Legionella Outbreak and Response
The Joint Senate and House Veterans’ Affairs committee held their fourth hearing about the Legionella outbreak and response happening at the Illinois Veterans’ Home at Quincy on Monday, March 5, in Chicago.
The senators and representatives heard testimony from the department heads of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Illinois Department of Public Health, and the Capital Development Board.
At the conclusion of the hearing, Senator Schimpf announced, “I’m grateful to Director Nirav Shah, Director Erica Jeffries, and Acting Director Amy Romano for providing answers again today about the Illinois Veterans’ Home at Quincy. For the most part, today’s hearing focused on finding solutions, rather than scoring political points. I’m encouraged by the announcement that the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs will provide a plan for dealing with the Legionella threat to the General Assembly by March 31, 2018.”
In addition to assessing structural renovations, the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs is also open to building and constructing new facilities at the site. Governor Bruce Rauner’s Administration will present a plan for the facility by March 31.
Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce
Sen. Schimpf spoke to a meeting of the Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, March 6. His remarks focused on the status of SJR54, the Southwest Illinois Connector Task Force bill.
Under the bill, a task force would assess the feasibility of the construction of a four-lane highway connecting Carbondale to the Metro East. At present the bill is still in Assignments Committee and the senator does not anticipate any further legislative action on it until after the primary election on March 20.
Illinois Association of School Administrators
Also on Tuesday, Sen. Schimpf attended the Illinois Association of School Administrators breakfast at John A. Logan College in Carterville.
After making brief remarks about Gov. Rauner’s budget proposal, Sen. Schimpf stayed to listen to a discussion of the teacher shortage and difficulties associated with mandates from the State of Illinois.
“I always learn a lot from listening to education professionals,” said Schimpf. “Chicago policies and solutions seldom make things easier for our teachers and administrators in southern Illinois.”
Teacher of the Year
The Illinois State Board of Education is highlighting the importance of our teachers by calling on individuals to nominate an outstanding teacher in their life for the Those Who Excel/Illinois Teacher of the Year award.
The program publicly recognizes and honors individuals who have made significant contributions to our state’s public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools. Anyone can nominate a candidate for an award.
Review the application for the 2018-2019 Those Who Excel program for more information. Applications are due by Monday, June 4.
Senior Fairs on the Horizon
Mark your calendar, Sen. Schimpf will be holding three senior fairs in his district this summer.
- July 25, from 9-11:30 a.m. at the Carbondale Civic Center in Carbondale
- 1, from 9-11 a.m. at Red Bud High School in Red Bud
- 8, from 9-11 a.m. at the Roland Burris Center in Mt. Vernon
The fairs will offer free health screenings, informational legislative brochures, and refreshments.
Visit senatorschimpf.com for more news and views from the State House and Senate District 58.
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