April E-Newsletter

   The village has plans for several safety improvement projects to the bike path and bridge abutment at the southwest corner of the State Street Bridge. The improvements include re-routing the bike path along the riverfront to promote a safer and efficient path for both pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

     Legislative member initiatives are funds that are requested specifically by both Senate and House members for their legislative districts. The $100,000 bike safety grant project is one of four requests I made in the FY08 budget. Other key funding requests include replacing a bridge in Wayne Township, Schick Road bridge repair in Bartlett and curb improvements in St. Charles.

Sales Tax Holiday

     I am sponsoring legislation that will give families a break from paying sales tax on certain products they purchase over the 4-day Memorial Day weekend.

     This is one way the state can provide an added boost to families that are struggling to keep up with rising property taxes, gasoline costs and food prices. As part of the bill, items valued at $600 or less would be exempt from state sales tax during the holiday. Families who purchase an energy star efficient appliance would be eligible to receive a sales tax exemption on the first $600 spent for that appliance.

     If passed, the bill would implement a sales tax holiday that would run from 12:01 a.m. on Friday, May 23rd through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 26th.

Legislative Updates

     In response to feedback from my constituents, I am working on a comprehensive immigration bill called the Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act. While the specifics of the bill are still being determined, the main focus will be to save taxpayers an upward estimate of $3 billion a year. As a result, those savings could be used to reduce our state debt, pay our overdue Medicaid bills, fund our pensions, and help implement a much-needed infrastructure improvement bill. I will continue to keep you posted on the status of this initiative.

     In the meantime, I am currently working on moving House Bill 5756 out of committee so that it can be discussed further in the House. The bill allows officials to check any person entering or leaving the Department of Corrections or Department of Juvenile Justice. If a person is suspected of having an illegal immigration status, state officials must notify the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Proposed Changes to Township Meetings

     Because there is no requirement for a minimum number of citizens to be present in order for the township meeting to be called to order, it is common for very few people to attend, which allows only a handful of people to make large decisions on township policy. Adversely, if a specific constituency is upset about a particular issue, they can easily change township policy simply by showing up at the township annual meeting.

     I am sponsoring House Bill 5505 which will include the following provisions concerning township meetings:

• Requires township boards to adopt an agenda at least 10 days before their annual meeting.
• Provides that 15 or more registered voters of the township may add an agenda item by giving written notice to the township clerk by March 1st, prior to the annual meeting.
• The township's published agenda must include any request by the voters if it is an item relevant to powers granted under the township code.
• Proposals or other matters not included within the published agenda may not be considered at the annual meeting but may be considered during a special meeting at a later date.
• Special township meetings must have 15 or more electors present at the time of the meeting to convene.

     At this time, House Bill 5505 is awaiting further discussion in the House.

Mark Your Calendar - June Blood Drive

     You don't have to leap from tall buildings to be a hero. Donating blood saves lives which is why I'm working with Heartland Blood Centers to host an upcoming blood drive.

     The blood drive will be held from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 14, at my district office, 1883 N. Neltnor Blvd. (Rte. 59), West Chicago.

     Your blood donation could save as many as three patients who need you to be hero!

     Anyone can participate in this free event. Interested participants can call my office at (630) 876-0703 for more details or to be added to the schedule. More information to follow!  

     As always, please continue to give me your feedback on these issues or any others by e-mailing (mailto: staterepramey55@aol.com) or by calling my district office (630) 876-0703. You can also find more information about legislative issues or get added to the Email E-newsletter list by visiting www.randyramey.org.

Warmest regards,
Randy Ramey
State Representative 55th District