Retailers across the state have the opportunity to take advantage of more than $12 million in federally funded rebates on energy-efficient appliances. The instant rebate program is meant to pump new money into the Illinois economy, benefiting retailers, consumers and communities across the state.
Beginning this month, 25 percent rebates for Energy Star qualified hot water heaters will be offered. From April 16-25, consumers can receive 15 percent rebates on Energy Star-qualified washers, dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators and room air conditioners. Customers will also be eligible for an additional $50 or $100 mail-in rebate from the state if they show proof their old appliance was recycled.
To enroll and for more information, go to www.helpgreenillinois.org, or call the Illinois Retail Manufacturers Association at 312-726-4600.
First Congregational Church's help for Haiti
First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake is collecting much needed items to help the Haitian earthquake victims. These items will be flown directly into Port-de-Paix (150 miles north of Port-au-Prince) at the beginning of February, bypassing the congestion at the capital's airport. Please drop off the items at First Congregational Church at 461 Pierson Street, Crystal Lake. For more information, call 815-459-6010.
Needed items include Baby Tylenol, Children's Tylenol, 1st Aid medical supplies, cold medicine, bandages, Band-Aids, Neosporin, youth clothing (summer, gently used), sensible shoes for all ages, sleeping bags, white sheets for burials (any size), peanut butter, bags of rice, and bags of beans.
Senate Week in Review: November 30 – December 4
Springfield, Ill. – During the week, several bills were signed into law said State Sen. Pamela Althoff (R-McHenry) including legislation that targets telephone scams, a measure that permits Illinois to issue federal bonds for capital construction projects and a bill that cracks down on illegal gun possession by a member of a street gang.
On Dec. 2, legislation was signed into law that will allow Illinois to issue Build America Bonds and Qualified School Construction Bonds. The measure is a funding component of the state’s capital construction measure, which was signed into law this summer. Senate Bill 1514/PA 96-0828, provides the tools necessary to finance the capital projects by permitting procurement and payment of federal Build America Bonds and Qualified School Construction Bonds, which are programs initiated through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
The Qualified School Construction Bonds are to be used for construction and repairs or rehabilitation of public school buildings, or to purchase land where a school facility will be built. The Build America Bonds allow both the state and local governments to issue Build America Bonds as taxable bonds to finance capital expenditures.
Telephone consumers will benefit from additional protections advanced by SB 1421/PA 96-0827, which protects customers from a deceptive practice called “cramming.”
Third-party telecommunication providers are now prohibited from adding unauthorized charges to a consumer’s telephone bill. Sen. Althoff said that “cramming” is a scam that has been on the rise in Illinois, and the new law is intended to deter the practice.
Now, third-party service providers can’t charge consumers on their telephone bills unless they have clearly disclosed all charges and terms of service, an independent party must confirm that the consumer agrees to the service or product, and the service provider must have given the consumer a toll-free contact number that they can call with questions or complaints. Those found in violation of the law may be subject to a $50,000 fine.
Under another new law, HB 4124/PA 96-0829, a street gang member who is found in a court of law to have possessed a loaded gun in a public area would receive mandatory prison time. Previously, the law simply stated that gang members who have a loaded gun in their possession could be sentenced to probation.
The law took effect immediately upon being signed. Now, gang members convicted of having a loaded gun in their possession in a public place would face a prison sentence of three to 10 years.
The legislation was introduced after Chicago police officer was shot and killed by assumed gang members, one of whom was on probation for an unlawful use of a weapons violation.
Sen. Althoff, Rep. Tryon to hold town halls
Constituents interested in discussing the major issues facing our area and state will have the opportunity this month. Sen. Althoff and Rep. Tryon will be hosting two town hall meetings for local residents to ask questions and get updates about what’s been happening in Springfield, and what’s on the agenda for next year.
HuntleyTown Hall
Wednesday, December 9th, 7 pm – 9 pm Huntley Village Hall, Council Chambers 10987 Main Street
Crystal LakeTown Hall
Thursday, December 10th, 7 pm – 9 pm Crystal LakeCity Hall 100 Municipal Complex
For more information, please contact Sen. Althoff’s office at (815) 455-6330, or Rep. Tryon’s office at (815) 459-6453.
Sen. Althoff, Rep. Franks to host town hall meetings
WOODSTOCK, IL – Sen. Althoff and Rep. Franks will host their series of annual Town Hall Meetings
throughout the district in December. Attendees are invited to take advantage of
the opportunity to voice their concerns on state and local issues and ask
questions directly to the legislators.
For more information, please contact the Senator's office at 815-455-6330, or the Representative's office at 815-334-0063.
WHERE/WHEN:
McHenry
Tuesday, December 1,
2009 at
7 p.m.
City Hall, City Council Chambers,
333 South Green Street
Woodstock
Wednesday, December 2, 2009 at
7 p.m.
McHenry County Government Center, Conference Room
A,
667 Ware Road
Harvard
Thursday, December 3, 2009 at
7 p.m.
Castle Bank, Community Room,
355 South Division Street
Retailers across the state have the opportunity to take advantage of more than $12 million in federally funded rebates on energy-efficient appliances. The instant rebate program is meant to pump new money into the Illinois economy, benefiting retailers, consumers and communities across the state. 
First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake is collecting much needed items to help the Haitian earthquake victims. These items will be flown directly into Port-de-Paix (150 miles north of Port-au-Prince) at the beginning of February, bypassing the congestion at the capital's airport. Please drop off the items at First Congregational Church at 461 Pierson Street, Crystal Lake. For more information, call 815-459-6010.
Springfield, Ill. – During the week, several bills were signed into law said State Sen. Pamela Althoff (R-McHenry) including legislation that targets telephone scams, a measure that permits Illinois to issue federal bonds for capital construction projects and a bill that cracks down on illegal gun possession by a member of a street gang.
WOODSTOCK, IL – Sen. Althoff and Rep. Franks will host their series of annual Town Hall Meetings
throughout the district in December. Attendees are invited to take advantage of
the opportunity to voice their concerns on state and local issues and ask
questions directly to the legislators. 
