SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Terry Link (D-Vernon Hills) issued the following statement in regards to the property tax freeze votes taken today:

“This is a reform that many throughout the state want and is one that can help real people,” Link said. “This is another step in the right direction towards achieving a balanced budget with some significant reforms to change the way Illinois does business.

SPRINGFIELD – People soon could be given increased access to the toll-free number to report child abuse if legislation, sponsored by State Senator Terry Link (D-Vernon Hills).

“We should be increasing the visibility of the resources available to ensure we can stop child abuse wherever it is occurring,” Link said. “Everyone should know what steps to take and who to call if they find out that child abuse is occurring.”

House Bill 370 would allow DCFS, in coordination with school officials, to provide appropriate materials, including listing the toll-free number in a clearly visible location in each school building.

“This is a commonsense step to helping end the scourge that is child abuse,” Link said. “It is a simple step that we should take as soon as humanly possible.”

The measure passed the Illinois Senate and now returns to the House for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – On Tuesday, the Illinois Senate advanced a proposal that ensures a full-year balanced budget for the state. Senator Terry Link (D- Vernon Hills) issued the following statement in response to today’s votes.

“If anyone tries to tell you our state has been functioning for the past two years, they are lying to you. Our state has been brought to shambles by this impasse. This plan provides a path toward repairing the damage done and provides stable funding for our human services, universities and schools.”

SPRINGFIELD – On Wednesday, State Senator Terry Link (D-Vernon Hills) passed legislation that would expand gaming revenues in the state to help put Illinois’ fiscal house back in order.

“We need to be looking at all avenues to shore up our fiscal house,” Link said. “A part of that solution should be gaming expansion.”

Senate Bill 7, sponsored by Link, would authorize the building of six new casinos throughout the State of Illinois, including locations in Chicago and Lake County. The proposal will increase revenues for the state and local communities and would also create thousands of part-time and full-time jobs at casinos and racinos across the state.

“States like Indiana and Wisconsin are scooping up our gaming revenues because of the lack of opportunity in Illinois,” Link said. “That money could be spent on our schools, our social services and our fiscal problems. This legislation will allow us to do that.”

The legislation also would allow current riverboats or casinos to expand from 1,200 machines per location to 1,600 machines.

The measure now moves to the House for further consideration.