Governor signs Cross’ “Homeowners’ Bill of Rights”

SB 3180 passed unanimously in House and Senate 

Governor Pat Quinn signed legislation into law today that Illinois House Rep. Tom Cross (R-Oswego) and Sen. A.J. Wilhelmi successfully pushed through the House and Senate to create a “Homeowners’ Bill of Rights.”“This new law will provide residents better access to their homeowners’ associations’ meetings, budgets, and governance,” said Cross. 

Cross added that many residents in the 84^th district had concerns that they were not receiving all of the information they felt they were entitled to in a timely manner.

Senate Bill 3180 creates the Common Interest Community Association Act and is designed to give more protections to owners of single-family homes, villas or other properties in common interest communities also known as homeowners’ associations. 

This new law, which goes into effect immediately, would ensure homeowners access to key association documents, proper notice of all meetings, prompt election of board members, and a copy of the proposed budget at least 30 days prior to adoption.

Gov. signs Cross’ bill to create Special Needs Alert Act

HB5669 goes into effect immediately 

Springfield…Illinois residents with special needs will soon be able to voluntarily register their disabilities when they sign up for their drivers’ license or Illinois identification card with the Secretary of State’s office.  If they choose to do this, information regarding their medical needs will be available to law enforcement officials when they come in contact with these individuals in their motor vehicles. 

Rep. Tom Cross (R-Oswego) sponsored House Bill 5669 after a constituent contacted him with an issue he had during a traffic stop. “This individual was pulled over for a routine traffic stop, and in the process, had a diabetic seizure,” explained Cross.  “At first, the officer who pulled this person over thought the individual was being non-compliant and was possibly under the influence of alcohol or some other drug. Fortunately, the officer quickly realized there was a medical situation and called for the appropriate emergency responders.” 

Cross wanted to make sure that the voluntary information about medical conditions was available to law enforcement standardized the future for these types of situations to ensure the safety of all involved parties. 

House Bill 5669, which was signed into law by Gov. Pat Quinn today, creates the Secretary of State Special Needs Alert Act.  This new law allows citizens with disabilities to provide law enforcement an emergency contact information, including disabilities and special needs information necessary to keep people safe and law enforcement aware. 

Law enforcement officers may share information contained in the emergency contact database with other public safety workers on scene, as needed to conduct official law enforcement duties. 

“It’s extremely important that we provide the essential tools that law enforcement officers need in order to prepare and act safely in an emergency situation,” added Cross.

Gov. signs Cross’ Pedestrians with Disabilities Safety Act

HB5095 is effective immediately 

Springfield…Today, Governor Pat Quinn signed into a law a bill sponsored by Rep. Tom Cross (R-Oswego) which aims to give equal rights to pedestrians with disabilities.

 House Bill 5095 creates the Pedestrians with Disabilities Safety Act.  It provides equal access and use of the streets, sidewalks, highways and walkways to pedestrians with disabilities. The act also provides any person who denies or interferes with the rights of a pedestrian with a disability shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor with a mandatory minimum fine of $500 for each violation.

Plainfield residents Valerie Brew-Parrish and Richard Parrish live with physical disabilities every day—they wanted to make sure that people with disabilities in Illinois communities were better protected and to bring awareness to some of these issues statewide. 

“We are thrilled that Rep. Cross listened to our concerns and we were able to help draft this bill that will improve the public’s safety,” said Brew-Parrish.  “People will be safer because of this new law.” 

According to this new law, an operator of a vehicle must stop the vehicle before approaching closer than 10 feet to a pedestrian with a disability who is using a mobility device, accompanied by a visibly identifiable service animal, or carrying or using a white cane, and shall take all precautions that may be necessary to avoid an accident or injury to the pedestrian with a disability. 

“Pedestrians with disabilities have the same rights as other pedestrians,” Cross said. “This new act will ensure those rights, including safety in public places.” 

Each year, the Governor is authorized to designate Pedestrians with Disabilities Safety Day (October 15) and to issue a proclamation. 

“Besides ensuring the rights of pedestrians with disabilities, there is a need to inform and educate the public,” Cross added. 

Lastly, the Secretary of State shall make any necessary revisions in its publications including, but not limited to, the Illinois Rules of the Road, to accurately conform its publications to the provisions of the Pedestrians with Disabilities Safety Act.  This means that when Illinois residents take drivers’ license exams, they must demonstrate an understanding of this new law.

 Governor signs the Illinois Athlete Agents Act

Rep. Cross and Sen. Wilhelmi work together to pass SB2542 

Springfield… Governor Pat Quinn signs into law today a bill that was sponsored by Rep. Tom Cross (R-Oswego) and Sen. A.J. Wilhelmi (D- Crest Hill) designed to protect student athletes who hire agents to help plan a professional career.  In many cases a student is in jeopardy of losing his/her scholarships by hiring a professional agent, this legislation will ensure that agents keep the student’s best interest at the forefront. 

Senate Bill 2542 creates the Illinois Athlete Agents Act, will regulate those agents that have or intend to have clients that are athletes in high school and college. The new act requires licensure of agents for student-athletes with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and establishes qualifications for licensure and requirements for the athletes’ agents. 

“Before this law, Illinois did not regulate agents who represented student-athletes,” said Cross. “This is something that the NCAA recommended that we should do.  We now join the other 38 states that have passed a similar act.” 

The law includes provisions regarding the powers and duties of IDFPR, grounds for disciplinary action, requirements for agency contracts subject to the act, student athlete’s right to cancel the contract, notice to educational institutions, injunctive actions, investigations, and hearings.           

Senate Bill 2542 also includes 5-year record keeping requirements to prohibit an athlete’s agent from engaging in specified conduct.  A violation of this act will carry criminal and civil penalties.

Rep. Cross Receives Illinois Chamber of Commerce Champion of Free Enterprise Award 

Plainfield…State Representative Tom Cross (R-Oswego) is honored to learn he has been selected to receive the Illinois Chamber of Commerce’s Champion of Free Enterprise Award.

“Unemployment in Illinois is a staggering 10.8 percent and families are hurting for jobs,” said Cross.  “A key to turning the economy around in Illinois is an improved business climate.  State government must not only work to make Illinois more attractive to new business, we also need to help existing employers to thrive and expand.  It is a privilege to be recognized by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce for supporting legislation that aims to help employers to succeed and ultimately create jobs.”   

The Illinois Chamber of Commerce Champion of Free Enterprise Award is awarded biennially and recipients are selected by their voting record.  The Champion of Free Enterprise Award is presented to legislators with Illinois Chamber ratings averaging 85 percent or better over the previous three General Assemblies. The Chamber’s ratings are based on votes on key business legislation that are designed to generate jobs and create a business-friendly atmosphere in Illinois. 

“If employers are to change the culture in Springfield, they must educate themselves on the record of their representatives and hold them accountable for it,” explained Todd Maisch, the Chamber’s Vice President for Government Affairs. “We believe the Chamber’s legislative ratings are an effective tool in this endeavor, and legislators whose defense of free enterprise and the furtherance of economic opportunities for Illinoisans deserve our recognition.  This award demonstrates that State Representative Tom Cross knows what it takes for employers to be successful.  He is working to address the number one problem in our state: creating more jobs.”

Read the resolutions (HR1325 and HR1326) here.

Hear Leader Cross discuss the championship with Mr. Wirtz here.

House Republican Leader Tom Cross  Hosts Latino Leaders Luncheon 

Rep. Cross presents certificates to Ricardo Meza of MALDEF, Sylvia Puente of the Latino Policy Forum and Juan Rangel of UNO for their extrodinary strides in education for Latino children.

Little Village, Chicago, IL…Illinois House Minority Leader, Rep. Tom Cross hosted a luncheon at Mi Tierra Restaurant with Latino community leaders today in an effort to listen to concerns and suggestions about how state government can serve them better.

 “As the Illinois Republican Leader, I know and understand that Latinos want to gain greater representation in the Illinois General Assembly.  It is important that we look at drawing more Latino districts when the new legislative map is redrawn in 2011,” said Cross.  “It is equally important that we look at creating a better jobs climate in Illinois to get people back to work.” 

Also at the luncheon, Leader Cross presented Sylvia Puente of the Latino Policy Forum, Ricardo Meza of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund and Juan Rangel, Chief Executive Officer of UNO, with certificates of appreciation for their hard work to create equitable education for Hispanic children in Illinois.  

“These individuals should be commended for their hard work in advancing education for Latino children.  The best way to help people advance successfully through life is to educate them,” said Cross. 

Rep. Cross visits a classroom in June at UNO Veterans Memorial Campus School.

Prior to the luncheon Leader Cross toured UNO Veterans Memorial Campus School, at 4248 W. 47^th Street with State Representative Darlene Senger (R-Naperville).

Time for ethics, political reform

Rep. Cross Invites Families to Kids Fair 2010

Plainfield, IL….State Representative Tom Cross is inviting area families to come and participate in his annual Kids Fair 2010 on Saturday, June 5^th in Plainfield.  

“This is one of my favorite events of the year with so many great activities for parents and their kids,” said Cross. “We have dozens of activities and demonstrations as well as very helpful information from our participating sponsors.” 

The free event will be held on Saturday, June 5^th , 2010 from 9:00 a.m. until noon at Heritage Grove Middle School, 12425 S. Van Dyke Road in Plainfield.  There will also be free refreshments and free giveaways. 

The demonstrations include:

9:00 a.m. – Starr Dance Studio

9:30 a.m. – Plainfield Police K-9 Unit

10:00 a.m. – Gymquest/Dancequest of Plainfield          

10:30 a.m. – ATL Youth Sports

11:00 a.m. – Martial Arts America

11:30 a.m. – Illinois Dance Academy

Noon – Drawing for Giveaways 

Children can come to learn about being safe this summer including information about bicycle safety and dog bite prevention.  They will also be able to see a fire truck demonstration and participate in activities at an arts and crafts table. 

Parents can gather information about the West Nile Virus, the Bright Start College Savings Program, adoption, tutoring, exercise and nutrition information.  Child safety seat checks will also be available to ensure children are being properly secured in their seats in their vehicles. 

State Representative Tom Cross would like to thank all of the participants for the Kid Fair 2010 including: ABC Mom’s, ABC Wellness & Rehab,  Action for Kids, Arbonne International, Aspire Inspire Foundation, ATL Youth sports, Big Brothers Big Sisters, C.W. Avery YMCA, Catholic Charities, Chesterbrook Academy, Child Care Resources and Referral, Child & Family Connections, Chiro One Wellness Center, Christian Youth Center, Civil Air Patrol, Crisis Line of Will County, Edward Hospital, Elite Sports Performance, Freelife International, Girl Scout Council, Gymquest/Danquest of Plainfield, Health Care and Family Services, Healthsource of Plainfield, Healthy Connections, Ignite Cheerleading, Illinois Dance Academy, Joliet Police Department, Juice Plus, Lights for Learning, Martial Arts America, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Meehan Chiropractic, N8 Health Center, Oberweis Dairy, Office of the Illinois Attorney General, Office of Illinois Secretary of State, Office of the Illinois Treasurer, Optimal Health and Wellness Chiropractic Clinic, Osco Drug, PACE, Plainfield Fire Protection District, Plainfield Park District, Plainfield Police Department, Plainfield Public Library, Poison Control Center, Premier Designs, Provena St. Joseph Medical Center, Quality Care Chiropractic, Rezin Orthopedics, S.I.D.S. of Chicago, Shaklee, Shorewood Police Department, Shorewood/Troy Library, Silver Cross Hospital, SOMA Total Wellness, Southern Living at Home, Stampin’ Up, Starr Dance Studio, State Farm Insurance, Sylvan Learning Center, Tastefully Simple, Troy Fire Protection District, USBorne Books, Waddell & Reed, Will County Childcare Associates, and Will County Health Department.

Rep. Cross urges Gov. to sign bill for Illiana Expressway

SB 3659 passes Illinois House and Senate  

Rep. Tom Cross urges Governor Quinn to sign legislation that helps pave the way for the Illiana Expressway that would provide a much faster and direct connection from Illinois to Indiana, create jobs and relieve traffic congestion in and around the south suburbs. 

“This legislation would create a private-public partnership to build an interstate-quality superhighway for residents of the 84^th district to use,” said Cross.  “We predict it will also create tens of thousands of jobs before, during, and after the expressway is completed.” 

The Illiana Expressway will run through Will County and will connect Interstate 55 in Illinois with Interstate 65 in Indiana. 

Upon the governor’s signature, according to the Illiana Expressway Act, the contractors will be selected through the state’s official bidding process.  The Illinois Department of Transportation and an independent advisor will select the top two finalists.  Those contractors’ applications will ultimately have to be reviewed by the state’s Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (CGFA) and the Procurement Policy Board (PPB).  CGFA and the PPB will submit its reports to IDOT and a final recommendation will be made to the Governor. 

When this project gets underway, the Local 150, International Union of Operating Engineers estimates at least 40,000 jobs will be created during the construction of the 53 mile expressway. 

“Legislators’ bipartisan support of the Illiana Expressway shows how badly needed this road is. The Illiana would be a tremendous step in the right direction, bringing jobs and economic development while at the same time helping to reestablish the region as the transportation hub of America,” said James M. Sweeney, President-Business Manger, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150.  “Daniel Burnham had the idea of the Illiana more than 100 years ago, and it is exciting to see it gaining momentum.” 

“Not only will the new construction jobs provide a huge boost to our economy, this project will also provide great industry and job growth potential as well as residential growth along the new expressway for years to come,” said Cross.