December 22, 2011
SPRINGFIELD, IL - More than 200 new laws, covering everything from local library boards to murder, will go into effect on January 1, according to State Sen. John Millner (R-Carol Stream).

Among the more notable measures are bills that would give citizens greater access to government information through the Internet, encourage the use of alternative energy sources, reduce regulations for home-based food businesses and allow motorcyclists to proceed through a red light if the tripping device fails to turn the light green after a reasonable time.

Senator Millner chief sponsored eight pieces of legislation that were signed into law by Gov. Quinn.  He added that, as is the case nearly every year, many of the new laws are aimed at closing loopholes needed to crack down on criminal offenders. These include:

•    “Andrea’s Law,” which was sponsored by Sen. Millner, will better track persons convicted of murder once they have been released from prison (HB 263/Public Act 97-0154);
•    Tougher penalties for child pornography (HB 3283/Public Act 97-0157);
•    More tools to prosecute persons who attempt to lure children for sexual purposes (SB 1038/Public Act 97-0160);
•    A prohibition against shining a laser light into a cockpit when a plane is taking off or landing (HB 167/Public Act 97-0153); and
•    New penalties for selling manufactured substances know as synthetic cannabinoids, that produce a “high” similar to marijuana (HB 2595/Public Act 97-0193)

October 4, 2011

State Sen. John Millner (R-Carol Stream) is hosting a free ‘Springfield 101’ meeting in October aimed at providing constituents with information on the legislation process and a budget update. 

The event will be held on Wednesday, October 12^th at 7:00 p.m. at Wayne Township.  During the meeting, attendees will learn how an idea becomes a law, what can stop a good bill from becoming a good law, and why it can be difficult to pass meaningful reform in Springfield.  Sen. Millner will also give a Springfield update on what is occurring with budget and pension reform.

If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Sen. Millner’s district office at 630-762-6255.

Springfield 101
Wednesday, October 12^th
7:00 p.m.
Wayne Township
27W031 North Avenue
West Chicago, IL 60185
630-231-7155

August 31, 2011

Dear Friends,

With the recent reports from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics revealing that Illinois lost close to 25,000 jobs in July, it leaves many wondering what can be done in order to bring those jobs back to Illinois.  

We often hear from business owners around the state that Illinois’ inconsistent policies are a burden to employers, and that the tax policy makes it extremely difficult for businesses to plan ahead.  This causes businesses to be cautious rather than expanding their operations and investing in our state.  

Additionally, there is something to be said for a connection between loss of jobs and the state’s tax increase that was passed in January.  Illinois’ lack of spending reform and the state’s ever-growing backlog of unpaid bills does not foster a healthy jobs environment either.  

I have spoken about the need to continue to reject the idea of borrowing as a way to cover state spending and instead limit spending to the revenues that are available to the state.  This type of fiscal policy needs to be adopted in order to help both our residents and our businesses in Illinois.  

I believe it is possible for jobs to return to Illinois.  In order to do so, our policies must be business friendly and encourage job growth, rather than hinder it.  By streamlining taxes and regulatory processes in the state, we can reduce costs to businesses and institute government efficiency that will help their business to be productive and successful.  

The numbers are dismal, but with success-driven policies, we will see the number of jobs grow, and Illinois will thrive once again.

Sincerely,

John Millner
State Senator
28th District

August 29, 2011
 
Springfield, Ill. - According to a recent report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Illinois lost 24,900 jobs in July—more than any other state in the nation. In fact, State Sen. John Millner (R-Carol Stream) said Illinois lost a combined 32,200 jobs in June and July, even more than notoriously bad job states California and Ohio, which both added jobs during those months.

Also last week, following a number of hearings held throughout northern Chicago, on Aug. 25 the Illinois Tollway board approved a plan that will nearly double tolls for I-pass users.

According to the BLS, the number of employed in Illinois continues to drop, and the state’s unemployment rate has increased to 9.5 percent. Illinois’ unemployment now exceeds the national unemployment rate.

In a statement, the nonpartisan research organization Illinois Policy Institute drew a correlation between the dismal employment numbers and the state’s January tax increase, lack of government spending reforms, and the state’s massive backlog of unpaid bills.
 
“The policies currently in place – higher taxes, more spending, and unreformed liabilities – are clearly not working for those who are struggling to make ends meet,” said Kristina Rasmussen, executive vice president at the Illinois Policy Institute. “A great starting place for lawmakers eager to create an atmosphere of job growth would be to repeal the recent income tax increase, which robs families and businesses of resources they could put to better use.”