A  newsletter from State Senator Karen McConnaughay:

Last week, much of my time in Springfield was spent in committees as the process continues of considering bills for approval by the full Senate. This week, we will continue to take a look at the pieces of legislation that have been introduced this spring.

Also during the week, state agencies testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee as the process of crafting the Fiscal Year 2016 budget continues. 

Negotiations are ongoing to fill the $1.6 billion hole in the current fiscal year’s budget as the Governor works with legislative leaders to find a solution that will ensure proper funding for programs, like the state’s Child Care Program, that are facing budget shortfalls.

Your input continues to be vital to the work I do. Please contact me or my office with questions or concerns you may have, and make sure your voice is heard in Springfield! You can also visit my legislative website athttp://senatormcconnaughay.com/.

McConnaughay Meets With IAHPERD

Senator Karen McConnaughay had the pleasure of sitting down with representatives of the Illinois Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (IAHPERD). On the docket for the meeting was legislation concerning physical education requirements and the impact that physical activity has on the brain.

Physcial activity has been shown to increase brain function.

McConnaughay Appointed to Illinois State Commission on Criminal Justice and Sentencing Reform

State Sen. Karen McConnaughay (R-St. Charles) has been appointed to serve on Gov. Bruce Rauner’s newly-formed Illinois State Commission on Criminal Justice and Sentencing Reform.

“It’s an honor to have been appointed to serve on the Illinois State Commission on Criminal Justice and Sentencing Reform,” said McConnaughay. “Our criminal justice system and sentencing procedures are long-overdue for a thorough analysis and overhaul.”

Read more about the committee here…

Fixing a Budget Hole

Adding to state government’s difficulties in shaping a budget for the new fiscal year, which starts July 1, is the present reality facing lawmakers and the Governor about plugging the $1.6 billion hole in the current budget.

Read more about ongoing negotiations here…

Public Pension Reform at the State Supreme Court

The Illinois Supreme Court began hearing arguments March 11 on Senate Bill 1, a public pension reform law passed in 2013. As passed, the legislation would change how pensions for state employees are calculated and paid.

Read more about the legal case here…

Committee Action Round-Up

Senate lawmakers spent much of the week in committees considering legislation on issues like education, utilities, crime and local government. Legislation that has passed committees now goes to the Senate floor for consideration by the full body.

Read a full recap of the bills that passed committee this week…