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Although she is one of the newest members of the General Assembly, Holmes has quickly
established herself as an intelligent and dedicated public official. She currently serves
as Chairperson of the Consumer Protection Committee, as well as an active member of five
other Senate committees. The Consumer Protection Committee handles a number of important
issues before the State, including consumer fraud and public safety concerns.
Holmes' top priority since being elected was passing a comprehensive capital bill. As the
former owner of a remodeling company, she knows firsthand how important infrastructure
and construction are to our state. This industry provides millions of jobs for the
hardworking families of Illinois. Holmes was a vocal leader behind the $31 billion
capital works program that passed earlier this spring. She was instrumental in bringing
many substantial projects to the 42nd district. These projects include:
- $145 million for new and existing roads
- $950,000 for costs associated with the replacement of Reckinger Road Bridge in Aurora
- $550,000 for the Plainfield Park District for costs associated with construction of Renwick Community Park Recreation Center
- $500,000 for the Village of Oswego to convert the streetlights to more efficient and longer lasting LED bulbs
As a former docent to the Brookfield Zoo and an active supporter of the Sierra Club, Senator Holmes
has brought forth pragmatic legislation designed to protect companion animals. These initiatives
include increased penalties for individuals caught sponsoring animal fighting and severe punishment
for those who abuse animals. Earlier this spring Senator Holmes was the chief co-sponsor of a bill
stipulating that only euthanasia technicians can perform euthanasia on companion animals. This
legislation was in response to three locations in Illinois pumping carbon monoxide into special
chambers to euthanize animals. Illinois is one of only eight states that still allow dogs and
cats to be euthanized in this manner.
Senator Holmes is very concerned about health care issues in Illinois. During her first term
in office, Holmes was a driving force behind legislation that requires insurers to cover the
diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. She also holds regular Autism Awareness
forums throughout the year. Having lived with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for twenty years, Holmes
is dedicated to providing these individuals with sufficient physical therapy access, ensuring
a healthier lifestyle and better quality of life. Holmes passed legislation to provide insurance
coverage for this much needed therapy.
Appropriate care for the men and women who bravely serve our country is another top priority
on Senator Holmes' legislative agenda. During the 96th General Assembly, Holmes has sponsored
multiple pieces of legislation that address veterans and active military personnel. These
initiatives include access to education and health care, and the creation of the Illinois Jobs
for Veterans Task Force which helps veterans use skills acquired from their service to
transfer into state employment professions. Senator Holmes also sponsored a measure which
allows school boards to award high school diplomas to honorably discharged Vietnam veterans
who left high school before graduating in order to serve in the United States armed forces.
State Senator Linda Holmes was elected to represent the 42nd district in 2006. As a former
small business owner, Holmes brings a business-conscious perspective to the legislature,
ensuring that state government protects the hard working people of Illinois.
Prior to being elected senator, Holmes served for two years on the Kane County Board,
ousting a 24-year incumbent. She currently serves on a number of nationally recognized
boards and commissions and was the first female president of the Chicagoland Chapter
of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. Senator Holmes lives in Aurora
and is proud to serve the informed and active constituents of the 42nd district.
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