SPRINGFIELD – The governor has signed into law Senator Linda Holmes’ (D-Aurora) legislation to expand workers’ compensation for firefighters and EMTs to cover MRSA infection that poses a particularly high risk to first responders.

House Bill 3662 would amend the Workers’ Compensation Act. It presumes that these professionals would be exposed to MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) in the course of their employment.

SPRINGFIELD – Health insurance companies use prior authorization on patients’ proposed treatments, meant to ensure they are medically necessary. However it often forces patients to wait too long for needed and appropriate treatments. House Bill 711, sponsored by Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) to ensure more timely approval, was signed into law by the governor on Thursday.

“It can be stressful for people requiring medical treatment, supplies and services to wait on approval for medical treatment, and these delays must end,” Holmes said. “For those with chronic or life-threatening conditions, it can be an ongoing battle for however long the treatment continues.”

Nationwide and Illinois Department of Labor Event to Promote Health and Safety Programs in the Workplace

AURORA – Illinois State Senate Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora), who chairs the Senate Labor Committee, is joining with the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), to promote health and safety programs during Safe and Sound Week, August 9-15.

The annual August event recognizes successful health and safety programs, and offers information and plans to keep workers safe on the job.

SPRINGFIELD – Presently, homeowners’ insurance policies are allowed to place limitations based on discrimination against certain dog breeds or mixes. Discrimination in all forms is suspect, and Senator Linda Holmes’ (D-Aurora) bill to restrict this practice was signed by the governor Friday.

“When you have a dog and need to move, it can be difficult to find a place that may allow your breed of dog,” Holmes said. “Humane organizations have been fighting these breed stereotypes for years, and this moves the ball forward to make pet ownership and housing more compatible.”

SPRINGFIELD – To prevent families from having to give up beloved pets to find affordable housing, Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes’ (D-Aurora) measure was signed by the governor Friday. It will allow tenants to keep two cats or a dog, regardless of breed, size or weight, in their residence.

“Eighty-one million American households now share their homes with 173 million dogs and cats,” Holmes said. “Regardless of their income, people love their pets and view them as members of the family. Affordable housing should be accessible for all types of people, and that includes people with pets.”

Aurora, Ill. - Assistant Senate Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) has released the following statement after hearing the news of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka passing today:

“I’m saddened to hear of President Trumka’s untimely passing, and my heart is not just with his immediate family but also with the millions of working people throughout the U.S. who have lost his leadership and his advocacy for them.

AURORA — Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) invites local residents and friends to the Grand Opening of her new office in Aurora on Thursday, July 29 from 4-6 p.m.

“We moved our office during the middle of the pandemic, so this is our first chance to welcome everyone in safely,” Holmes said. “My staff is looking forward to greeting visitors at last.”

Local and state dignitaries are expected to join Holmes for an official ribbon cutting. Guests will be offered free ice cream for the celebration as well.

For health reasons, unvaccinated guests are asked to wear masks. Guests are also asked to RSVP so Holmes’ office has plenty of ice cream.

Media are welcome to attend. Ample parking is available.

WHAT:  Grand opening of new Aurora office of Senator Linda Holmes

WHEN:    Thursday, July 29 from 4-6 p.m.

WHERE:  4255 Westbrook Dr.

                  Suite 216

                  Aurora, IL 60504

RSVP:      630-820-8650

SPRINGFIELD –There are 17 pet stores in Illinois who offer installment contract loans for the purchase of a cat or dog. House Bill 572, sponsored by Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) to prohibit the use of these loans, was signed into law Friday.

“This doesn’t just happen in payday loan stores, they’ve been getting away with predatory lending interest rates anywhere from 30 to 150% and higher,” Holmes said. “Most pet stores have issues with their animals coming from unprincipled breeders and puppy mills – some in poor condition – so these consumers can end up thousands in debt and grieving as well.”