newly-updated business model is growing across the U.S., and stores that follow this trend are continuing to succeed without selling poorly bred pets with a myriad of health problems and at exorbitant prices. All types of businesses must comply with regulations, and that includes pet shops.”

Holmes has a long and successful legislative record of measures related to animal health and welfare throughout her career in the Illinois Senate.

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. As part of the Illinois EPA’s State Revolving Fund, the grant will support projects to improve drinking water, wastewater and storm water systems 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 (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.

SPRINGFIELD – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) sponsored legislation this spring to help the Kendall County Courthouse grow to serve demand for additional facilities and more timely resolution of court cases. That bill was signed into law Friday.

Senate Bill 3737 will allow the county to finish space that was built but never completed, and to house additional judicial staff hired to support the increasing needs for court services in the growing county.

“Kendall County was the fastest growing county in the U.S. from 2000 to 2010, and the fastest growing county in Illinois from 2010 to 2020, having grown its population by 141% since 2000,” Holmes said. “Population growth means the courthouse needs expanding to meet the county’s legal proceedings, and I’m happy to help make this happen.”

AURORA – To address ever-increasing rates of vehicle thefts in Illinois, State Senator Linda Holmes supported three measures to offer protections to motorists and assistance to investigators that were signed into law Thursday.

“Families and motorists shouldn’t fear being on the roads because of a risk of being carjacked,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “These three new laws will help law enforcement crack down on car thefts, as well as providing financial protection to victims.”

SPRINGFIELD – A measure to simplify the process for use of a county recorder’s official seal under the leadership of Sen. Linda Holmes was signed into law last week.

Sen. Holmes originally introduced Senate Bill 3187 to streamline the recording process to establish a stamped or electronic version of the county seal satisfies the signature requirement for record instruments.

“The Illinois Association of County Clerks and Reporters approached me about clarifying this issue after a Sangamon County Recorder’s office customer believed the printed name of the Recorder should be considered a signature,” Holmes (D-Aurora) said. “In any case where there is doubt as to whether a printed Recorder’s name is legal, this clearly states the recorded document is legal.”

County Recorders are generally responsible for maintaining records of all governing body transactions including resolutions and ordinances. They keep records of deeds, marriage licenses and most other public records. They also issue permits, as well as many licenses.

With the signing of SB 3187 by the governor, it took effect immediately.