OTTAWA, ILL – State Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, will continue his efforts to protect Illinois’ forests for its hunters, wildlife and greenery through his appointment to the Illinois Forestry Development Council.

“As an outdoorsman and nature enthusiast, I am ready to get to work to protect Illinois’ forests and make them work better for everyone across our state,” said Yednock. “We are in the midst of a climate crisis, and we must do what we can to keep our forests in good condition for future generations.”

Yednock was appointed to the state’s Illinois Forestry Development Council by Speaker Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch this week. The council is tasked with leading sustainability and conservation initiatives, monitoring forest and soil health among other duties. The council’s annual report is instrumental in informing the General Assembly and other policymakers on the state our forests.

OTTAWA, Ill. – State Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, delivered a bipartisan package that will lead to low-cost energy production in Illinois and create jobs by clearing the way for new, small nuclear energy projects.

“Nuclear energy is one of the most efficient ways to power our cities, towns and villages. As we continue to shift to green energy, it is clear that we must use nuclear reactors in some capacity,” said Yednock. “While I welcome and applaud the pivot toward green energy sources – such as wind and solar, – safe, efficient, and environmentally conscious nuclear policy also needs to be part of the discussion.”

Yednock brought energy producers, labor groups, and environmental advocates together to develop House Bill 2473, a compromise proposal that paves the way for certain small-scale nuclear energy projects.  For 36 years, Illinois has prohibited all new reactor construction, despite advances in safety and efficiency. The new advanced, small-modular nuclear reactors permitted under Yednock’s bill are typically small enough to fit on an 18-wheeler and could be used to provide power to high-use sites such as manufacturing plants and other energy-intensive industries. These advanced reactors will also be able to use nuclear waste to produce even more energy.

The measure passed through both legislative chambers with bipartisan support.

“Nuclear energy is critical to building the energy infrastructure we need to move into a clean energy future. These nuclear reactors will alleviate stress on our evolving systems and reduce our susceptibility to blackouts and brownouts,” said Yednock. “I support the transition to clean energy in Illinois, but we must do so in a manner that is reliable and uncompromising in the transmission of power to the residents, businesses and municipalities that rely on it every day.”

OTTAWA, Ill. — State Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, released the following statement:

“I am very disappointed that an elected official in LaSalle County would post such a divisive and hurtful message. It is imperative that all elected officials complete their legal duties to the fullest extent of the law regardless of their personal opinions, but this conduct forces many to question her ability to fairly serve everyone in our community.

“My office will be contacting the Attorney General’s office and the Human Rights Commission to determine if any laws were broken.  I hope the county will investigate as well.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois could see the construction of the first new nuclear power plants  since 1988 under legislation sponsored by state Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa.

“The landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act put Illinois on a path toward zero greenhouse gas emissions and nuclear power plays an integral role in getting us there,” Yednock said. “We’ve safely enjoyed the benefits of our six existing nuclear power plants for decades, and as our energy needs continue to grow and evolve, so should our methods of energy production.”

Senate Bill 76 removes the moratorium on the construction of new nuclear power plants, giving Illinois the opportunity to provide stable, affordable, and carbon-free energy to its residents, as well as provide new jobs in the clean energy industry. The bill is supported by members of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear, as well as Climate Jobs Illinois, the Illinois Energy Association, the American Nuclear society and more.

“We must make sure Illinois continues to modernize and solidify its place as a leader in the clean energy economy and we can do so by removing this unnecessary and outdated moratorium,” Yednock said. “As renewable energy like wind and solar continue to grow, nuclear power can help Illinois improve its energy grid reliability with minimal to no greenhouse gas emissions. I highly encourage my colleagues in the House to pass this bill, advance our clean energy economy, and provide stable energy for our communities.”

Senate Bill 76 passed the Senate with bipartisan support, and will be heard on the House floor.

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OTTAWA, Ill. — Underscoring the importance of parks and outdoor recreation, state Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, is celebrating hundreds of thousands of dollars in Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grants awarded to the DeKalb Park District and the Cities of Ottawa and Marseilles.

“Parks and recreation services help us build community and offer families and children safe places to be active and enjoy the outdoors,” Yednock said. “Spending time outside leads to better physical and mental health, making this investment in our local parks an investment in the health and wellbeing of our communities.”

OSLAD is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments meant to help communities fund land acquisition and development for parks and outdoor recreation projects. The Cities of Marseilles and Ottawa were awarded $600,000 and $506,000, respectively, and the DeKalb Park District was awarded $507,000.

“OSLAD-funded projects create jobs and improve access to local parks and recreation services,” Yednock said. “I am so grateful to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for recognizing the need in our communities and awarding the funding to fill that need.”

OTTAWA, Ill. – To further demonstrate his support of first responders, state Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, is highlighting a grant awarded to Cedar Point Fire Department by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM).

“Fire departments play an essential role in maintaining the health and safety of our communities, and grants like this one can really make a difference in their ability to safely and efficiently do their jobs,” Yednock said. “I’m very proud that the Cedar Point Fire Department was selected for this grant, and I look forward to seeing them use their award to serve their community.”

The Small Equipment Grant Program awards grants of up to $26,000 to fire departments, fire districts and emergency medical service providers across Illinois for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment. The funds allow for grantees to purchase important equipment they may not have been able to afford otherwise.

“Small, rural fire departments like Cedar Point’s are often left behind to perform their essential work without all of the equipment they need. Receiving a grant from OSFM can make a real difference helping local firefighters continue to save lives,” Yednock said. “I am grateful to the OSFM for their support of local fire departments, and I will continue to fight for legislation that positively impacts our first responders.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, released the following statement in response to Gov. J.B. Prizker’s budget address:

“As we work together to develop our state budget, it is critical to recognize the challenges so many families, small businesses, and communities are experiencing right now. I am focused on providing affordable health care and continuing to improve Illinois’ economy.

“Today’s address is simply the first step in the long process of negotiating our state’s yearly spending plan. As a tireless advocate for our communities, I plan to thoroughly review the budget, as well as meet with local leaders and stakeholders to ensure our voices are heard in Springfield and our communities’ needs are being met. I will push for a fair and responsible budget that invests in our schools, supports seniors, and provides the resources we need to keep our communities safe.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to craft a budget that prioritizes the needs of the middle class and working families in our state as we continue to build for a stronger future.”

OTTAWA, Ill. – State Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, will continue his fight for legislation that uplifts veterans and serve as a strong voice for residents of the LaSalle Veterans Home as the new chair of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

“Our state’s veterans put themselves in harm’s way to maintain the safety and security of this great nation. They were responsible for protecting the freedoms we enjoy and too often take for granted, and for that, we owe them our deepest gratitude and respect,” Yednock said. “The House Veterans’ Affairs Committee will continue our essential work to assist veterans and provide them with the proper resources they need to live successful, fulfilling lives.”

Yednock will use the knowledge and experience he gained as a member of the Illinois Veterans’ Advisory Council to further state assistance for veterans, improve their lives, and make sure they have the support they deserve. This includes streamlining the many bureaucratic processes that veterans face, as well as listening to their perspectives on the issues that matter most to them.

“Advocating for our veterans is an honor and privilege that will never come to an end. The wellbeing of these heroes is an ongoing priority for the Illinois General Assembly, and will guide our work to assist them the best we can,” Yednock said. “As chair of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I will use the full weight of my position to make sure Illinois is a supportive home for those who served our country.”

OTTAWA, Ill. – State Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, issued the following statement regarding the current COVID-19 surge at the LaSalle Veterans’ Home:

“The health and safety of our community’s veterans, particularly those in the care of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA), is one of my top priorities. My team and I are closely monitoring the influx of COVID-19 cases at the LaSalle Veterans’ Home and my office is ready to be of assistance in any way possible.”

“I am extremely grateful to the dedicated IDVA staff caring for our veterans during this difficult time. The IDVA Senior Infection Preventionist, the State Medical Officer of the Illinois Department of Public Health and the IDVA Director have all been to the Veterans’ Home to offer their expertise and assistance. I truly appreciate their commitment to treating our veterans with the robust health care response and rigorous care they deserve.