SPRINGFIELD – After many years of work, State Senator Terry Link (D-Indian Creek) succeeded in passing a long-anticipated comprehensive gaming proposal through the Senate today. Link’s legislation expands the number of casinos in Illinois and regulates sports betting in the state.

“This is a job creation bill that will help people in every corner of Illinois,” said Link. “I have worked on this for years because it is vitally important for Illinois and the people in our region. I am grateful to my colleagues for helping get this done.”

The expansion would authorize six new casinos, including in Chicago, Danville, Waukegan, Rockford, the South Cook Suburbs and Williamson County in Southern Illinois. Racetracks will also be able to have slot machines and table games, and sports wagering would be authorized at horse racing tracks, casinos and other qualifying sports facilities.

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SPRINGFIELD – A comprehensive proposal aimed at ending the stigma surrounding mental health issues among firefighters and law enforcement officers passed the Senate on Wednesday.

The legislation – House Bill 2766 – is sponsored by State Senator Terry Link (D-Indian Creek).

“Our brave first responders often work in traumatic environments that can be extremely stressful,” Link said. “Over time, these exposures can have an impact on the mental health of an individual. Ensuring there are services available when needed acknowledges these often tough working conditions and is vital to maintain the overall health of police officers and firefighters.”

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SPRINGFIELD – Firefighters and law enforcement officers would have expanded access to mental health services under a proposal by State Senator Terry Link (D-Indian Creek) that passed the Senate recently.

“The men and women who dedicate their lives to the protection of their neighbors do so under extremely stressful situations that can have an impact on the mental health of an individual,” Link said. “Ensuring there are services available when needed acknowledges these often tough working conditions and is vital to maintain the overall health of our brave first responders.”

Link’s plan, contained in Senate Bill 730, expands access to counseling services by allowing agencies to train personnel in peer counseling and establishing a training program for law enforcement officers to recognize signs of work-related cumulative stress.

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SPRINGFIELD – Freight trains in Illinois would be required to be operated by a crew of at least two people under a safety proposal introduced by State Senator Terry Link (D-Indian Creek) that passed the Senate this week.

“Incidents across the country continue to highlight the importance of two-person crews on freight trains,” Link said. “It is simply a matter of public safety. Two-person crews can react more efficiently to mechanical failures or equipment malfunctions and can potentially save lives in a serious situation.”

Link’s measure – contained in Senate Bill 24 – requires freight trains to be operated by a crew of at least two individuals until a federal rule or law is adopted that addresses how many crew members should operate a freight train.

If passed and signed into law, Illinois would join Wisconsin, California and Arizona in enacting some form of train crew requirement.

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