With only 5 days left until adjournment, my Republican colleagues and I are demanding action to root out corruption in state government and hope to see a balanced budget. As Deputy Budgeteer for the House Republican Caucus, I remain optimistic a state budget will be passed by the self-imposed adjournment date this Friday, May 19. Here is an update for this week:
DEMANDING ACTION ON ETHICS
Just one week, after guilty verdicts were handed down in federal court, sealing the fate of the ‘ComEd Four’ for their corrupt actions, my Republican colleagues and I sharpened criticism on supermajority Democrats in Springfield for failing to clean up their own house and operating under the same corrupt Madigan rulebook.
Under current law, former Speaker Madigan will continue to collect a taxpayer-paid pension until a guilty verdict is reached. This means Madigan could go on to collect his elected official pension for several years before it’s taken away. That’s why I’ve filed legislation to suspend a lawmaker’s pension if they are charged with corruption by federal investigators.
Learn more here.
HELPING CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
On Thursday, I joined my House Republican colleagues at a press conference to discuss legislation introduced on behalf of the House Republican Women and Families Working Group. I discussed two bills aimed at supporting women and families.
My focus of the Women and Families Working Group has been trying to find ways to make an impact by helping improve the health and safety of children and families. Improving access to child care is critical to helping children and families. Working families with children need more access to childcare. It is especially challenging today for families to find childcare in areas where childcare deserts exist.
I am proud to co-sponsor legislation (HB 4059) to require DCFS to proactively inform people of how they can become childcare providers in hopes that this will increase interest and awareness of this opportunity. It is especially challenging today for families to find childcare in areas where childcare deserts exist.
Concerning children’s behavioral health…our children, are spending more hours each day in front of an electronic device. According to the CDC, children ages 8-10 spend an average of 6 hours a day in front of a screen, with about 4 hours in front of a tv. 6 hours a day on a tablet or in front of the tv is not healthy for a child’s behavioral health.
More on my plan here.
MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS MONTH
May is Motorcycle Awareness Month and a reminder to stay alert for motorcycles on the roadway to help save lives. Here are a few safety tips for Illinois drivers to keep in mind when sharing the road with motorcyclists:
- Allow more follow distance when behind a motorcycle. This gives them more time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.
- Check all mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes or merging with traffic. Remember, a motorcycle can easily be hidden behind other vehicles.
- Though a motorcycle is a small vehicle, its operator still has the same rights of the road as any other motorist. Allow the motorcycle the full width of a lane at all times.
HOUSE BACK IN SESSION
The Illinois House of Representatives is back in session today, May 15. You may listen or watch live at 4:00 pm here.
NEED ASSISTANCE WITH STATE GOVERNMENT?
If you have an issue or need help navigating state government. My office is here to help you. If my office may be of assistance please contact my district office in Alton at 618-433-8046.
-Rep. Amy Elik