In This Issue:
Standardizing Grant Process Adds Accountability- More Efficient Oversight of Growing Distance Learning Programs
- Senior Health Fair Connects Providers and Potential Clients
- DeKalb County Gains a Circuit Judge
- Protecting Illinois Water and Encourage Livestock Farming
- Removing Dangerous Truck Drivers from the Road
- State One Step Closer to Allowing Medical Cannabis
- Economic Development Goals Unveiled
- Upcoming Events
July 28, 2014
Standardizing Grant Process Adds Accountability
Illinois became the first state in the nation to enact a comprehensive set of standards for grants that ensure transparency in their management and oversight. The Grant Accountability and Transparency Act, signed into law by the Governor last week, strengthens and streamlines requirements for all state grants across all state agencies. The reforms include stronger state grant procedures to bring them in line with federal standards; improved conflict of interest disclosure requirements; and strict, real-time auditing of all state grants.
The new law is in response to a report by the Illinois Single Audit Commission. It found that grants in Illinois lack a common application, standard grant agreement, transparency, uniform administrative rules, and a state-wide non-compliance list. Many of these issues are what result in the ability to misuse grant funds; they are addressed in House Bill 2747 (P.A. 98-706).
There have been numerous cases of grant funds being misused, most recently the Governor’s Neighborhood Violence Prevention Initiative, a program that received more than $54 million taxpayer dollars and was grossly mishandled according to the Illinois Auditor General.
Organizations receiving state grant funds must be held to the highest standards of accountability. These common-sense reforms will help protect taxpayer dollars from being abused and mismanaged while ensuring that grant recipients follow-through with their stated goals.
More Efficient Oversight of Growing Distance Learning Programs
A growing number of colleges and universities are offering on-line classes in response to student demands for a different teaching technique and more convenient scheduling of desired courses. States have been struggling to review the quality of these courses and respond to student complaints about some courses and those providing them.
I co-sponsored SB3441 to address these issues and the bill was signed into law by the Governor last week. This legislation allows the Board of Higher Education to make agreements with other states to review the quality of these courses, assures students that course credits will be accepted by Illinois colleges and universities, and sets up a mechanism for handling student complaints and refunds.
Distance learning programs have a role to play in higher education and we must find ways to assure the quality and student learning from these courses. Students are demanding such courses which offer the potential for lowering the cost of higher education as well as better fit the student’s work and study schedules.
Senior Health Fair Connects Providers and Potential Clients
Thank you to all who made this year’s Senior Health Fair a success including our over 80 vendors, 400 attendees, Veterans Assistance Officer Matthew Taylor, Family Service Agency, Voluntary Action Center and State Senator Syverson. The real value to the fair is seeing people connect with service providers who can help them live independently and answer their questions. Health screenings like this one have alerted people to health issues they may not have known they had. The Daily Chronicle newspaper detailed many of the events and offerings at the fair; you can read the article here. You can also see a series of pictures on my website.
In this area, residents are blessed to have a wide selection of health care providers and consultants who can help seniors live more enjoyable and healthy lives. If you missed the fair and want to know where to turn for services, just ask. You can call my office for a list of the providers at the fair and you can connect with the Family Service Agency Senior Services, and Elder Care Services for referrals.
DeKalb County Gains a Circuit Judge
Another one of my bills that was signed into law by the governor maintains the balance of circuit judges between DeKalb and Kendall Counties in the 23rd Circuit. The bill (HB5824) allows DeKalb County to move one of its associate judges to become a circuit judge and thus balance the number with Kendall who is adding a judge.
The balance is important for court administration and service to residents in my district. This action fulfills an agreement between the judges in the two counties when the circuit was created.
Protecting Illinois Water and Encouraging Livestock Farming
New rules regarding the location and operation of large livestock farms have been approved by the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. While a few details have yet to be finalized, the rules drafted by the Pollution Control Board were agreed to by the agricultural community and environmental advocates. At issue were concerns that animal waste could find its way into streams and lakes during large rain events or after surface applying animal waste to farm fields. Everyone was concerned with maintaining the quality of water in streams and lakes, and following good farming practices.
Like most businesses, livestock farming has gotten bigger over time to take advantage of economies of scale, specialization and technology. One larger farming operation has replaced numerous smaller operations as farmers retired, wanted to focus on other farming activities, or didn’t want to update their operation. These larger operations are often better able to comply with environmental regulations, construct modern livestock facilities, and adapt best livestock handling practices.
Livestock production is a vital part of the agricultural and Illinois economies, and a desirable component to our food supply.
Removing Dangerous Truck Drivers From the Road
Another piece of legislation signed into law this month is part of a nationwide crackdown on dangerous truck drivers. HB4386 provides that an employer or truck operator shall not allow or require an employee to drive a heavy truck in Illinois if that employee has been subject to licensure discipline in any other state.
The Secretary of State’s office drafted the bill in conjunction with the federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Driving is a privilege and safe driving is essential on our crowded highways.
State One Step Closer to Allowing Medical Cannabis
Rules governing the production, distribution and sale of medical marijuana have been approved by the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. Various state agencies can now move forward with accepting applications to make marijuana available under a trial program for approved medical uses.
The rules will implement a three-part structure for controlling and limiting access to medical marijuana in Illinois. Cannabis intended to be used for medical purposes must be grown and transported in secure, guarded facilities that have been granted “cultivation center” permits by the Department of Agriculture. A maximum of 22 Illinois cultivation center permits will be issued. Once grown and transported, medical marijuana can only be sold in secure facilities that have been granted “dispensary” permits by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. A maximum of 60 dispensary permits will be issued. No dispensary will be allowed to be sited within 1,000 feet of a school or day-care center.
The law spells out which medical conditions qualify for the drug and the monitoring of medical doctors who prescribe the drug. Patients should check with their medical professionals to determine if their diagnoses meet the criteria required for eligibility.
Qualifying patients will be eligible to apply, under the supervision of and with the consent of their medical care providers, for Medical Cannabis Registry Identification Cards. Patients with a last name starting from A through L can apply during September through October 2014, and patients with last names starting from M through Z can apply from November through December 2014. Persons with these cards will be allowed to enter a dispensary and purchase cannabis or cannabis products.
Economic Development Goals Unveiled
Earlier this month the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) released its State of Illinois Economic Development Plan. Director Adam Pollet makes reference to “Illinois’ resilient economy” and how we are well positioned to build on our inherent strength as a major hub for international commerce. There are seven initiatives that DCEO feels will help Illinois expand its presence in the world economy:
• Strengthen the state’s ongoing business attraction, retention and support initiatives
• Promote economic development on a regional level
• Develop an increasingly competitive workforce
• Increase fairness and opportunity for distressed communities and the unemployed
• Make Illinois a top destination for entrepreneurs
• Implement a comprehensive statewide strategy to drive innovation
• Modernize and revitalize our infrastructure
These goals require a combination of state and local strategies that aren’t new. Funding, as always, is key and why progress has been slow. It doesn’t take a lot of money however to communicate the strategies across the state and create focus on priorities. Strong leadership from the governor is essential and what has been lacking.
Upcoming Events
I don’t know about your calendar in August but mine shows the lazy days of summer are over. There will be the Boone, DeKalb and state fairs, Summer Reading Club parties, various public meetings with state agencies and my education advisory council will meet to name a few events. Check my website (www.pritchardstaterep.org/summer_schedule) for details and dates, and join me.
Bring your summer readers to my ice cream parties for 1st through 5th graders. We will be meeting at the library in Kaneville on August 2, Sycamore on August 6, Genoa on August 7, and DeKalb on August 9.
Enjoy the week.
Bob
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