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SPRINGFIELD, IL - The Illinois Senate acted on a number of legislative measures during the week as the Governor, Senate President Cullerton, and their staffs negotiated towards an end to the budgetary impasse, according to State Senator Paul Schimpf (R-Waterloo).

Committee activity was the focus of Senator Schimpf's attention as House Bills continued move on second and third readings.  Schimpf is the senate sponsor of House Bills 771, 2516, 2828, 3032, and 3464.  They all await further action before the full Illinois Senate after they passed through their respective committee assignments.  HB 771 allows local fire chiefs to include volunteer firefighters in the group of individuals who are eligible for purchasing a set of vehicle tires at a discounted rate.  The measure, which seeks to aid volunteer firefighter recruitment, was an initiative of the Illinois Firefighter Association.

Senator Schimpf also saw HB 1254 pass the entire Senate 54-0.  HB 1254 remedies an unfortunate situation where the Chester Community School District was losing state funding due to hosting a memorial service for fallen Police Officer Brockmeyer.  It ensures that the Chester School District will not lose funding and that other districts will be able to support community recognition of our first responder heroes. 

The legislation was drafted in response to a decision by the Illinois State Board of Education that an early dismissal of students to facilitate the memorial service would preclude the school day from counting towards mandatory attendance requirements.  House Bill 1254 now awaits the Governor's signature.

Senator Schimpf finished his week by hosting a media availability with print, radio, and television reporters. The Senator stressed that he remains optimistic that negotiations to end the budget impasse can achieve success.  He reiterated that any deal must include job producing reforms, spending cuts, and comply with the Illinois Constitution before it will earn his vote.

Lastly, early May always includes a large number of young constituent visitors from the 58th Senate District. Senator Schimpf welcomed five Fourth Grade classes from Waterloo's Gardner Elementary. The Senator also hosted Girl Scout Troop 861 from Monroe County and spoke with students who had traveled to Springfield from Cobden and Jacob.