(SPRINGFIELD) A Sangamon County judge ruled yesterday that Illinois’ ability to enforce the new election law against potential candidates is on hold. This after the super-majority Democratic-controlled General Assembly rushed the law through recent approval, followed by the Governor’s quick signature last week that would prohibit candidates that did not run in the primary from being slated for the upcoming November 5th election, later this fall. Yesterday’s ruling follows a lawsuit filed by the Liberty Justice Center. With 78 active State House races affected, the next hearing in the case will be June 3rd, the same day candidates looking to be slated must file ballot access petitions with the State Board of Elections.
(SPRINGFIELD) Legislation also was approved in Springfield that was sponsored by our local State Representatives. An amended bill was passed in the State House, co-sponsored by Adam Niemerg, that will permit the transfer of a Fire Protection District’s ambulance levy to a county that is already providing its ambulance service. Senate Bill 3402 now goes back to the Senate for a vote there. Meanwhile, House Bill 2601, also sponsored by Niemerg, was approved in the State Senate that will bring Type 1 meat processing plants in line with other types of plants throughout Illinois. And Senate Bill 2617, co-sponsored by Blaine Wilhour, was approved in the State House last night that provides if a county government does not have a local health department, or if its health department does not provide a “farmer’s market” license, the county can enter into an agreement or contract with an adjacent county health department to register such an operation in that county. This bill now heads to the Governor’s desk for his consideration and possible signature into law.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Department of Transportation is inviting the public to take part in a photo contest to showcase how transportation is helping connect communities. Now through June 7th, IDOT will accept original photos that showcase transportation at work in the state. Ideas include biking, walking, highways, waterways, and public transit. Three finalists will then be displayed online for a public vote to determine a winner. For more information and/or details, go to the IDOT website, at www.idot.illinois.gov.