Press Releases

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) issued the following statement in response to Gov. Pritzker’s first budget address:

“After years of unrealistic gimmicks and major cuts to education and human services from the previous administration, it’s refreshing to see a transparent plan from the new governor that is realistic but also recognizes the issues we face as a state,” Bush said. “Social service providers, public schools and universities had their funding gutted for years. I’m pleased that Gov. Pritzker is choosing to invest in our communities and institutions, rather than make them fight to survive.”

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SPRINGFIELD – Senate Task Force on Sexual Discrimination and Harassment Awareness and Prevention Co-Chairs State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) and State Senator Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) issued a joint statement following the release of the task force’s report:

“The stories from victims of sexual harassment and discrimination that were shared with the task force over the past year were eye-opening experiences that needed to be heard,” Bush said. “As a result of the victims’ bravery, we passed several laws last year that were in response to things we heard and recommendations that were made during task force hearings. We’ve worked hard to pass meaningful legislation to protect victims and prevent harassment and discrimination, but there’s still work to be done. I promise to continue fighting to change our laws, and our culture.”

“This report is a crucial next step, however it is not a final one,” Tracy said. “There is still important work to do, but we remain committed to ensuring that everyone can be assured of a harassment free workplace."

The task force report can be found here.

A list of new laws that deal with sexual harassment and discrimination can be found below, along with a list of bills being considered that are based on recommendations made during task force hearings.

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Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart (D-13th District - Lake Bluff) is announcing her support for state legislation proposed by State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) that would allow for the Lake County Board to remove its own chair.

"I'm pleased to be working with Chair Hart on this good government measure and I look forward to getting this measure passed in Springfield," Bush said. "County board members should be able to hold appointed board chairs accountable if they fail to meet ethical standards or fail to fulfill their responsibilities. That's just common sense."

"We have been through a lot of challenges recently," Hart said. "This board has the responsibility of choosing our own chair and I think it's wholly appropriate that we ask the legislature to change the laws that would allow us to remove an appointed chair if the circumstances ever require it again."

"Chairwoman Hart's proposal will bring much needed accountability to counties throughout the state. We must have confidence that officials responsible for managing taxpayer funds carry out their duties with the utmost integrity, and this initiative is an important step toward realizing that goal," said State Representative Daniel Didech (D-Buffalo Grove).

Last year, Lake County Board members were unable to remove the former chairman from his post after it was revealed that he had used taxpayer dollars for personal expenses. The proposal was added to Lake County's 2019 legislative agenda after receiving bipartisan support of the Lake County Board at its January meeting. Senate Bill 1218 would allow the board to remove a chair from the leadership post, but could not impact that board member's position as an elected board member.

"It's unprecedented that a political leader asks her peers to change the rules so that they could actually take away her position. This is a selfless and appropriate act of leadership by Chairwoman Hart," said board member Adam Didech (D-Buffalo Grove).

The Lake County Board selects its chair from one of the 21 board members elected from districts across the county. Hart became the first Democratic woman to ever hold the post after Democrats gained control of the board for the first time ever in November.

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SPRINGFIELD – Homeowners and small businesses across Lake County will see decreases in their property tax bills under a new state grant program that seeks to provide relief to school districts in high-taxed areas.

The Property Tax Relief Grant was included in the historic school funding reform law that has already provided millions of dollars in new state funds to school districts that need it the most. In the first year alone, schools in the 31st Senate District received $8.5 million in additional state funding.

“For years, Lake County has had to rely heavily on property taxes to ensure our children have access to the best education possible,” State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) said. “As promised, the new school funding law is changing the way we fund our schools by increasing state support and relieving some of the local tax burden.”

Several local school districts will be eligible for the tax relief grant, including:
     - Zion-Benton Township High School District 126: $1,793,018.36
     - Grayslake Community High School District 127: $2,733,574.72
     - Zion Elementary School District 6: $1,095,379.59
     - Antioch Community High School District 117: $2,890,111.07

In order to receive the state grant, eligible school districts must submit an abatement resolution to their county clerks by March 30. The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) will then distribute the grants once receiving all abatement certificates.

More information on the Property Tax Relief Grant and a listing of each eligible school district can be found at www.ISBE.net/proptaxrelief.

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