Improving Government Accountability

Dear Friends,

On January 1, many Illinois drivers were met with an unpleasant surprise: toll rates that were nearly doubled. At a time when many are struggling financially and already facing higher taxes, Metra rates and utility fees, further increases on working families are unacceptable.

While infrastructure needs to be prioritized to improve transportation issues and create jobs, I believe that the decision to raise toll rates should not be made without considering every option and with oversight from elected officials who are responsible to the public.  Currently, the Illinois Tollway Authority – an unelected body – has the ability to raise toll rates at their discretion.  I would like to change that.

To increase government accountability, I am supporting House Bill 3924 which requires approval from the General Assembly for Toll increases.  In this uncertain economy, rate hikes which nearly double the price for commuters to get to work impact family budgets at a time when they can least afford it.  This bill will ensure that citizens have a much stronger influence on the decision to increase toll rates in the future.

Veterans Assistance Commission

On Wednesday, February 15, I will be attending the Lake County Veterans Assistance Commission monthly meeting at 10:30am, located at the James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center, in North Chicago.  As a member of the Veterans Affairs Committee, I am particularly interested in discussing the struggles faced by veterans in our communities and learning how we can best help our returning soldiers. If you are a veteran, or know someone who is, I hope you consider joining my Veterans Citizen Advisory Committee to share your input by e-mailing me or calling my constituent service office at (847) 478-9909. You can learn more about the Lake County Veterans Assistance Commission at their website.

Coffee Shop Stops

The legislative session begins January 31 and I am always eager to hear your thoughts as we debate new laws in Springfield.  On Saturday, February 11, I will be speaking with constituents from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Lincolnshire Starbucks, located at 275 Parkway Drive. On Saturday, February 25, I will hold a Coffee Shop Stop from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Mundelein Starbucks, located at 1174 West Maple Avenue. These informal events are a great opportunity to meet with me in person and discuss the issues that are most important to you.

Legislative Town Hall

I would like to thank everyone who came out to my Legislative Town Hall Meeting on January 24th at the Laschen Community Center. Legislation is too often introduced without community input, and the ideas that were expressed at the Town Hall Meeting and through calls to my office will help me to improve the bills that I am working on and to introduce more community-driven legislation in the future.

As always, to share your thoughts on upcoming legislation, or if I can be of assistance in another way, please reach out to my full time constituent service office located at 430 N. Milwaukee Ave., Suite 8 in Lincolnshire, by phone at (847) 478-9909 or by e-mail at RepSente@gmail.com.  I hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,

Carol Sente
State Representative