What State Senator Karen McConnaughay sees in Springfield:
Karen McConnaughay
Last week, I joined fellow lawmakers in Springfield as we considered several important pieces of legislation, including one that authorizes $5 billion in federal dollars to fund social services. While we are still without a full state budget, this federal money will go to programs that assist crime victims, provide assistance to citizens with disabilities and senior citizens, as well as programs for women and children. Read more about what’s going on in Springfield below.
Recently, several pieces of legislation I sponsored and co-sponsored have been signed into law. Among these are measures that preserve DNA evidence in homicide cases, and other measures that help local government function more efficiently.
I am also proud to have been appointed to serve on the Electronic Driver’s License Task Force, which is tasked with studying the feasibility of using electronic driver’s licenses in Illinois. As new technologies emerge, it’s important to look at how they can be used to make government more efficient and effective. Read more about this task force below.
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.
Karen McConnaughay
State Senator for the 33rd District
McConnaughay appointed to electronic driver’s license task force
State Senator Karen McConnaughay has been appointed to serve on the Electronic Driver’s License Task Force, which is tasked with studying the feasibility of using electronic driver’s licenses in Illinois.
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Legislation authorizing federal funds for social services signed by Governor
While Illinois still faces an impasse on the state budget, this week the Governor signed legislation that will allow the state to distribute $5 billion in federal funds to critical social service programs.
Deficit spending continues via piecemeal budget
Another spending measure was pushed through by Senate Democrats this week in the absence of a state budget. The Monetary Award Program (MAP), which provides grants to low-income college students, would see funding of $373.3 million this fiscal year under Senate Bill 2043.
House to decide outcome of controversial collective bargaining legislation
A controversial measure that would take away state government’s authority to negotiate employee union contracts and instead use a costly arbitration process, was once again advanced by the Senate this week. The measure passed initially over the objections of Republican lawmakers and Gov. Rauner, who later vetoed the measure. The Senate overrode the Governor’s veto on Aug. 19. The legislation now advances to the House of Representatives, where that chamber has 15 days to act.
Synthetic drug ban becomes law
Illinois now has one of the strictest laws on the books to combat newly-styled street drugs. This legislation was proposed in response to a rise in the use of drugs such as synthetic marijuana and bath salts in Illinois and across the country.
New law enforces government transparency and accountability
Enforcing transparency and accountability in government meetings is the aim of a new law sponsored by three Senate Republican lawmakers.
Executive mansion renovation team pursuing design firms
The non-profit organization charged with raising private funds to renovate the Governor’s Mansion is pursuing design firms to take on the $8 to $12 million renovation project.
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