Week of June 15th, 2009

As we continue to await further action on the FY 2010 budget from Governor Quinn and the four caucus leaders, I will use my article over the next few weeks to review legislation that has passed this session that may be of particular importance to our district. This week, I will be highlighting some legislation in the areas of agriculture and consumer protection.

House Bills 4030 and 4245 passed as a part of the House Republican’s Agriculture Agenda this session. HB 4030 requires that all biodiesel with a numerical value of B100 that is sold in Illinois conform to the American Society for Testing and Material specifications for biodiesel fuel blend stock. This ensures that only quality biodiesel is sold in Illinois and encourages the further growth and development of the biodiesel market throughout the state. The bill passed both chambers and is awaiting Gov. Quinn’s signature.

HB 4245 creates the Alternate Fuels Commission to investigate and recommend ways that the governor and legislature can promote the use of alternative fuels and encourage the use of vehicles that utilize these fuels. This bill passed the House and is on final reading in the Senate.

Several of the young people in our district participate in county fairs through the showing of various livestock. At the State Fair level, these youth may receive significant amounts of money from the auction of their exhibit. HB 1004 creates an income tax deduction for an amount equal to the income derived by those under the age of 18 from the sale of livestock entered in either the Illinois State Fair or the DuQuoin State Fair. This legislation passed the House and was sent to the Senate for action.

Along with our State Senator Dale Righter, I sponsored HB 942, which requires the Secretary of State to begin notifying each owner of a licensed motor vehicle that many vehicles are capable of using E85 blended fuel. These notices are to be included on the motor vehicle sticker renewal form that is mailed to the owner by the Secretary of State. This is a simple bill, but it is an important reminder that the use of E85 blended fuel reduces reliance on foreign oil and supports Illinois agriculture. The bill passed unanimously in both chambers and was sent to the governor.

Advances in technology and newer societal issues have sometimes necessitated legislation to further protect consumers. HB 547, the Identity Protection Act, requires state and local governments to redact social security numbers from documents that may be subject to public inspection or copying. State and local government agencies must also develop and approve an identity-protection policy within one year of the bill’s effective date. This bill is also awaiting Gov. Quinn’s signature.

HB 214 requires property sellers to disclose whether the property has been used for the manufacture of methamphetamine. Methamphetamine production within a structure often results in the contamination of surfaces and carpets and may be present in sinks, drains and ventilation system. This bill sets up penalties for failing to disclose these defects in order to protect buyers from any potential health risks. HB 214 passed both chambers and was sent to the governor.

I anticipate some news in the next week on what the next steps will be in the budget negotiation process. In the meantime, I will continue to update you on the status of the state budget talks and other important state government news. I am hopeful that our new pension reform task force will meet soon to begin recommending changes to our state’s pension system benefit structure at a time when savings are crucial. We will likely be called back to Springfield in the next few weeks to finalize budget details and tie up some loose ends on legislation. I have heard from many of you regarding your opposition to cuts to various human service programs. While we must be prepared to make some cuts to some areas of state spending, I continue to believe that cuts to programs for senior citizens and the disabled are unacceptable. I look forward to hearing more of your thoughts via email (reddyunit1@aol.com) or phone (217-558-1040 or 618-563-4128). I can also be reached by mail at P.O. Box 125, Hutsonville, IL 62433. Finally, you can also visit my website at www.peopleforeddy.com and follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/RepEddy and www.tweetillinois.org.