SPRINGFIELD – Lake County flood victims whose property was damaged during this summer’s floods could receive a natural disaster tax credit thanks to a bill sponsored by Senator Terry Link (D-Vernon Hills).

“The hundred-year flooding of this past summer caused severe damage to thousands of Lake County properties,” Link said. “Residents are doing everything they can to rebuild their homes and businesses, but they need our help. This natural disaster tax credit will help victims get back on their feet by reducing the financial burden caused by the floods.”

Senate Bill 403 allows an income tax credit of up to $750 in counties where a state disaster proclamation was issued in July of this year. In order to qualify for the natural disaster income tax credit, individuals must own property and must have reported property damage to the appropriate authority. If an individual received an insurance reimbursement, they are not entitled to the tax credit.

State disaster proclamations were declared in the following counties in July 2017: Lake, Carroll, Cook, Henry, Jo Daviess, Kane, Lee, McHenry, Ogle, Rock Island, Stephenson and Whiteside.

The measure passed in the Senate today with strong bipartisan support.

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SPRINGFIELD – Waukegan School Board Member and former Township Trustee Jeff McBride was the top vote-getter in his school board race in April, but now his eligibility is being challenged because of a crime he committed nearly four decades ago.

In 1980, Jeff McBride made a mistake. He was battling drug addiction and stole a Cool Tote Air Conditioner from a J.C. Penney store. McBride was charged with felony theft and was sentenced to probation and court-ordered addiction treatment.

McBride paid for his crime. He has spent the past 30 years as a model citizen and an active member of his community, but now his work as a public servant is being threatened because of the decades-old crime.

A measure sponsored by Senator Terry Link (D-Vernon Hills) would help give Jeff McBride, and others like him, a second chance.

“Jeff McBride’s story is a criminal justice success story,” Link said. “Jeff was a drug addict who overcame obstacles, turned his life around, and is now, decades later, a dedicated public servant. He is a pillar of the community who brings a unique perspective to public office. We should be encouraging ex-offenders to turn their lives around like Jeff did instead of letting decades-old crimes stand in the way of their potential.”

Senate Bill 225 would allow individuals to run for local office if they were convicted of a felony more than fifteen years ago, have completed their sentences and haven’t committed a crime during those fifteen years.

The measure seeks to build on Gov. Bruce Rauner’s efforts to pass meaningful criminal justice reform.

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SPRINGFIELD – Senator Terry Link (D-Vernon Hills) voted to protect Illinois workers by supporting a measure to prohibit local governments from instituting so-called “right-to-work” laws.

Senate Bill 1905 would ban local governments from passing measures that would harm collective bargaining rights and would leave all collective bargaining regulation to the General Assembly.

“At a time when workers’ rights are under constant attack, it is important that we protect the rights of Illinoisans by ensuring that local governments can’t take away those rights,” Link said. “Dismantling collective bargaining rights would lead to lower wages and a loss of benefits for Illinois workers, and I refuse to let that happen.”

Last month, Governor Rauner vetoed Senate Bill 1905. Today, the Senate overrode the governor’s veto. The measure now goes to the House for consideration.

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SPRINGFIELD – There soon will be increased access to the toll-free number to report child abuse thanks to a measure sponsored by Senator Terry Link (D-Vernon Hills), which was signed into law today.

“Increasing the visibility of the resources available to help stop child abuse is a common sense step that we can all support,” Link said. “Everyone should know what steps to take and who to call if they find out that child abuse is occurring.”

The new law will allow the Department of Children and Family Services to coordinate with school officials to provide appropriate materials, including listing the toll-free number in a clearly visible location in each school building.

“This new law is a step in the right direction to help end child abuse,” Link said. “I hope we can implement this new law as soon as possible.”

House Bill 370 will go into effect on January 1, 2018.

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