ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. John Connor, D-Lockport, is asking residents of his district to send in ideas for new laws for the upcoming legislative session beginning in Jan. 2019.

“As we move toward the start of a new legislative session, I want to make sure that the ideas and concerns of local residents are heard,” Connor said. “The best way for me to represent the residents of my district when creating and voting on legislation is to involve them throughout the process.”

Connor is asking residents to reach out to his constituent service office with suggestions and ideas for legislation that will be beneficial to the district and the state. Connor will personally review each submission, and will consider introducing proposals as legislation. Residents can call 815-372-0085 or email RepConnor@gmail.com to submit ideas. Suggestions can also be mailed to his district office, located at 209 W. Romeo Rd. in Romeoville, IL 60446.

“I encourage everyone to submit their ideas, no matter how big or small,” Connor said. “I’m looking forward to hearing from local residents and incorporating their new and creative ideas into legislation to help our state move forward.”

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – In response to concerns of potential water contamination from coal ash ponds from a local power generating facility, state Rep. John Connor, D-Lockport, is engaging the facility’s owners, local leaders and state agencies to ensure that local drinking water is safe.

“I originally learned about the potential dangers of the coal ash ponds present in my district after meeting with Prairie Rivers Network advocacy group last year,” Connor said. “I appreciated the meeting because they informed me of the issues of coal ash disposal in the power generating industry, and how renewable energy could help address them.”

According to reports put together by the Environmental Integrity Project, ponds located at the NRG facility in Romeoville are no longer sufficiently lined to store coal ash and may be a source of contamination. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, through the office of the governor, is responsible for creating the guidelines for coal ash storage and disposal. In August, a federal appeals court ruled that the current guidelines were not adequate to protect watersheds and that energy companies needed to upgrade to more environmentally friendly storage and disposal practices. As a result, Connor is advocating for investments in renewable energy and improved environmental guidelines under the incoming Pritzker administration.

“After recently meeting with NRG, who have been proactive on this topic, and the village of Romeoville to discuss the coal ash ponds and water contamination, it is clear that significant change in the handling of coal ash is coming,” Connor said. “I’m hopeful that the new administration will implement policies to protect our environment, while looking long term by choosing to invest in renewable energy sources. Coal has been an important part of our local energy infrastructure, but we need to make sure that we are vigilant on its environmental impact.”

LOCKPORT, Ill. –  State Rep. John Connor, D-Lockport, and state Sen. Pat McGuire, D-Joliet, joined Will County Meals on Wheels volunteers on Monday to bring food to seniors in the Fairmont area of Lockport.

“Meals on Wheels and other services are critical to the well-being of many seniors in our community,” Connor said. “I’m proud to have voted for a bipartisan budget that fully funds services like Meals on Wheels, because it allows seniors to benefit from social interaction in addition to addressing their physical needs.”

While the recently passed state budget provides full funding for Meals on Wheels, the organization is still in need of volunteers to distribute meals every week. Those interested in volunteering can email Tammy Barnes of Will County Meals on Wheels at tbarnes@kccsi-cap.org or call 815-726-0094, ext. 324. Volunteers can work any number of days in a month, and there is no minimum age requirement.

“Volunteering with Meals on Wheels is a great way to give back to our community, and I encourage anyone who has a few extra hours of free time to do so,” Connor said. “As a state representative, helping residents of our community receive services and resources they need is one of my highest priorities. I’m grateful to be able to meet with my constituents to hear their feedback and concerns, while also providing services that they deserve.”

For more information on Meals on Wheels and other senior services funded by the state budget, please contact Connor’s constituent service office at 815-372-0085 or RepConnor@gmail.com.

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. –  State Rep. John Connor, D-Lockport, joined local state Sen. Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, D-Shorewood, state Sen. Pat McGuire, D-Joliet, and state Rep. Natalie Manley for a town hall meeting at the Fountaindale Library in Bolingbrook Tuesday to discuss the new state budget and other legislative updates from Springfield.

“Having town hall meetings like this are important because it allows us to talk directly to residents about how their tax dollars are being spent and how laws are made in Springfield,” Connor said. “This meeting gave local legislators and me the opportunity to talk about the state budget and other matters we were working on in Springfield, as well as a chance to directly answer questions from our constituents.”

The four legislators took turns discussing legislation passed by the General Assembly this year, including the bipartisan budget agreement. Other topics of discussion included the Equal Rights Amendment, legislation to help survivors of abuse, education funding and measures to prevent income tax increases on the middle class. Questions asked by the audience covered issues such as property taxes, consolidating local government and environmental concerns.

“The town hall’s attendees and I share common ground a number of the issues discussed,” Connor said. “We have to make our state government more efficient and we need to look at ways to lower the burden on taxpayers. Illinois faces a number of challenges, and I value the feedback I receive from residents on ways we can address our state’s shortcomings.”

For more information on legislation in Springfield or upcoming events, please contact Connor’s constituent service office at 815-372-0085 or RepConnor@gmail.com.

LOCKPORT, Ill. – State Rep. John Connor, D-Lockport, will partner with career planning experts from Lewis University to provide a free resume writing workshop to local residents at the White Oak Library, located at 121 E. 8th St. in Lockport, on Thursday, June 21 at 10:30 a.m.

“Having a well-written resume is critical to successfully finding a job, and knowing how to effectively showcase your skills to employers is just as important,” Connor said. “Whether someone is looking for feedback on their already drafted resume or needs help getting started, this workshop will give them the opportunity to ask any questions they may have about searching for a job and compiling an effective resume.”

Representatives from Lewis University’s career services department will answer questions and explain how to build an effective resume. They will also be available to discuss ways for applicants to make themselves more attractive to employers and secure job interviews. This event is free and open to the public.

“I’m happy to have the opportunity to host a resume workshop and help provide career planning resources to residents in my district,” Connor said. “I hope that this will help people feel more confident when applying for jobs and aid them in their search for employment. I’m grateful for Lewis University and their help in providing this workshop to residents.”

For more information on this and other upcoming events hosted by Connor, please contact his constituent service office at 815-372-0085 or RepConnor@gmail.com.

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. John Connor, D-Lockport, will host a self-defense seminar for women with the Illinois State Police on Monday, June 18 at 6 p.m. at the Romeoville Recreation Center, located at 900 W. Romeo Rd.

“As a former prosecutor, I know that no matter how cautious we are, it is always possible to become a victim of crime,” Connor said. “Violence can happen anywhere and affect anyone, but being prepared and educated on how to defend yourself can help in getting out of a difficult situation. I hope that this seminar will help women learn useful skills to protect themselves in any predicament.”

Self-defense skills will be taught by a trained law enforcement officer from the Illinois State Police. The seminar will be interactive, and will provide introductory techniques on how to protect oneself from assailants. The event is free and open to the public, but women who plan to attend are encouraged to RSVP by contacting Connor’s office at 815-372-0085.

“While I hope the skills learned at this event are never needed, it is critical that women know how to protect themselves in dangerous situations,” Connor said. “I’m also grateful to the Illinois State Police for taking the time to share these useful tips with residents in our community.”

For more information or to RSVP, residents are encouraged to contact Connor’s constituent service office at 815-372-0085 or RepConnor@gmail.com.

Romeoville, Ill. –  State Rep. John Connor, D-Lockport, visited Morning Star Mission to deliver donations from a women’s hygiene product drive he recently sponsored throughout the month of May.

“Morning Star Mission does a lot of great work in our community by creating a safe space for women and families in need of support,” Connor said. “Supporting women in our community is critical, and I was grateful for the opportunity to get involved and host a supply drive to benefit the women they serve.”

Connor’s supply drive is part of his continuing efforts to support women in the area. Connor also holds monthly legislative advisory meetings on women’s issues with state Rep. Natalie Manley and is hosting a women’s self-defense seminar with the Illinois State Police on Monday, June 18^th at 6:30 p.m. at the Romeoville Recreation Center. For more information on these and other upcoming events, please contact Connor’s constituent service office at 815-372-0085.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. John Connor, D-Lockport, issued the following statement regarding the end of this spring’s legislative session in Springfield:

“After witnessing the devastating effects of a budget impasse, I am encouraged that lawmakers on both sides of the aisle were willing to come together and pass a balanced, bipartisan budget that funds our schools, public safety, senior services and other essential items. The spending plan I supported eliminates government waste, and ensures that our state is paying its bills.

“I am appreciative of efforts this spring to work together and address the issues facing our state’s residents, including efforts to bring real tax relief to working families in Illinois. I supported bills to increase the maximum income limit for the senior property tax freeze and introduced legislation to increase the senior and general homestead property tax exemptions. I also supported Senate Bill 1437, a bill that blocks a tax increase on working men and women by extending a standard income tax exemption that is set to expire at the end of this fiscal year and voted for House Resolution 1025 to urge Illinois legislators to implement a fair income tax structure that would cut taxes for middle-class families.

“To further ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent on critical state services and not used to pay politicians without a balanced budget in place, I sponsored a bill to block lawmakers’ pay in the case of another budget impasse. If legislators can’t do their job to pass a state budget, then we shouldn’t get paid.

“In addition, we’ve taken major steps towards women’s equality and cracked down on sexual harassment. The General Assembly created the Illinois Council on Women and Girls to advise the governor and legislators on policies that impact women and girls and adopted a resolution to urge those in government to commit to working to change the culture that breeds sexual harassment. I also voted for the Equal Pay Act, which would prohibit employers from requiring women to disclose their salary history and help close the wage gap between men and women.

“Illinois also became the 37th out of 38 states needed to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. Its bipartisan passage here shows our state’s commitment to treating everyone fairly, regardless of who they are.

“To further protect our families, the House passed a measure to keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of those who suffer from severe mental illness and who may pose a threat to themselves or others. Additionally, we passed commonsense licensing requirements for gun dealers aimed at curbing the mass shootings that we too often see in the headlines.

“I am proud of the bipartisan work we’ve done in Springfield this year and am optimistic that compromises like these will continue. We still have a number of challenges that face our state, but by working together, the General Assembly can accomplish real, meaningful change for the people of Illinois.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Urging legislators to implement a tax system that is more fair for middle-class and low-income residents, state Rep. John Connor, D-Lockport, voted in support of a resolution Tuesday encouraging the state to abolish its flat tax and adopt a graduated income tax system.

“By voting for this resolution, I am voting to cut taxes for the middle-class by making sure that the wealthiest residents of Illinois are paying their fair share,” Connor said. “There is still a lot of work to be done to ease the burden of taxes on middle-class families, but a fair tax structure is a step in the right direction. A fairer tax will put more money in the pockets of middle-class families, drive local business growth and create much needed jobs in our community.”

The Connor-supported House Resolution 1025 supports the implementation of a fair tax plan in the state. Currently, Illinois is one of only four states in the nation that does not use a fair tax structure and requires middle-class families to pay income taxes at the same rate as millionaires and billionaires. Other states like Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin that use a fair tax structure have experienced economic growth and surplus revenue. A fair tax plan in Illinois could potentially cut taxes for up to 90 percent of taxpayers.

“Right now, a middle-class family that is working hard to make ends meet is paying a larger share of their income in state taxes than millionaires and billionaires are, and that’s not fair. Our working families deserve better.” Connor said. “While Rauner continues to work for the benefit of corporate CEO’s and hedge fund billionaires after paralyzing the state for nearly three years, I am committed to bringing real tax relief to the middle class. Anyone who supports cutting taxes and boosting the economy should be working with legislators to pass a fair tax in Illinois.”

House Resolution 1025 was adopted on Tuesday in the House of Representatives. For more information on this resolution and other legislation support by Connor, please contact his constituent service office at 815-372-0085 or RepConnor@gmail.com.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. John Connor, D-Lockport, is supporting a measure to extend the standard income tax exemption for working families that is set to expire at the end of this fiscal year.

“Governor Rauner is relying on revenue that would come from the sunset of this exemption to balance his budget proposal,” Connor said. “I refuse to allow him to fill the holes in his budget with a tax increase for the middle-class. Passing this measure to extend the income tax exemption would protect working men and women from carrying that burden.”

Rauner’s budget proposal assumes the sunset of the standard income tax exemption in his revenue estimates, resulting in a tax increase for working men and women to fund the state budget. Senate Bill 1437 would extend the current rate for the tax exemption that families are currently receiving, allowing Illinois residents to continue to save money each year. Without an extension, the standard income tax deduction would fall from $2,175 to $2,000.

“One of the first votes I took as a state representative was in opposition to an income tax increase,” Connor said. “We should not recklessly balance the budget on the backs of middle-class families.”

Senate Bill 1437 was referred to the House Revenue and Finance Committee last week. For more information on this legislation and other bills sponsored by Connor, please contact his constituent service office at 815-372-0085 or RepConnor@gmail.com.