SPRINGFIELD - Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) introduced legislation this week naming the last week of October Dyslexia Awareness Week in Illinois. 

Dyslexia affects 70-80% of people with reading difficulties and is more common than autism or attention deficit disorder.

“I think we need to start by doing a better job of identifying dyslexia," Senator Bush said.  First and foremost, we need to increase awareness, but equally important is coming up with funding mechanisms to screen for early detection.”

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LAKE COUNTY - In the last week of August, the Senate held its first Watercraft Safety Committee hearing in Lake County, Illinois. The Committee was formed in an effort to find 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:

• Required boat safety training
• Policies to curb problems caused by inexperienced boat renters
• Improved policies to deal with those operating boats while intoxicated
• Better enforcement of existing laws

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ZION - State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) recently hosted a job fair and hiring event for Lake County citizens. Nearly 350 jobseekers attended the event. The Illinois Department of Employment Security and the Jobs Center of Lake County collaborated with over 40 employers in order to provide instantaneous matching between job-seekers and on-site employers.

Jobseekers were lined up for an hour prior to the event opening. As people 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.

“The policy we make in Springfield is important,” Bush said. “But being able to offer meaningful events like this at home--that have the capacity to change people’s lives for the better—that’s what my job is really all about.”

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LAKE VILLA - On Tuesday evening, Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) held her second town hall meeting as a member of the Illinois State Senate at the Antioch Township Center in Lake Villa. 

More than 40 district residents joined the Senator for candid conversation about the issues facing the State of Illinois and Lake County.  After a brief legislative update, attendees participated in a back-and-forth discussion on a broad range of topics, including pension reform, highway construction, college affordability and gaming expansion.  

Long-time Round Lake resident and community activist Judy Armstrong appreciated the candid nature of the discussion.

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