A communication from State Senator Karen McConnauhay:
Senator McConnaughay’s Legislative Update: October 5, 2015
Karen McConnaughay
While some areas of state government, such as the Illinois State Museum in Springfield (along with satellite facilities in four other locations) and the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta, are feeling the impact of the budget crisis more than others, these entities will still continue to operate in some capacity.
For example, scientific research at the museum facilities will continue, collections will be maintained by curators and educators will focus on future programmatic planning. Other museum employees will assume temporary roles in other capacities, while at the Sparta complex workers will begin readying the facility for the winter months. Public employee unions are suing to avoid layoffs at the facilities.
I continue to join my colleagues in pushing for a resolution to the impasse that includes structural reforms intended to make Illinois competitive, create jobs and boost economic growth, while funding priority services and programs.
While we continue to work on negotiations, I have made it my mission this fall to provide valuable resources and information to my constituents by hosting legislative events. In the month of October, I have planned a Senior Health Fairfor Oct. 14 in St. Charles and a Women’s Conference for Oct. 21 in Elgin. Both events are free and open to the public. Please see below for more event information.
As always, I hope you will contact me or my office with questions or concerns you may have. You can also visit my legislative website atwww.senatormcconnaughay.com.
Sincerely,
Karen McConnaughay
State Senator for the 33rd District
McConnaughay to host FREE Senior Health Fair in St. Charles Oct. 14
Partnering with local health providers and organizations, State Sen. Karen McConnaughay (R-St. Charles) is hosting a FREE Senior Health Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Hosanna Lutheran Church, 36W925 Red Gate Road, St. Charles.
“I am committed to helping my constituents find access to local and state services that will help improve their health and financial security,” said Sen. McConnaughay. “This event offers seniors a great opportunity to speak with over 20 health and safety providers and state agency representatives, while also providing free health screenings and a wide range of informational brochures.”
ConAgra to move to Chicago
Chicago got an economic boost when it was confirmed this week that food giant ConAgra will be moving its corporate headquarters to the city—along with nearly 1,000 jobs. The company already employs around 400 people in a Naperville office, but plans to move its headquarters to the Windy City from current Omaha, Nebraska. It is part of a restructuring plan that is estimated to save the company about $300 million over the next three years and will result in a gain of jobs in Illinois. The new ConAgra headquarters will be based out of the Merchandise Mart facility in downtown Chicago.
College of DuPage passes major cuts, reduces local property taxes
The College of DuPage board passed a $184 million budget, including more than $7.5 million in cuts from the fiscal year 2015 budget. According to the college, the cuts will likely mean a $10 decrease in the average bill for a home valued at $255,000 in the district. The college had previously stirred controversy when it was discovered that $126 million in excess revenues had been collected since fiscal year 2011.
October is Thrombosis Awareness Month in Illinois
The month of October is now recognized in Illinois as Thrombosis Awareness Month, thanks to legislation sponsored by Senator Pamela Althoff (R-McHenry) and adopted by the Senate earlier this year. Approximately 600,000 people in the United States are estimated to develop venous thromboemoism, and 400,000 expected to develop deep vein thrombosis of the legs. Pulmonary emoblisms, a serious and potentially fatal complication of vein thrombosis affects at least 200,000 people in the nation per year.