NEWS

From the Illinois State Senate

State Senator John Sullivan, 47th Legislative District

For Immediate Release: October 1, 2012

Legislation will help control overpopulation of river otters

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Illinois trappers will be able to harvest river otter pelts this year thanks to a legislative effort, led by Senator John Sullivan (D-Rushville), to establish an otter-trapping season with reasonable limits. Sen. Sullivan worked to reinstate otter trapping after it became clear that the state’s once-dwindling otter population had fully recovered.

“The reintroduction of the river otter is an astounding success story for conservation in Illinois,” Sen. Sullivan said. “Now, however, the animals are so numerous they have become a nuisance to some landowners by decimating the fish population in ponds and lakes.”

The trapping season – the first in Illinois since 1929 – will begin November 5 in areas north of Interstate 72 and November 10 in the rest of the state. The season runs through March 31. Each licensed trapper may harvest up to five pelts per season and must purchase a $5 registration permit for each pelt from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Otters killed on a roadway may also be collected for their pelts during the season.

In 1990, there were fewer than 100 river otters in Illinois; IDNR now estimates more than 10,000 of the furbearing mammals live along the state’s lakes, ponds and rivers.

Sen. Sullivan worked with IDNR and the Illinois Trappers Association to find an effective way to control the growth of the otter population. Sullivan sponsored House Bill 1724, which passed the Senate last year with overwhelming bipartisan support.

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On Friday, September 21, Sen. Sullivan celebrated Smiles Day in his hometown of Rushville, Illinois. Smiles Day, a tradition in Schuyler County since 1919, began as a way to honor veterans returning home from World War I. Through the years, the annual festival has grown to include Homecoming for alumni of Rushville-Industry schools. Its parade, food, rides, music, and other activities celebrate not only veterans but civic organizations, rescue personnel, and volunteers of all kinds.

This year’s theme, “Pay Our Volunteers With Smiles,” honored Schuyler County’s volunteer firefighters. Local celebrities such as Dr. Russell Dohner, the 87-year-old family physician who still sees patients for $5 per visit, and Rushville native Megan Ervin – recently crowned Miss Illinois – were also on hand.

During the festivities, Sen. Sullivan received the Friend of Agriculture Award from the Schuyler County Farm Bureau for his commitment to promoting Illinois agricultural products and advocating for Illinois farmers. “To be recognized by them for the work I do in Springfield for the agricultural industry and for farmers is quite an honor,” Sullivan said. “It’s humbling, and I very much appreciate it.”

 NEWS

From the Illinois State Senate

State Senator John Sullivan, 47th Legislative District

For Immediate Release: September 27, 2012

Mayors, legislators tout increased ridership and economic benefits

SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Senator John Sullivan (D-Rushville), alongside area mayors and legislators, today highlighted the importance of railroads to Western Illinois. Sen. Sullivan and Galesburg Mayor Sal Garza, Monmouth Mayor Rod Davies, Macomb Mayor Mike Inman, Quincy Mayor John Spring, Representative Norine Hammond (R-Macomb), Rep. Don Moffitt (R-Galesburg), and Tom Carper, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Amtrak, all spoke about the positive effect freight and passenger rail have in their communities and in the region.

"Railroads are an economic lifeline for western Illinois," said Sullivan. "Rail travel is booming, and communities all across the region are feeling the positive effects. Investments in rail foster economic development in our local communities, transporting goods, freight, and people to and from western Illinois."

Western Illinois University in Macomb, Knox College in Galesburg, Quincy University, and Monmouth College are all served by Amtrak passenger rail. The mayors of these communities all spoke to the positive impact this service has in their towns, as well as the importance of this service to students traveling to attend these schools.

"Amtrak and the state of Illinois have had a good working relationship since 1971," said Carper. "After the legislature and IDOT decided in 2006 to double the service in Illinois, we’ve seen solid increases in Amtrak ridership in this state. We continue to work with the state of Illinois to bring quality economic development and tourism to the west central region, and our relationship grows stronger every day with the capital improvements that have been completed and those now underway."

Rep. Don Moffitt (R–Galesburg) has been a legislative leader on rail issues in Springfield, consistently advocating for investments in rail infrastructure. He recently brought together legislators, mayors, and economic development experts to create a regional Amtrak corridor coalition to promote economic development, tourism and educational opportunity along the Chicago-Quincy rail corridor.

Illinois boasts the nation’s second largest rail system. Passenger rail is becoming an increasingly attractive option for Illinoisans and visitors alike. Ridership on the Chicago-Quincy corridor has nearly doubled since 2006 and continues to increase each year, with 3% growth between Fiscal Year 2011 and Fiscal Year 2012.

"Amtrak represents a tremendous asset and amenity and not only facilitates transportation but promotes tourism and commerce through the thousands of business travelers coming to our communities each year," said Mayor Garza. "I commend John Sullivan and the members of this passenger rail coalition for their leadership in supporting and growing the Amtrak advantage for our region."

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 NEWS

From the Illinois State Senate

State Senator John Sullivan, 47th Legislative District

For Immediate Release: September 24, 2012

RUSHVILLE, IL – State Senator John Sullivan (D-Rushville) was presented with the Illinois Farm Bureau’s Friend of Agriculture Award in a ceremony held during the annual Smiles Day festivities in his hometown of Rushville on Friday. The award, given to state and federal legislators who recognize the importance of agriculture to Illinois’ economy and quality of life, honored Sullivan’s commitment to agriculture and 95% legislative rating from the Farm Bureau.

"As the only farmer currently serving in the Illinois Senate, I’m honored to accept this award from the Farm Bureau," Sullivan said. "It is particularly meaningful to receive this recognition here in Schuyler County, where I’m proud to live and farm. I have a deep, first-hand knowledge of the importance of agriculture to this state and its residents, and I always do my best to serve as a voice for Illinois farmers at the state capitol."

Sen. Sullivan received the award from Schuyler County Farm Bureau Director Kent Prather (left).

 NEWS

From the Illinois State Senate

State Senator John Sullivan, 47th Legislative District

For Immediate Release: September 19, 2012

Quincy, IL - As the Quincy Salvation Army prepares to celebrate the one-year anniversary of its new Kroc Community Center, State Senator John Sullivan (D – Rushville) and Mayor John Spring of Quincy visited the downtown site today to check on the ongoing streetscape renewal project. Sen. Sullivan helped secure over $1.2 million in funding through grants from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for this important project.

“This renewal project is an important part of the ongoing efforts to revitalize Quincy’s downtown,” Sullivan said. “The Kroc Center not only brought 130 new jobs to downtown Quincy, but it also prompted this important long-term investment in infrastructure. With the increased foot traffic brought in by the new Kroc Center and the recently completed Adams County Health Department building, I believe it is important to improve the surrounding area to make it safe, accessible, and well-lit for the residents of Quincy.”

“I’m thrilled to see how this project has brought new life to downtown Quincy,” said Mayor John Spring. “Because of this project, downtown Quincy is safer, more accessible, and better equipped to serve its residents. I want to thank Senator John Sullivan and his staff for the work they put in to help make this happen. John Sullivan has always listened to our needs at the local level, and fights for our interests in Springfield. He always puts the needs of this region first, above any political or personal priorities.” 

The streetscape renewal project will replace cracked and broken sidewalks, add ADA-accessible ramps at intersections, install new street lighting for security, and create additional parking for the new facilities. Sen. Sullivan helped the city obtain a DCEO grant for $654,000 and an IDOT grant in the amount of $691,000. The city of Quincy also committed $114,000 of local TIF funds to the project. Additionally, Sen. Sullivan assisted the City of Quincy with a $350,000 grant from IDOT to widen Broadway Street at 5^th Street and install new signals for safer pedestrian crossing at the intersection.

“The work around the Kroc Center is proof that when private, local, and state entities work together, we can create a positive impact in our communities,” said Sullivan. “Folks in western Illinois have always worked together in a bi-partisan way, and we’ve shown that when we do, the entire region benefits.”