GIFFORD – A new law sponsored by State Senator Michael Frerichs (D-Champaign) will alleviate some of the financial pressure on small businesses in communities devastated by last year’s November 17 tornadoes.

Without this law, small business owners with damaged buildings would face higher property tax bills due to the value added to their properties from new construction.

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DANVILLE – State Senator Michael Frerichs (D-Champaign) will move his Danville District office to a new location this week. The district office, which handles constituent outreach for Vermilion County in the 52nd Senate District, will be moving to a new location in the Danville Township Building, 101 West North Street, Danville, IL 61832. The new office hours will be 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The office will be closed on Fridays. The Danville office will be closed on Monday, June 30 during the moving process. The office is set to reopen on Tuesday, July 1. Residents are encouraged to call the Champaign district office at (217)355-5252 if they are unable to reach the Danville staff during the move.

The Danville office will keep its current phone number— (217) 442-5252 and fax number— (217) 442-5255.

 “Last year, we saw a tire fire devastate the town of Hoopeston. To prevent similar incidents from occurring in Illinois, we need to institute clear guidelines for used tire facilities.” - State Senator Michael Frerichs

SPRINGFIELD – A new law sponsored by State Senator Michael Frerichs (D-Champaign) will provide better oversight of used tire storage and processing facilities.

“Last year, we saw a tire fire devastate the town of Hoopeston. To prevent similar incidents from occurring in Illinois, we need to institute clear guidelines for used tire facilities,” said Frerichs. “At one time, Illinois had the best used tire markets in the country. This legislation will reinstate the state’s market development program for used tires.”

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By This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | @crepeau |  RedEye

A bill on Gov. Quinn's desk could set the stage for Illinois colleges to let students attend without paying tuition or taking on student loans.

The bill would task the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to study a "Pay it forward" program, similar to proposals in Oregon, Pennsylvania and elsewhere.

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SPRINGFIELD – Studies have shown student loans are the largest form of consumer debt in the country. State Senator Michael Frerichs (D-Champaign) introduced an inventive proposal to help Illinois make college more affordable and to eliminate student- loan debt for future generations.

“The cost of tuition continues to grow, and when we add the cost of housing, textbooks and living expenses, students either end up with years of debt or lost opportunities,” Frerichs said.  “No one should be discouraged from attending one of our state’s universities or community colleges due to financial need.”

Under House Bill 5323, the Illinois General Assembly will charge the Illinois Student Assistance Commission with studying the impact and implementation of program similar to Pennsylvania’s Pay It Forward, Pay it Back Program.  ISAC will work with the Illinois Department of Revenue to explore the possibility of providing interest-free student loans.

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