State Senator John Sullivan (D-Rushville) speaks to members of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Development Corp. during that group's visit Thursday to the Capitol.

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate voted on Thursday to allow the Department of Human Services to temporarily relocate residents of Rushville's Treatment and Detention Facility while it undergoes construction.

Senate Bill 93, sponsored by Senator John Sullivan (D-Rushville), allows residents of the Rushville facility to be temporarily housed in the state's maximum-security mental health center in Chester. Rushville's Treatment and Detention Center is undergoing a $13 million expansion to alleviate overcrowding. The expansion will add room for an additional 96 residents.

"This is an important construction expansion project for central Illinois," Sullivan said. "During construction we must continue treating the residents, ensure the safety of the security, health care and maintenance staff, and protect the communities that house them."

The TDF in Rushville is the only facility in the state that can legally house Sexually Violent Persons, and legislation like SB 93 is the only way to authorize their temporary transfer.

A Sexually Violent Person is someone who has served a prison sentence for a violent sex crime, has a mental disorder and cannot be immediately released because they are likely to commit future acts of sexual violence.

The Senate approved SB93 without opposition. It now goes to the House for approval.

Senator John Sullivan (D-Rushville) met with the 4-H Youth Leadership Team and representatives of 4-H's Speaking for Illinois program during their visit to the Capitol on Thursday. These students represent the close to 200,000 student 4-H members in Illinois. They spoke to legislators about the importance of agricultural education and leadership development. (click photo to enlarge)

SPRINGFIELD – Senator John Sullivan (D-Rushville) welcomed the Illini Central High School boys basketball team to the Capitol on Thursday. He congratulated the players and coaches on their 55-44 championship win over Madison High School on March 9.

The Senate joined him in honoring the team's first Class 1A state championship during session Thursday. This is Illini Central's first state title in any sport or activity.

Senator John Sullivan (D-Rushville) welcomed student members of Future Farmers of America to the Senate chamber during the group's lobby day on March 14. While visiting Springfield, the students delivered boxed lunches to legislators and showcased examples of their work. (click photos to enlarge)

Astoria High School

Liberty High School

Rushville-Industry High School

Southeastern High School, Augusta

Warsaw High School