Legislative Luncheon

Monday, June 22
Sheraton Northbrook
11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
$25 advance reservation/$30 at the door

Four of Northbrook’s state legislators will share their perspectives on the current legislative session at the Chamber’s annual Legislative Luncheon on Monday, June 22nd. Illinois Senators Susan Garrett (D-29) and Jeffrey Schoenberg (D-50) along with Representatives Karen May (D-5) and Elaine Nekritz (D-57) will review the highlights and challenges of this year’s legislative session and give an overview of their top issues of concern.

Sen. Garrett, currently serving her third term in the Senate, was recently elected Majority Caucus Whip. She is the author of ethics reform legislation that would increase transparency in gubernatorial appointments to board and commissions, enacting stricter ethics requirements and restrictions. As co-chair of the Task Force on Health Planning Reform, she also sponsored legislation that would provide oversight to the Health Facilities Planning Board, which issues permits for construction or modification of projects proposed by healthcare facilities.

Sen. Schoenberg, who serves as Assistant Majority Leader, has been a long-standing advocate for widening a 1.2 mile stretch of Willow Road through Northfield. He is also an active supporter of campaign finance reform, ethics reform and is an active proponent of environmental legislation.

Rep. May, serving her fifth term, has introduced legislation to improve access to health insurance for small businesses, and is the author of a bill to protect consumers’ personal information. She is also the author of legislation that was passed by the House to limit campaign contributions by political appointees. Her proposal to encourage Illinois schools to "go green" was recently endorsed by Governor Pat Quinn. The bill would create a Task Force to retrofit three public schools as a pilot program to help schools find ways to reduce energy use and adopt environmental improvements.

Currently in her fourth term, Rep. Nekritz is Chair of the Passenger Rail Caucus, a bi-partisan coalition of legislators from throughout the state advocating for the advancement of inner city passenger rail improvements. She is working hard to obtain up to $1 billion in funds from the federal stimulus program that could improve rail service from the Chicago area to downstate Illinois as well as Rockford and the Quad Cities. She is also the author of pension reform legislation that would address concerns about the skyrocketing budget deficit.

In addition to each legislator providing their perspective on the session, there will be plenty of time for questions and answers. Cost for the luncheon is $25 in advance and $30 at the door. To make a reservation call the Chamber at (847)498-5555 or register on the website www.northbrookchamber.org