Springfield, IL – As Illinois’ government remains in limbo after exceeding the Constitutional deadline to pass a budget by 41 days, a bi-partisan, bi-cameral coalition of rank and file lawmakers called for additional input and transparency during special session, said State Senator Pamela J. Althoff (R – Crystal Lake). 

Springfield, IL – Legislation increasing the accessibility of cord blood banks, granting Illinois veterans protections of the Human Rights Act and lessening traffic congestion caused by disabled vehicles are among the measures sponsored by State Senator Pamela J. Althoff (R-Crystal Lake) awaiting the Governor’s final consideration.

Crystal Lake, IL – Thousands of residents weighed in on some of the most important issues currently affecting the 32nd District and McHenry County said State Senator Pamela J. Althoff (R-Crystal Lake), who recently announced the results of her spring survey.

Sen. Althoff explained that the survey gives her an idea of what her constituents are concerned about, and in turn helps her better serve their interests in the Illinois General Assembly.

Springfield, IL – State lawmakers returned to Springfield earlier than planned as Gov. Blagojevich called a Special Legislative Session on July 5 to consider selling the lottery system to address the state’s mounting pension debt. While there was very little legislative action during the week, a number of bills passed this spring were signed into law.

Lawmakers in both the House and Senate heard testimony on the proposed lottery sale and on the Governor’s desire to once again reduce the state’s obligation to fund teacher and public employee retirement systems. In 1995, under then-Governor Jim Edgar, lawmakers adopted a bi-partisan plan to bring the state’s pension obligations up to full funding over a 50 year period. In 2005, Blagojevich pushed through changes to the 1995 plan and diverted pension payments to cover general government operations. Although, at the time, the Governor claimed his changes would result in a more stable retirement system, this year he has floated the idea of selling the state lottery to help fund pensions and avoid having to meet the payment obligations he made in 2005.