Press Releases

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) passed a proposal out of the Senate State Government Committee yesterday that seeks to improve business retention in Illinois counties that border other states.

As a lifelong resident of a border community, Bush knows all too well about the business-poaching practices of the states surrounding Illinois. Her new bill will work to improve the economic conditions of Illinois border communities, keeping them competitive with the states that they border.

“We need to review our policies to ensure the best possible outcomes for businesses retention in border communities,” said Senator Bush.

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SPRINGFIELD – As the foreclosure crisis spread over the last few years, the unincorporated areas outside of cities and towns became home to more and more abandoned properties.  Businesses closed their doors and warehouses, storage facilities and industrial buildings were deserted.

This week, Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) began to move legislation that would give Lake County the ability to collect the cost of bulldozing or refurbishing an abandoned property when that property is eventually sold.

 “Cities and towns have always been awarded this right, but counties have not,” Senator Bush said.  “This plan simply gives counties the same ability to reclaim the funds that they’ve previously invested in keeping citizens safe from dilapidated properties.”

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CHICAGO - Today, in front of an audience of [nearly 25,000 supporters], the governor signed the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act, making Illinois the 16th state in the nation to award legal marriage status and corresponding federal marriage benefits to same-sex couples.

At a bill signing ceremony at the University of Chicago this afternoon, State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake), a co-sponsor of the bill, reflected on the work that was done to ensure the successful passage of the landmark legislation.

“Illinois continues to stand for human rights and fairness in assuring all of its citizens have equal protection under the law,” said Senator Bush.  “Once again this state is on the right side of history.”

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SPRINGFIELD - Last Wednesday, Governor Quinn held his annual Hometown Awards Ceremony at the Governor’s mansion in Springfield.

At the ceremony, volunteers from Round Lake Beach were recognized for their contributions and dedication to their village.

“I was proud to witness the Village of Round Lake Beach being recognized for their commitment to the betterment of their community,” Senator Bush said.  “It is rewarding to see dedicated volunteers recognized for their hard work.”

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