Last week, the Senate voted to close a problematic loophole in Illinois' video gaming law.

The law allows for-profit establishments with liquor licenses, like bars and restaurants, to obtain video gaming licenses, too. Currently, nonprofit organizations such as VFW posts and Knights of Columbus halls can't. They honor our veterans and serve an important cultural function in our communities; they shouldn't be left out of video gaming revenues.

After several organizations in the 52nd District came to me to ask how they could get video gaming licenses, I sponsored Senate Bill 2371 to make the law more inclusive. If the House passes my legislation and the governor signs it, nonprofit veterans' and cultural societies will be able to offer video gaming if they choose. The revenues could mean the difference between staying open and going under. I'm proud to help Knights of Columbus halls, American Legion posts and VFW posts remain part of the bedrock of our communities.

Ferry emits more pollution than all other lakegoing vessels combined

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael Frerichs (D-Champaign) secured the adoption today of a Senate resolution urging the federal Environmental Protection Agency not to renew an exemption that allows the S.S. Badger, a car ferry operating on Lake Michigan, to continue spewing nearly four tons of coal ash into the water each day. Frerichs and his Senate colleagues joined U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) in criticizing a deal reached last week that would allow the ship to continue polluting the lake through the end of 2014.
 
“The EPA has already given the Badger’s owners four years to clean up their act, and now they want another two years to pollute one of our state’s greatest natural resources,” Frerichs said. “The Illinois Senate is saying no to another thousand tons of toxic ash in Lake Michigan. This needs to stop now, not in 2015.”
 
The ash emitted by the steam-powered, coal-burning S.S. Badger contains arsenic, lead, mercury and other heavy metals that can damage aquatic ecosystems. The 500 tons of pollutants it dumps each year far outstrip the 89 tons emitted annually by all other lakegoing vessels combined. The Badger’s owners have considered several alternatives to the coal-fired engine, including diesel, liquid coal and a system that would store the coal ash and then deposit it in a landfill.
 
“We’re adding our voices to the chorus encouraging the EPA to do its job instead of protecting a major polluter,” Frerichs said. “I hope the Badger keeps sailing, but with cleaner technology. I don’t think we have to choose between preserving the lake’s history and protecting its water, air and wildlife.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael Frerichs (D-Champaign) sponsored an additional two-year tuition waiver to Illinois' public colleges and universities for active members of the Illinois National Guard who have served at least 10 years. The measure, Senate Bill 2229, passed the Senate today by a vote of 53-0.

"This legislation is an excellent way to honor our men and women in uniform who choose to dedicate a significant portion of their working lives to the Illinois National Guard," said Frerichs, chairperson of the Senate Higher Education Committee. "By furthering their education, National Guard members can advance their own careers while using the knowledge they've gained to better serve our state."

Currently, any active Illinois National Guard member who has served for at least one year is eligible to attend a state university or community college for up to four years without paying tuition or fees. Frerichs' proposal would allow active members with at least 10 years of service to continue in or return to school. As in current law, Guard members who leave the service while still in school become ineligible for further benefits.

During the 2011-12 school year, almost 2,000 active Illinois National Guard members attended colleges and universities through the existing assistance program, receiving waivers with a total value of $68 million. A much smaller number of servicemen and women would be eligible for the additional two-year waiver.

SB 2229 will now be considered in the House.