Will County presents legislative agenda for Springfield
Puppy mills, construction debris in landfills, and infrastructure are among items
JOLIET – The Will County Board Legislative Committee passed their 2018 state legislative agenda this week, outlining priorities and concerns that they hope the 100th General Assembly will address in the coming year. The full board is expected to accept the agenda at their board meeting on December 21.
“The issues that we’re concerned about range from consumer and animal welfare to transportation to environmental issues,” said legislative and policy committee chair Suzanne Hart (R-Naperville). “We keep apprised of the issues and make sure that we are working closely with our state legislators to best serve our constituents.”
Among the items that the County Board is looking for Springfield legislators to adopt in the New Year is a bill regulating the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits; and another bill allowing individuals to rescue animals from motor vehicles without civil and criminal liability. Hart thanked State Senator Mike Connlley (R-District 21) for sponsoring both pieces of legislation.
“The issues that we’re concerned about range from consumer and animal welfare to transportation to environmental issues,” said legislative and policy committee chair Suzanne Hart (R-Naperville). “We keep apprised of the issues and make sure that we are working closely with our state legislators to best serve our constituents.”
Among the items that the County Board is looking for Springfield legislators to adopt in the New Year is a bill regulating the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits; and another bill allowing individuals to rescue animals from motor vehicles without civil and criminal liability. Hart thanked State Senator Mike Connlley (R-District 21) for sponsoring both pieces of legislation.
The bill regulating resale of animals would prohibit pet stores from selling cats, dogs, and rabbits unless those animals were obtained from a licensed animal control facility or shelter, or a 501c3 animal rescue organization. The hope is that the legislation will curb the operation of unscrupulous breeders that often house many animals in poor conditions. The animals are often poorly bred leading to myriad health problems that can cost owners large sums of money. The proposed legislation is population sensitive and would affect DuPage, Will, and Lake Counties. Cook County is already covered under similar legislation.
“Every year we hear about cases of puppy mills where animals are mistreated and consumers are mislead,” said Hart. “This legislation regarding the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits will protect both consumers and animals.”
The animal rescue bill would allow an individual to enter a locked and unattended vehicle to rescue an animal that has been confined in a manner that threatens its life or health without civil or criminal liability.
The 2018 legislative agenda also seeks funding for additional road improvements on I-55 and I-80. These improvements would help to facilitate traffic flow and increase safety, especially in light of the explosive population growth and increase in manufacturing and warehousing and distribution companies along these transportation corridors.
“We have to balance growth in our county with quality of life,” said legislative and policy committee member Tyler Marcum (D- Joliet). “We welcome the businesses and jobs that have grown in Will County but our residents deserve to live in safe communities that are responsibly developed.”
The board is also requesting legislative action to ensure that quarries that accept clean construction and demolition debris (CCDD) are monitoring groundwater and stormwater discharge effectively.
“Will County is home to several quarries that accept CCDD materials,” said legislative and policy committee vice-chair Ray Tuminello (R-New Lenox). “It is our duty as public servants to make sure that our residents’ ground water is not being polluted.”
Other items in the 2018 State Legislative Agenda and Priorities include property tax assessment and collection, chronic disease and prevention funding, election issues, emergency management, and zoning for cell towers.
“Every year we hear about cases of puppy mills where animals are mistreated and consumers are mislead,” said Hart. “This legislation regarding the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits will protect both consumers and animals.”
The animal rescue bill would allow an individual to enter a locked and unattended vehicle to rescue an animal that has been confined in a manner that threatens its life or health without civil or criminal liability.
The 2018 legislative agenda also seeks funding for additional road improvements on I-55 and I-80. These improvements would help to facilitate traffic flow and increase safety, especially in light of the explosive population growth and increase in manufacturing and warehousing and distribution companies along these transportation corridors.
“We have to balance growth in our county with quality of life,” said legislative and policy committee member Tyler Marcum (D- Joliet). “We welcome the businesses and jobs that have grown in Will County but our residents deserve to live in safe communities that are responsibly developed.”
The board is also requesting legislative action to ensure that quarries that accept clean construction and demolition debris (CCDD) are monitoring groundwater and stormwater discharge effectively.
“Will County is home to several quarries that accept CCDD materials,” said legislative and policy committee vice-chair Ray Tuminello (R-New Lenox). “It is our duty as public servants to make sure that our residents’ ground water is not being polluted.”
Other items in the 2018 State Legislative Agenda and Priorities include property tax assessment and collection, chronic disease and prevention funding, election issues, emergency management, and zoning for cell towers.
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