GRAYSLAKE, Ill. – State Sen. Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) and state Rep. Sam Yingling (D-Grayslake) recently visited with residents of Library Lane Senior Residence to discuss issues that are important to the aging community and answer their questions about the state’s current budget impasse.

“Our senior community deserves a voice in this budget impasse,” Bush said. “Too often seniors are in danger of being left on the fringes of these conversations, and today they had an opportunity to talk about the challenges they face and the way their lives have been impacted by this crisis. I will carry those concerns to our negotiations in Springfield.”

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I was so happy to help organize a job fair in Round Lake recently. Round Lake continues to see high unemployment. If you're searching for work or know somebody who is, I encourage you to reach out to the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). Here are some numbers from our July 21 hiring event at Magee Middle School:

Number of resumes accepted: 241

Number of interviews conducted: 34

Number of Provisional or conditional job offers extended: 27

Number of firm job offers extended: 8

Estimated of hires from this fair within the next year: 99

Do you think an IDES job fair event would help people near you? Contact my office.

Sincerely,

Melinda Bush
State Senator, 31st Illinois Senate District

SPRINGFIELD — Arguing in favor of emergency funds that would keep vital state services in place during ongoing 2016 budget negotiations, State Sen. Melinda Bush called on GOP Senators and Gov. Bruce Rauner to support a one-month provisional spending plan equal to about 2 percent of the state budget Wednesday.

“When people's lives are at stake, it's not the time for partisan politics. Every day we don’t come to an agreement, the work of the state goes undone, and the needs of Illinoisans go unmet. I've asked both sides to do the right thing and make sure that during these budget negotiations we keep vital services in place for people who are going to work, taking care of their children and elderly parents and trying to keep their bills paid.”

Senator Bush voted for a one-month provisionary budget that would have ensured ongoing services as lawmakers continue to negotiate a full 2016 budget. The measure passed the Illinois Senate without Republican support. It proceeds to the House for consideration.

GRAYSLAKE — Working together with local business leaders and colleagues in the Illinois Senate toward a more business-friendly Illinois, state Sen. Melinda Bush is pushing several pieces of legislation to lower fees, showcase small employers and retain businesses that border other states.

Senate Bill 1427, sponsored by Bush, clarifies the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s ability to issue EDGE tax credits to businesses that choose to remain in Illinois. Other states count retained employees toward the tax credits, something this proposal formalizes.

“As we work to ensure businesses stay in Illinois, we want to use every tool available,” Bush said. “Other states count retained workers toward tax credits. This helps us stay competitive.”

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