Update on the week's happenings in state government...

As Veterans Day approaches, and we look for ways to honor Illinois veterans and tell their incredible stories, State Sen. John Curran (R-Downers Grove) is asking constituents to submit a photo and tribute to a loved one who has served in the United States Armed Forces to be displayed on the Veterans Day “Wall of Honor” in the Illinois State Capitol Nov. 4-15...

“This is tremendous news for the people of Willowbrook and the surrounding communities. The risks involved with this facility re-opening were simply too great to the public health...

After a rough and delayed planting season, Illinois’ agriculture industry received good news this week with a Taiwanese delegation committing to purchasing over $2 billion in Illinois soy and corn over the next two years. Meanwhile, Illinois motorists are encouraged to do their part to keep farmers safe as they head back into the fields and hit the roadways for the 2019 harvest season. Also happening this week...

State Sen. John Curran (R-Downers Grove) has been appointed to serve on a task force that will develop solutions to combat the ongoing opioid crisis. “Opioid addiction continues to take lives in every corner of Illinois. This is a crisis that knows no cultural, economic, or ethnic borders...

“The Illinois EPA’s approval of Sterigenics’ permit is disappointing, but not unexpected. Since the beginning of this public health crisis I have stood with the residents of Willowbrook and worked with them to ensure this facility never again reopens...

The use of ethylene oxide (EtO) for sterilization could soon be banned in heavily-populated areas, as part of new bipartisan legislation co-sponsored by State Sen. John Curran (R-Downers Grove) along with several other lawmakers from both sides of the aisle...

An update on what's happening in state government...

Illinois now has a robust and significant set of sexual harassment and discrimination protection laws on the books, thanks to legislation co-sponsored by State Sen. John Curran (R-Downers Grove) and signed into law Aug. 9 by Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Senate Bill 75 is largely the result of work by the Senate Task Force on Sexual Discrimination and Harassment Awareness and Prevention, on which Curran served. “This is a major step toward ensuring that people can live and work free of sexual harassment and discrimination..

State government will have more control of over where and how coal ash disposal sites are located, thanks to legislation co-sponsored by State Sen. John Curran (R-Downers Grove) and signed into law this week. “The goal of this new law is simple, to empower state government to protect people from pollution,” said Sen. Curran. “This is another step toward creating a healthier and safer environment for the families of Illinois...

As Willowbrook and surrounding communities continue their fight in court to keep Sterigenics closed, State Senator John Curran (R-Downers Grove) continues to work on legislative solutions to keep dangerous ethylene oxide emissions out of the communities...

State Sen. John Curran (R-Downers Grove) released the following statement on the current Sterigenics situation: “This morning I asked the Illinois Attorney General, the DuPage County State’s Attorney, and the Governor to delay next week’s hearing and implementation of the settlement agreement and consent order regarding the Sterigenics litigation...

I do not support the agreement reached by the ILEPA, the Illinois Attorney General and Sterigenics, which will allow the facility to resume operations. Rather, I will continue to stand with the residents of Willowbrook and the surrounding communities who are fighting for clean air and a healthy future. For years, as testing has shown, Sterigenics has posed a critical public health risk to our communities. They must remain closed...

The State of Illinois and the people of Willowbrook will have new tools in the fight to stop ethylene oxide emissions and keep the seal order in place at Sterigenics, due to legislation sponsored by State Senator John Curran (R-Downers Grove) that was signed into law by Governor Pritzker...

Both chambers of the Illinois legislature have now approved legislation filed by State Sen. John Curran (R-Downers Grove) that will create stringent rules for ethylene oxide use and emissions, and shut down failing facilities. “This bill strengthens the Illinois EPA seal order that sealed Sterigenics’ ethylene oxide chambers, and it creates the strongest ethylene oxide sterilization regulations in the nation..

State Sen. John Curran (R-Downers Grove) released the following statement after the Illinois House passed SB1852: “I’d like to commend Leader Durkin on his efforts in passing this important legislation that we have put so much work into. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass it in the Senate and get it to the Governor for his signature...

Illinois park Districts would have new flexibility in how they handle land leases under legislation sponsored by State Sen. John Curran (R-Downers Grove) that passed the Illinois Senate on May 21. “This is a common sense change in law that our park districts have asked for, to help them generate revenue on leased properties...

Every public university in the state of Illinois may soon be required report how much students are actually paying in tuition to attend, due to legislation sponsored by State Sen. John Curran (R-Downers Grove) and passed by the Illinois Senate on May 16. “We know that the rising cost of tuition is a major issue for our students, but we need to see accurate data to truly understand the situation...

Illinois police officers could soon be able to save valuable time apprehending suspects by getting arrest warrants issued electronically, due to legislation sponsored by State Sen. John Curran (R-Downers Grove). “As a former prosecutor I understand how critical time is during a criminal investigation...

Update on what is happening in Springfield...

The Illinois Senate approved legislation to create increased regulatory oversight on coal ash disposal sites to help prevent environmental issues from the operation and closures of the sites. The bill was co-sponsored by State Sen. John Curran (R-Downers Grove). “This legislation will allow the state to have a say over where and how coal ash disposal sites are operated, as well as when owners look to close them and leave behind waste...

Several high school students from the 41st Senate District got to see what it’s like to try to propose and pass laws at the Illinois State Capitol April 30, as part of State Sen. John Curran’s (R-Downers Grove) Youth Advisory Council. “This is program is designed to engage young people in the process of government, and open their eyes to future careers in public service...

On May 4th, State Senator John Curran (R-Downers Grove) and Representative Jim Durkin will be hosting a Recycling Fair in Burr Ridge. The goal is to help residents dispose of items that shouldn’t be going to landfills, including certain electronics and prescription drugs...

Senator Curran passes legislation dealing with the Sterigenics crisis, plus another bill to protect employees from wage theft. A number of other measures also passed...

The Illinois Attorney General’s office may soon have a dedicated team of lawyers working to combat wage theft and other unsafe conditions for employees, after the Illinois Senate unanimously passed legislation sponsored by Senator John Curran (R-Downers Grove) on April 11. “This legislation protects both workers and businesses by helping to stop unlawful practices that hurt law-abiding businesses...