Legislative session is two weeks away from winding down, and guess what has come up again? A gaming expansion is once again being discussed. The sticking point seems to be slot machines at horse racing tracks.
The Governor appears to be holding fast that he doesn’t support slots at tracks and it also appears that he would like only a Chicago casino, but doesn’t have the votes for a Chicago casino without it being tied to slots. Several interesting factors are at work here when it comes to gaming.
So tell me, if I were to take a vote next week regarding slot machines at horse tracks, how should I vote? Take my poll to the right and weigh-in!
It is that time of year when the big issues are coming fast and furious in the General Assembly. During these next few weeks, I’ll be calling on you to offer your opinions on how I should be voting on major issues.
This week the Illinois House and Senate passed pension reform legislation that seeks to have state and university retirees pay for their health insurance. Under the legislation, retired state workers, judges, lawmakers and university employees would have premiums for their group health insurance program set each year by the Governor. Currently, these retirees pay very little or nothing for their health insurance, which costs the state $800 million annually.
I voted yes on this legislation knowing that while it was a tough decision and will affect many retirees, these tough decisions are necessary to balance Illinois’ budget. Stay tuned next week as I’ll be asking for your input on major issues.
Springfield, Illinois – State Senator Carole Pankau (R-Itasca) has introduced legislation to provide property tax relief for Illinois residents, Senate Bill 3004.
“It is that time of year again when homeowners are opening up their property tax bills and many are feeling the pain. Illinois has hit citizens hard this past year with a 67 percent income tax hike and I believe it is time to look for tax relief for property owners,” said Senator Pankau.
Senate Bill 3004 will amend the property tax code to increase the senior and general homestead exemption to $10,000. Currently the senior homestead exemption is a flat $ 4,000 for homeowners aged 65 and older. The general homestead exemption currently reduces the equalized assessed value by up to $6,000.
“It is no secret that our assessed home values have decreased by 25-35 percent in the past few years,” explained Senator Pankau. “While our home values decrease, property taxes have continued to increase. This issue needs to be addressed in the General Assembly.”
“I’m ready to open up the dialogue on property tax relief,” stated Senator Pankau.
IDOT, Pankau announce funds for 2013 Elgin-O’Hare bypass project
Springfield, Illinois – State Senator Carole Pankau (R-Itasca) and the Illinois Department of Transportation, IDOT, announced Tuesday, May 1, a project totaling $2 million for the DuPage County area.
The Elgin-O’Hare West bypass is slated to receive professional engineering funds for project management and phase one of the road project for 2013. According to IDOT the project spans from I-290/ILL 53 to the O’Hare West bypass and also features portions of I-90 (Jane Adams Memorial Tollway) to I-294 (Tri-State Tollway).
“I’m pleased with the announcement of funds for the engineering of a road project along a highway we all travel,” explained Senator Pankau. “Major construction projects such as this take extensive planning and preparation to ensure a successful completion and the safety of all workers and motorists.”
According to Senator Pankau, the DuPage County project is a part of IDOT’s “Transforming Transportation for Tomorrow” program—the state’s first multi-modal transportation improvement program.
“The engineering work will lay the groundwork for future construction of the Elgin-O'Hare West bypass,” said Senator Pankau. "The western access to O'Hare will help to ensure that the economic engine that is the 23rd Senate District keeps running smoothly well into the future."
Connecting with Carole: April 26
Thought you might find this interesting…
Late last week, the Governor rolled out two proposals seeking to reform our Medicaid program and pension systems. While I don’t agree with all of the positions in his plans, I do applaud him for taking a good first step! Senate Republicans are continuing to work with Senate and House colleagues to determine the best ways to reform systems.
Also, the Senate Republicans have established a website to give citizens a voice in legislation introduced. By the People, www.BythePeople.Senategop.net, is an initiative of the Illinois Senate Republicans that encourages Illinois residents to become a direct part of the lawmaking process.
While citizens have a say in who they choose to represent them in the Illinois General Assembly, today's technologies make it easier for citizens to participate in government on a more direct, ongoing basis. By the People is an online legislative forum to allow individuals to not only offer suggestions for new legislation but also comment and expand on the ideas of others. The intent of this forum is to also allow citizens to be able to suggest changes and repeals of current laws. This is your chance to have your say!
