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See what is happening in the 50th Senate District

Record floods have led to disaster proclamations being issued in 34 Illinois counties this year. On June 18, Illinois' Attorney General Kwame Raoul warned residents not to fall for flood damage scams and asked them to contact the Attorney General’s office to report fraudulent activities.

On July 1, stiffer penalties will be implemented as Illinois’ law regarding the use of hand-held devices behind the wheel takes effect. Passed by the General Assembly last year, House Bill 4846 will count first-time incidents of driving while operating a handheld mobile device as a “moving violation.” Prior to HB 4846, first offenses of distracted driving would be considered a “non-moving violation.”

With just three days remaining until the General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn the spring legislative session on May 31st, several controversial issues remain unresolved.

Senator McClure had the privilege last week of meeting with Girl Scout Troop #6195 and middle school green team from Pleasant Plains. They are very involved in the community and civic-minded as well. Some of their projects include sending cookies to our troops, greeting Honor Flight participants, and cleaning up the environment. They asked some very good questions, and I am confident that they will continue to be positive role models for their peers.

A number of pieces of legislation have recently passed the Illinois Senate including a bill to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, a measure that would help fund pediatric cancer awareness, and a measure aimed at ensuring Illinois schools receive property tax money committed to them. Also this week, on Earth Day, a coalition of Illinois agencies unveiled measures that would preserve Monarch butterflies.

The state's public health department is working to increase vaccination rates across Illinois, in response to seven measles cases and CDC reports of more than 600 cases across the country in 2019.

State Senator Steve McClure and U.S. Congressman Rodney Davis paired up in Springfield this week to raise awareness for the Jonny Wade Pediatric Cancer Research Act.

Illinois Senate Republicans are back in their districts until April 30, when they return to Springfield to finish out the Spring Legislative Session. So far this legislative session, several measures sponsored by Senate Republicans have advanced to the House of Representatives after receiving approval from the Senate, including a bill that increases awareness of Scott’s Law. Women older than the age of 25 who are seeking to earn undergraduate college degrees are encouraged to apply for the Conference of Women Legislators $2,500 scholarship. As severe weather season ramps up, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) has announced steps to help residents recover from any disaster. 

A Senate committee advanced a controversial graduated income tax plan during the week, while the full Senate passed a number of bills to the House ranging from regulations to prevent deadly ethylene oxide leaks, to rules that would secure classrooms in the event of an armed intruder, and a bill to help ease the teacher shortage.

Senate Bill 946 sponsored by Senator Steve McClure came to light when he heard about a Jersey County family’s struggle with pediatric cancer. Jonny Wade was diagnosed at age seven. He passed away in 2015 after bravely battling the disease for nearly a year.

Citizens and advocacy groups from across the state crowded the Capitol during the week, voicing their support or opposition to hundreds of bills currently being considered by lawmakers. Senators spent many hours debating and voting on legislation – such as measures to combat the opioid crisis and to provide a more affordable alternative to medicine for treating allergic reactions – as they work to meet an April 12 deadline for the third reading of Senate bills. Also during the week, state officials and lawmakers urged motorists to pay more attention and be more careful while driving, as distracted-driving accidents resulted in the deaths of two Illinois State Police officers in just three days.

Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service (Commission) will present 27 Illinoisans and businesses with the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award on Tuesday, April 9. The award recognizes volunteers and volunteer programs that have made a difference in Illinois and highlights the importance of volunteerism and community service.

Senate Week in Review: March 25-29, 2019 SPRINGFIELD – Senate Republicans offered a constitutional amendment during the week to give Illinois residents a stronger voice in proposed tax increases, as lawmakers acted on legislation that will provide cost-savings measures, and resolve issues with out-of-date mandates. More work lies ahead in the remaining seven weeks of the spring legislative session. Also during the week, the Illinois Department of Public Health urged residents in and around flood zones in northern Illinois to take precautions as the clean-up begins after historic flooding forced hundreds of people from their homes.  

en. McClure joined a press conference at the capitol on Tuesday, March 26, to raise support for Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 12.

The Senate had a full schedule of committees during the week and some floor action with several controversial measures making news. Other notes of interest include new reports on job creation, and our state and local tax burden. Some of the legislation moving through the legislative process in Springfield may raise a few eyebrows.  

The Illinois State Police and nearly 200 local police agencies will ramp up enforcement of impaired driving, seat belt usage, speeding and distracted driving laws for the St. Patrick's Day celebratory holiday.

On Tuesday, March 12, IEMA is partnering with the Illinois Emergency Services Management Association (IESMA) to give away a select number of weather radios to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis. This giveaway will coincide with the anniversary of the 2006 tornadoes that tore a path of destruction through central Illinois and devastated parts of the Capital City.

IDOT will host the Disadvantaged Business Enterprises conference, Today’s Challenge, Tomorrow’s Reward, later this month. The two-day conference will provide educational and skill-building workshops, best practices and networking opportunities to DBE firms and contractors from across the state.

Several new exhibitors will be among the more than 50 Illinois food companies, wineries, and agricultural associations taking part in the 21st annual Illinois Products Expo this weekend, March 2 and 3, at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Sen. McClure is anxious to hear more about Governor J.B. Pritzker's proposed budget in the coming days and weeks. He was displeased that the majority of the Governor's budget address was based on revenue projections that may not pan out, tax increases, borrowing, and overspending.

Sen. Steve McClure voted against a proposal to bring a $15 minimum wage to Illinois. His "No" vote on Senate Bill 1, was a vote in the best interest of the state’s already struggling economy.

Illinois Senate lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are calling for fair legislative district maps. Senator Steve McClure is urging voters to head to his website homepage to sign off on a plan that would put the constitutional amendment, SJR-CA 4, on the ballot in the next election.

Join Senator Steve McClure and staff on Monday, Feb. 11, for a ribbon cutting and open house at his new Jacksonville office. Light refreshments will be served.

TAKE COVER: Learning how to “Drop, Cover and Hold On” can help people prevent injury during an earthquake. The phrase reminds people to drop down to the floor, take cover under a sturdy desk, table or other furniture, and hold on to that object and be prepared to move with it until the shaking ends.