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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SPRINGFIELD – Legislation that would significantly reform the worst-in-the-nation school funding system is closer to becoming law after the Illinois Senate voted to approve a bipartisan compromise negotiated last week.

“We needed to provide stability in funding for schools throughout the state of Illinois,” State Senator Terry Link (D-Vernon Hills) said. “This compromise gets rid of a rotten system in exchange for one that puts Illinois on the path to an education funding system that will give every student a chance at success.”

Estimates show that the bipartisan compromise would include an increase of $28 million for Lake County schools when compared to last year.

The legislation, Senate Bill 1947, now goes to the governor for his signature.

SPRINGFIELD – A plan to give Lake County voters the say in who runs their county’s $500 million operation was vetoed today by Governor Rauner.

The plan, Senate Bill 669, would have allowed for voters to have a referendum in 2018 to determine if their county board chairman should be elected countywide. Currently, the chairman is selected amongst the board members themselves. 

“The voters should have a say on how they want to elect their county board chairman,” State Senator Terry Link (D-Vernon Hills) said. “I am disappointed the governor would veto a plan that gives the voters a chance to have more control in who runs their county government.”

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation that would significantly reform the worst-in-the-nation school funding system is closer to becoming law after the Illinois Senate voted to override the governor’s veto on Sunday.

“Schools like Waukegan needed certainty and stability in funding,” State Senator Terry Link (D-Vernon Hills) said. “Unfortunately, the governor’s plan relies on poor math and hammering communities that are promoting economic development. We need a system that is stable and provides communities with the resources we need. That plan is Senate Bill 1.”

The measure would include an increase of $28 million for Lake County schools when compared to last year.