“This continued and long-term commitment to bettering Illinois’ interstates, bridges and roads is inspiring and something I am glad to see” – Sen. Emil Jones III

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Emil Jones III (D–Chicago) reacted to the Illinois Department of Transportation’s unveiling on Wednesday of their $12.62 billion dollar roads project. Nearly $18 million of these funds will be invested in efforts toward renovating roads and bridges throughout South Chicagoland in areas encompassed by the 14th Senate District.

“This continued and long-term commitment to bettering Illinois’ interstates, bridges and roads is inspiring and something I am glad to see,” Jones said. “Sitting on the Senate Transportation committee and having a track record of consistently advocating public safety and community improvement, I am enthusiastic about these projects that will increase the safety our streets and be in the best interest of the citizens living in my district.”

The construction work on these projects is set to start in 2014 with the vast majority of the major efforts being staggered across a six-year span ending with Fiscal Year 19.

The regional projects in the 14th Senate District per IDOT’s announcement include:

· $500,000 toward removal and demolition of the abandoned 135th Bridge at 135th St. and Ashland Ave.

· $ 700,000 toward land acquisition and turn lanes at 143rd Street and Harlem Ave.

· $1,000,000 toward intersection reconstruction and land acquisition at 151st St. and Harlem Ave.

· $2,500,000 toward traffic signal updating and modernization, right turn lane construction and intersection improvement at the Midlothian turnpike at 135th St. and Cal-Sag Rd.

· $13,021, 000 toward land acquisition, bridge replacement and construction engineering efforts along the Cal-Sag Channel at Western Ave.

· $8,815,000 toward various road resurfacing projects along the Harlem Ave. to I-294 ramp to ILL 83, Cal-Sag Rd. to 143rd Pl., Vincennes Ave. to Racine Ave., Justamere Rd. to ILL 50, Lafayette Ave. to Hasted St. and US 45 (96th Ave.) to ILL 43 (Harlem Ave.).

Learn more about the details of IDOT’s roads project by visiting http://www.Dot.Il.Gov/HighwayImprovement.

“Imposing these fees on car and motor vehicle dealers who default on paying back monies they legally owe our state is what’s fair for citizens and consumers, and can help with our critical financial situation that we must address” – Sen. Emil Jones III

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Emil Jones III (D–Chicago) saw his legislation providing for economic stimulation and justice with establishing monetary penalties for motor vehicle dealers behind in repaying fees they owe the state pass the Senate last Friday. 

“Imposing these fees on car and motor vehicle dealers who default on paying back what they owe our state is what’s fair for citizens and consumers,” Jones said, “and can help with our critical financial situation that we must address.”

Senate Bill 1828 authorizes the Secretary of State’s office to collect, with the intent to deposit the money into the Motor Vehicle License Plate Fund, delinquent vehicle dealer transfer fees according to an established scale. 

“With recouping these funds our state is owed, we’re not just looking out for Illinoisans’ best interest, but also taking an important step toward easing our fiscal crisis,” Jones said. “I am pleased with and grateful for the outpouring of support by my colleagues on this issue and look forward to continued positive progress in the House.”

The legislation also encompasses changing the word “Chapter” to “Code” in the interest of clarity and correctly referencing the Illinois Vehicle Code.

SB 1828 passed the Senate with a 48-1-0 vote and now moves to and awaits the consideration of the Illinois House.

“We have to send the message that such disrespectful and dangerous behavior, especially during periods of mourning, has no place in our communities.” – Sen. Emil Jones III

SPRINGFIELD – A topic that has captured the attention of Illinois media and the General Assembly is that of reckless driving during gang funerals.

To respond to the disquieting issue, State Senator Emil Jones (D-Chicago) spoke out this week on legislation he is chief co-sponsoring providing for action to be taken against reckless driving during the funerals of gang members.

“Throughout my legislative career, I have consistently advocated for gang and violence prevention, a problem rampant across Chicago but particularly prevalent in the South Side communities I represent,” Jones said. “That’s why this measure has special significance for me, because this is going to allow us to accomplish curbing these gang demonstrations and their disruption of peace during funeral observances presenting unfair risks to our communities.”

Last September, the Chicago Tribune offered a telling exposé of this issue, detailing the irresponsible weaving in and out of traffic lanes, blaring music and gang signs/gestures thrown out of car windows accompanying memorials at Mount Hope Cemetery (which often serves as the site of funerals for deceased gang members).

Residents of the South Side communities of Mount Greenwood and Beverly have been particularly vocal in expressing their concern for public safety and frustration with these frequent rowdy memorials for late gang members. 

Senate Bill 2154 allows municipalities to adopt procedures and regulations for the impoundment of vehicles driven recklessly while part of a funeral procession and/or in such a way that impedes a funeral procession.

“Being able to not just provide a ticket but tow the vehicles of mourners driving irresponsibly while promoting gang activity or paraphernalia during funerals is of the utmost importance for our public’s safety,” Jones said. “We have to send the message that such disrespectful and dangerous behavior, especially during periods of mourning, has no place in our communities.”

SB 2154 passed the Senate on Wednesday and awaits further consideration by the Illinois House.