McConnaughay Reports

Sent before Christmas, but delayed until now, here is a message from State Senator Karen McConnaughay:

Senator McConnaughay’s Legislative Update: Happy Holidays, 2016 New Laws and More!

Karen McConnaughay

Karen McConnaughay

I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! It has been an honor to serve you in 2015. While this year has been challenging, I am confident that common sense policies and reforms will prevail in the end.<

I will continue to push for passage of a balanced budget for this fiscal year and reforms that will boost Illinois’ economy and create jobs, there were many legislative achievements this year that are moving Illinois forward. Click here to watch an overview of the most notable new laws that go into effect Jan. 1, 2016.

Also, in addition to passing much needed reforms to state government and a balanced budget, I join my colleagues to push legislation in 2016 that will make our great state an even better place to live and work. Check out this videoto see what some of our other goals are for 2016.

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

New laws taking effect Jan. 1, 2016

On Jan. 1, 2016, 237 new laws go into effect in Illinois, including measures that impact fighting crime, government transparency, business, hunting, health, and family.

Tackling crime

Breatherlizer

Breathalyzer being demonstrated.

When it comes to fighting crime, several news laws are making public safety a top priority.

For example, individuals who continue to endanger citizens on Illinois roadways by repeatedly driving under the influence of alcohol, will have another barrier that can prevent them from getting back behind the wheel.

Sen. Jason Barickman’s Senate Bill 627/PA 99-0467 requires individuals convicted of two or more DUIs or reckless homicide convictions to install a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device as a condition of a Restricted Driving Permit.

Another new law taking effect Jan. 1, spearheaded by Sen. Kyle McCarter, goes after designer drug manufacturers. Senate Bill 1129/PA 99-0371 combats dangerous synthetic or designer street drugs by targeting how they are made and allowing prosecutors to not have to wait as long for lab tests to show if the synthetic drug involved was illegal.

In addition, the sale of powdered caffeine to anyone younger than 18 and the sale of products consisting of or containing powdered alcohol will be prohibited under two new laws (Senate Bill 9/PA 99-0050 and Senate Bill 67/PA 99-0051).

Increasing government transparency and efficiency

In keeping with the late Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka’s tradition of government transparency, Senate Bill 903/PA 99-0393 ensures that the Online Ledger and The Warehousewill continue to provide state financial records, official reports, and local government finances to taxpayers. Sen. Karen McConnaughay sponsored this legislation in honor of Judy Baar Topinka.

Click here to read more of the 2016 new laws…

McConnaughay spotlights Village of Carpentersville Volunteer Mary Graziano

State Senator Karen McConnaughay (R-St. Charles) spotlights Mary Graziano, a 2015 Northern Kane County Chamber Community Service Award recipient from the Village of Graziano, for all the volunteer service she provides to her community.

In 2004, Mary Graziano had been retired from her job at Safety Kleen a mere two weeks when a friend told her the F.I.S.H Food Pantry in Carpentersville needed help. Mary and her husband, Mike jumped right in and started volunteering regularly. Soon she was serving as secretary of the non-profit organization. Today she is the President of F.I.S.H., and Mike serves as Treasurer.

“Mary exemplifies the meaning of community service,” said Sen. McConnaughay. “She gives up her time to serve those most in need in our area. We are so thankful to have Mary and so many other great volunteers who serve the 33rd district in such notable and humble ways.”

Click here to read more…

Christmas tree disposal in Illinois

The night before Christmas.

The night before Christmas.

Following the Christmas holiday, it is important to know how and where to dispose of real Christmas trees.

According to pickyourownchristmastree.org/Illinois, before putting your Christmas tree on the curb for pick-up, it is important to remove all lights, wire, tinsel, ornaments, nails, tree stands, other NON-organic decorative materials, and other materials that are not part of the original tree. Flocked trees are usually accepted, but not artificial trees. Large trees (larger than the standard 6-7 ft. tree) may need to be cut in half to be picked up by your garbage hauler.

Click here to read more…<

Record number of holiday travelers expected in Illinois

Lower gas prices and higher incomes are expected to increase holiday travels to record highs this year, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).

A projected 4.8 million people are expected to travel in Illinois this holiday season. AAA reports this is a two percent increase from 2014.

Click here to read more…


Comments

McConnaughay Reports — 2 Comments

  1. Thanks, Obama for the lower gas prices which encourages tourism and travel.

  2. yes thanks Obama, I can only purchase horrible, inadequate health insurance.

    And karma, I think it’s the Chinese we have to thank for low gas prices

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