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12th District E-Newsletter Reform Commission, Budget and Community Update
Friday, May 8, 2009


  • Reform Commission
  • Job Fairs and Special Events
  • Community Events

  • Reform Commission

    With just three weeks left until our scheduled adjournment date of May 31, the legislature is working tirelessly to close a $12 billion hole in the State budget.

    We are also working to pass meaningful reform legislation. Both the House and the Senate are reviewing proposals to close existing loopholes in the law, increase transparency and curb the pay-to-play tactics that have polluted our politics in Illinois.

    Most recently, the Illinois Reform Commission headed by former Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick M. Collins released its 100-Day Report and presented its recommendations to Governor Pat Quinn. In Springfield, legislators are rapidly considering these recommendations in an attempt to move them forward before the General Assembly adjourns on May 31.

    It should be clear that the Illinois Reform Coalition did not submit actual legislation, but rather a detailed report on reform and a list of proposals and recommendations. The Report has a become a template for us in drafting the related legislation.

    The Report discusses campaign finance, procurement, enforcement and investigation of corruption, the State's redistricting process, public access to information through the Internet and other online databases, and combating patronage.

    The House-Senate Joint Committee on Government Reform is also expected to issue its own reform recommendations very soon, which legislators will evaluate when they become available.

    I'd like to take a moment to point out that Illinois residents, including me, have grown weary of State government in recent months, and with good reason. But as my colleagues and I work in Springfield to pass meaningful reform legislation, I see a genuine opportunity right now for the State to regain the public's trust and change the face of Illinois politics and government altogether. The Illinois Reform Commission said it best:

    "[Illinoisans] recognize the need to do more than reform the laws - we must also reform our attitudes about government."

    That is precisely what is motivating my thought process as we review these reform proposals.


    Job Fairs and Special Events
    employment security

    The Illinois Department of Employment Security is hosting a series of job fairs and recruitment opportunities throughout the state, many of which are right here in the Chicago/Cook County area.

    Please visit the Department's website for a complete listing of upcoming job fairs.


    Community Events

    Shop & Share Fundraiser for Weisman Park - May 18-20

    On May 18, 19 and 20, the Weisman Park Advisory Council will be holding a "Shop & Share" fundraiser. Just shop at any Jewel-Osco on these days and Jewel will donate 5 percent of your total purchase to the Weisman Park Advisory Council park renovation fund.

    To participate, you must present a "Shop & Share" coupon at the checkout counter. For a copy of this coupon, please email me at sara@staterepsara.com.

    Electronics Recycling at Heartland Alliance - May 2009

    The Heartland Alliance will recycle your old computer equipment the green way this month. They will accept desktops, laptops, monitors, mouses, keyboards and computer cables from 9am-1pm every Saturday in May EXCEPT May 23. Just deliver your equipment to 4433 N. Ravenswood Avenue (in the alley, behind 4433).

    For more information, contact jschlafer@heartlandalliance.org.

    Green City Market is Back!

    One of Chicago's favorite outdoor markets has returned to Lincoln Park! Between now and October 31, 2009, hours of operation are every Wednesday and Saturday (except July 4) from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm.

    For more information, visit www.chicagogreencitymarket.org.


    The Wellington station remains closed for renovations and upgrades. For alternative transportation options and the latest updates, please visit www.ctabrownline.com


    Swine Flu Update

    It appears the Swine Flu outbreak is thankfully NOT the pandemic top public health officials had originally feared, but there are still confirmed cases surfacing across the state.

    For the latest information and what you can do to protect yourself and your family, please visit the Illinois Department of Public Health website.



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