Oppose Gov. Rauner’s State Takeover of Chicago Public Schools
Recently Gov. Rauner and lawmakers from Chicago and the suburbs announced their plans for a state takeover of the failing Chicago public school system, a plan I fear will make taxpayers in the Metro Wast and across the state responsible for the failure of Chicago schools. I am asking everyone in our area to join me in voicing their opposition to this proposal.
In my opinion, the Governor’s proposed takeover could give handouts at the expense of our schools to the Chicago System and the bureaucrats who run it. Together we can let Gov. Rauner know that when it comes to investing in our future, Metro East students come first. We will not stand by quietly while out money i spent on a power play by the Governor. Please visit bit.ly/nochicagotakeover to sign the petition and let your voice be heard.
Cell Phones for Soldiers
I have been partnering with the nonprofit Cell Phones for Soldiers to help provide free talk time to U.S. solders serving overseas. We are collecting old cellphones, which can be used or recycled to provide a solder with hours of free talk time to call his or her loved ones.
Last month my office received a very generous donation of 20 cell phones from Martin Glass Company, and I wanted to thank them for supporting our troops. It’s nice to know that families will he able to hear from their brave soldier as a result of this simple, but meaningful donation.
Please consider putting your old phones to good use by donating them and helping a soldier call home. All phones can be dropped off at my office, located at 312 S. High St. in Belleville. To learn more about the program you can visit cellphonesforsoldiers.com.
Fighting to Protect Financial Aid for College Students and Adult Education
Last year Gov. Rauner vetoed the higher education budget that i helped pass, causing state universities to operate without funding, adult education programs to close their doors, and left students without need-based financial aid.
Last month I voted in favor of House Bill 2990, which provides funding for public universities and community colleges in Illinois, need based Financial Aid in the form of MAP grants, and adult education programs.
This funding includes more than $185 million that will go to both the Edwardsville and Carbondale campuses of Southern Illinois University. The governor has indicated that he will veto this bill, but members of the community and legislators state-wide are urging him to stand up for college and adult students and approve the funding.
Working to Provide Essential Health Care and Social Services
Also included in House Bill 2990 is funding for support services for victims of domestic violence, breast and cervical cancer screenings, senior community care providers, and many similar programs that help bring comfort and stability to the elderly, developmentally disabled, and others. Without this funding these programs will be forced to reduce or eliminate services if they have not done so already.
This bill was an attempt to compromise with Governor Rauner. We are working to fund these programs by giving the goernor what he asked for: budgetary flexibility to free up resources. I am prepared to continue working with the Governor and legislators from both sides of the aisle in order to craft a responsible budget in a bipartisan manner.
Fighting to Prevent a Government Shutdown.
I helped pass a bill last month that protects the critical services provided by first responders, child welfare workers, and prison guards by preventing a strike or lockout of state employees and avoiding a state government shutdown. Rather than forcing a strike in the event impasse in negotiations, House Bill 580 prevents the government from shutting down by requiring third party a third party arbitrator to settle disputes rather than resorting to more extreme options.
I believe we can find a compromise, and work towards a balanced solution to resolve the issues before us. I will continue working to be a voice for our community and to get a resolution to the state budget issues quickly.
Metro East Library Legislative Breakfast
Last month I attended the Metro East Library legislative breakfast to meet with the librarians, board members, and all the other whose commitment allows out libraries to stay open and provide resources for the community. Thanks for the warm welcome!