Springfield, IL – Legislators were set to return to Springfield the first week of October after what can hardly be called a “quiet” week in Illinois government. 

The Illinois House and Senate return for fall veto session and to continue negotiations on a capital construction budget and mass transit issues. This comes following the conclusion of a series of bipartisan budget hearing focused on the Governor’s cuts to crucial health care, education and public safety.

McHenry County, IL – State Senator Pamela J. Althoff  (R-Crystal Lake) will host several community events throughout the month of October and into early November.

Sen. Althoff’s “Make a Difference Day” Food Drive to benefit McHenry County food pantries will begin on Monday, October 8th with drop-off sites throughout McHenry County.  The final collection will be at Sen. Althoff’s Women’s Fair on Saturday, October 27th.  Needed items include – canned vegetables, soups, milk, pasta; dried rice; dried beans; juice; crackers; paper products and toiletries.  Collected items will be distributed equally among the food pantries in McHenry County.

Join Sen. Althoff for a FREE Women’s Fair on Saturday, October 27th from 9 AM until Noon at McHenry County College.  Information will be available regarding a variety of subjects – women’s health, personal safety, healthy living, financial planning, college financing and many more.  Legislative brochures will be available explaining state programs for women and families.  Over 50 participants will be on hand to provide information on state, local and private programs benefiting women in McHenry County.  In addition, free health screenings will be available throughout the day.

Crystal Lake, IL – P.E.A.C.E 4 ALL is hosting their first Annual Community Rummage and Treasure Tent Sale as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October).  The rummage and treasure tent sale will be held at the Wolf Professional Building at 44 North Virginia Street in Crystal Lake on October 5th, 6th and 7th.  All proceeds and donations will be used to support victims of family violence. 

The sale will run from 1:00 to 6:00 PM on Friday, October 5th; 9:00 AM till 6:00 PM on Saturday, October 6th; and 9:00 AM till 1:00 PM on Sunday, October 7th.

Springfield, IL – The Illinois Senate returned to Springfield to approve the state’s first capital construction bill since 1999. Also during the week, hearings continued around the state to review the impact that the Governor’s changes to the state budget would have on local communities.

The capital construction plan would include an investment in Illinois schools, roads and the economy totaling $25.4 billion in state, local, and federal funds. Roads and bridges would receive $15.6 billion in funding over six years. Illinois interstates, highways, and streets would be expanded and repaved in order to maintain the state’s economic competitiveness. Special considerations are being given to bridges that may be structurally deficient.