July E-Newsletter

Program schedule is as follows:

• Rules of the Road Review 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Vision Screening 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Mobile Drivers Services Unit 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    The Rules of the Road Review Course provides drivers with the knowledge and confidence needed to be successful on the basic driver's written and road tests. It includes a review of safe driving techniques, Illinois driving laws and a practice written exam.

     In addition to the Rules of the Road Review Course, participants may take the vision screening required to obtain, or renew a driver's license. If you are unable to renew your driver's license during the Super Senior Mobile visit, the vision screening results are valid up to 90 days to renew your license at any Driver Services Facility.

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Local Projects Receive Funding

     I am pleased to announce that several local projects in the 55th District that I have advocated for will receive funding. The projects that will be funded include:

• $200,000 for Wayne Township Road District to replace the bridge on St. Charles Road.
• $200,000 for Village of Bartlett for Schick Road Bridge safety repairs
• $100,000 for City of St. Charles for curb improvements as part of the city's First Street Redevelopment project.

     I look forward to continuing to work with all the communities in the district to capture additional funding for future projects that will enhance and improve our cities and villages.

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New Proton Therapy for Cancer

     This past month I took part in a groundbreaking ceremony for a state-of-the art center symbolizing healing and hope for those diagnosed with cancer.

     Construction is expected to begin soon on the Northern Illinois Proton Treatment and Research Center. A first-of-its-kind, the $159 million center will be constructed in the DuPage National Technology Park in West Chicago next to Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, which in the late 1980s developed the first proton-therapy accelerator for use in cancer treatment, according to the proton treatment and research center's Web site.

     The center, which will feature state-of-the-art technology, will provide help for thousands of children and adults with cancer. In addition, it will serve as a place of learning where health professionals in proton therapy can work toward a cure for cancer.

     Proton therapy is a non-invasive, painless and effective form of radiation treatment that uses proton beams to treat cancer. The treatment allows doctors to more precisely target tumors without destroying surrounding healthy tissue.

     In addition to supporting the construction of this new center, I also supported House Bill 916 that requires Medicaid to reimburse stand-alone facilities that use proton or neutron therapy for cancer treatment. Medicaid currently covers the physician's costs associated with proton or neutron therapy.

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State Budget Update

     As you already know, the General Assembly on May 31 passed a budget and sent it to Gov. Blagojevich. After reviewing the budget plan, the Governor agreed that it contained too much new spending with no supporting revenues. Without making any cuts himself, Gov. Blagojevich recently held a press conference calling on the House to return to Springfield and make amendments. If nothing happens by July 9, Gov. Blagojevich has said that he will be forced to make close to $1.5 billion of his own cuts to various organizations and agencies.

     Although I am unsure whether the Speaker of the House will have us return to Springfield, I believe the budget does need to represent a more responsible approach in these hard economic times. I voted against the spending plan because I believe that in a time when people are struggling with higher fuel costs, higher food costs and home mortgage issues, we should not be looking to increase taxes and fees. We can’t afford new spending with revenues in decline. In addition, there are many other issues that still need to be addressed including backlogged Medicaid payments, underfunded pensions, and steadily increasing state debts.

     I will continue to keep you updated on the status of the state budget.

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Flooding in the Midwest

     Many of you have asked how you can help communities in our state that have been devastated by recent flooding. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency suggests that contributions be made to the Red Cross Disaster Relief fund. Here is the link to the Red Cross Donate webpage: www.redcrossillinois.org/donate-online.

     Other flood related links:

• Please go to http://www.ready.illinois.gov/ to learn of flooding developments in Kane County and elsewhere in the state.
• This is a link to FEMA's guidelines on what to do during a flood: http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/fl_during.shtm.

Special Thanks to Blood Donors

     I want to thank all the people who participated in our recent blood drive on June 14. With the numerous pints of blood received, there is now a chance to help someone in need. If you missed our blood drive, please don't hesitate to contact Heartland Blood Centers. The summer is always a time when blood reserves are at its lowest.

     To learn more about donation opportunities with Heartland Blood Centers, visit the Web site at www.heartlandbc.org or call 1-800-7-TO-GIVE.

     As always, feel free to contact me by e-mailing staterepramey55@aol.com or by calling my district office (630) 876-0703.

Don't forget to get more information about legislative issues or get added to the Email E-newsletter list by visiting www.randyramey.org.