Summer Wrap Up

Dear Friends,

I hope this note finds you well. Now that our summers have flown by and we’re heading towards our busy fall seasons, I wanted to take some time to update all of you on our efforts in Springfield and in Lake County. From advocating for education funding reform to hosting a job fair in the 31st District, we prefer there is never a lull in the work that we do.

EDUCATION FUNDING ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Due to overall state budget constraints, a bipartisan group of state Senators and I have created an Education Funding Advisory Committee charged with taking a hard look at all aspects of education funding and disparity in Illinois. I write this to you having just returned from our second official meeting.

There is no question that our schools have a funding problem. For years, Illinois has been unable to fully fund its required contribution to our public school system. While this is disgraceful, I believe it is only a symptom of the larger problem – how we fund our education system in Illinois. Read More

PENSIONS

As the pension conference committee moves closer to a final recommendation, I wanted to take this opportunity to provide a brief update.

I know that many people are as frustrated as I am at the length of time it’s taken to reach a pension reform compromise. As much as I would have preferred the House of Representatives simply call SB 2404 for a vote back in May, the fact remains that they did not. Since May, the conference committee members have carefully deliberated all suggestions through a thorough and credible actuarial evaluation of every proposal. Read More

WATERCRAFT SAFETY COMMITTEE

In the last week of August, the Senate held its first Watercraft Safety Committee hearing in Lake County. As a member of the Committee I am exploring common-sense solutions to current boating and waterway safety challenges.

The committee heard testimony from a number of industry professionals, as well as boaters and business owners on the Chain of Lakes in Lake County. Based on this initial hearing it appears residents are primarily interested in policies that balance safety concerns with the ability of residents to fully enjoy the Chain of Lakes. Suggestions include: Read More

IN THE DISTRICT

TOWN HALL

In July, more than 40 district residents joined me for an evening of candid conversation about the issues facing the State of Illinois and Lake County. We participated in a back-and-forth discussion on a broad range of topics, including pension reform, highway construction, college affordability and gaming expansion. Read More

JOB FAIR

In collaboration with the Illinois Department of Employment Security, the Jobs Center of Lake County and over 40 employers, my office hosted a job fair in August that nearly 350 Lake County residents attended. Thanks to the hard work of all involved, we were able to provide instantaneous ‘best fits’ between job-seekers and on-site employers.

As folks made their way through the crowded gymnasium, they handed out a total of 443 resumes to potential employers, which led to 154 on-the-spot hires and 178 total job offers. Read More

UPCOMING EVENTS

At the end of September, we will be continuing our program of monthly “coffee stops” – where you can visit a nearby coffee shop and sit down with me to discuss issues that are important to you.

Zion Coffee Shop Stop – the It’s All Good Café
Saturday, September 28th
10-11:30am
2708 Sheridan Road, Zion, IL 60099
Please continue to check our website for information on two important future events:
- Lake County Mortgage Relief Fair
- Lake County Affordable Care Act Presentation and Workshop

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

This summer, our office was fortunate to have two of the most impressive young people I have ever worked with serve as members of our communications team – Natalie Aguilar (Round Lake Beach) and Alejandra Mesa-Martinez (Waukegan). Both young ladies were an inspiration to our team, and will be greatly missed as they return to school for their Fall semesters.

Natalie Aguilar is beginning her first year as a law student at Valparaiso University in Indiana. Alejandra Mesa-Martinez is finishing her final year at Stanford University in California, where she is studying to be a mechanical engineer.

We wish you all the best in the coming school year!

WRAP-UP

Thank you to all who have called and emailed thoughts and concerns over the past few months. I am proud to represent you, and promise to continue to do my best for the good of Lake County and all of Illinois. You are encouraged to contact me at any time with any state or district matters.

Sincerely,

Senator Melinda Bush
31st District – Illinois