- Published: Tuesday, November 09, 2010 03:21 PM
Elected Experience
- 2003-Present: Illinois Senate
Senate Committee Assignments
- Energy
- Licensed Activities and Pensions
- Local Government (Vice-Chair)
- Transportation (Chair)
Top Legislative Priorities
- Economic Development
- Education
- High Speed Rail
Notable Legislative Accomplishments
Public Safety
House Bill 4934 (will require that IDFPR suspend the license of any licensed health care worker convicted of a forcible felony or sexual criminal act against any patient and violent felony against anyone. Also, once a person has been convicted, their license will be revoked for a minimum of five years. However, if a worker is found innocent, this law provides that IDFPR remove the suspension from the licensee’s record.
High Speed Rail
The passage of Senate Resolution 806 creates the High Speed Rail Commission and is the latest in a string of successes that have built strong momentum behind high speed rail throughout our state. President Obama has made high speed rail a priority, granting Illinois $8 billion in stimulus rail funds. Illinois is paving the way for high speed rail across the region.
Commercial rail service at speeds of 220 miles per hour operates in much of Asia and Europe. Such bullet trains have become a priority for many government leaders. Illinois Governor Pat Quinn called for “superfast” train service in Illinois in his State of The State address in January. The Obama administration has thrown its support behind active 220-mph projects in California and Florida.
Education
Senate Bill 3222 (PA 96-1293) supplements the Truth-in-Tuition Act to freeze tuition rates for six continuous academic years, while still encouraging students to complete their 120 credit hours needed to graduate as soon as possible. Currently, four continuous academic years are covered under this Act for undergraduate students who are Illinois residents.
During this period, the tuition charged an undergraduate student who is an Illinois resident cannot exceed the amount that the student was charged at the time he/she first enrolled in the University.
District Wards: