Mathias Bill Would Keep Sites Open on Holidays

SPRINGFIELD – Correcting a loophole in the state’s early voting law, the Illinois House of Representatives approved legislation on Wednesday sponsored by State Rep. Sidney Mathias (R-Buffalo Grove) that would keep early voting sites open on state holidays that fall during the early voting period. The legislation, Senate Bill 1801 secured unanimous support from the House and has returned to the Senate for concurrence before being sent to the Governor for approval.

“Early voting has increased access to voting and heightened participation in our election process,” Rep. Mathias said. “By keeping early voting sites open for several hours on a holiday, we can honor the commitment to encouraging greater voter participation that we made when we first enacted Illinois’ first early voting law.”

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Innovative Camera Technology Designed to Improve Public Safety

SPRINGFIELD – In a bi-partisan commitment to railroad crossing and traffic safety, the Illinois House of Representatives approved legislation Tuesday sponsored by State Rep. Sidney Mathias (R-Buffalo Grove) that would strengthen the hand of law enforcement agencies across Illinois to ensure public safety at railroad crossings. The legislation, Senate Bill 148, would provide for the use of cameras at railroad intersections for the purpose of enforcement and ticketing of those who ignore railroad safety equipment.

“Too often in the past we have heard tragic stories of pedestrians and motorists who were senselessly killed after being struck by a train at a railroad crossing,” Rep. Mathias said. “We have a responsibility to ensure that our local law enforcement agencies have the tools they need to apprehend traffic offenders and hold them accountable, especially when serious injury and death results from violations of posted safety equipment such as gates and flashing signs.”

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By Sidney H. Mathias                                                                                                                                                       State Representative – 53^rd District

Illinois – we are listening. We have heard the public outcry from those of you who are fed up with the constant barrage of criminal indictments of elected officials who have gotten rich at the expense of the rest of us. For years, we have often heard the word “reform” used as the rhetorical prescription to cure what ails government; a political process that by many accounts is broken, dangerously susceptible to corruption, and which too often leads to gridlock and inaction on important public policy matters.

Now is our chance to enact meaningful ethics and campaign reform. There has never been a more compelling time.

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SPRINGFIELD, IL- Amidst the public clamor surrounding President Todd Stroger’s veto this week of the Cook County Board’s recent vote to repeal last year’s sales tax hike, State Rep. Sidney Mathias (R-Buffalo Grove) took to the floor of the Illinois House on Thursday asking his colleagues to reconsider legislation he sponsored earlier this spring that would roll back the increase.

“With the highest sales tax rate of any county in the nation at 10.25%, Cook County families are feeling increased pain in their budgets,” Rep. Mathias said. “We should not leave the fate of these hard-pressed families in Todd Stroger’s hands. Instead, we should vote to approve my bi-partisan legislation to repeal the sales tax increase on our own.”

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SPRINGFIELD, IL- State Rep. Sidney Mathias (R-Buffalo Grove) reacted today to the Cook County Board’s decisive 12-3 vote Tuesday to repeal last year’s sales tax increase advocated by Board President Todd Stroger:

“Tuesday’s vote by the County Board to repeal the onerous sales tax increase is a welcome victory for local taxpayers who have too long been forced to bear the burden of the mismanaged, bloated bureaucracy of Cook County government.”

“I am disappointed to hear of Todd Stroger’s intention to veto this bold and decisive action by the County Board, the elected representatives of the people. I hope that County Board members maintain their resolve and vote to override Stroger’s expected veto at their next board meeting.”

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By IRV LEAVITT  & CHARLES BERMAN

The national scandal surrounding accusations that former Gov. Rod Blagojevich traded power and influence for hefty campaign contributions has given hope to activists that Illinois will soon join the 46 other U.S. states with laws that cap donations.

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By Sidney H. Mathias                                                                                                                                                               State Representative – 53rd District

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”          –American anthropologist Margaret Mead

Now more than ever, families are looking for answers. From excessive property taxes to the high cost of utilities, fuel, and other daily essentials, individuals and families are finding it harder than ever to make ends meet in today’s daunting economy. In response, government too often falls short in offering practical solutions to common problems.

As your State Representative and as a former village official, I have always believed that government must be responsive to the people. My priorities as a legislator reflect the common concerns that all of us share, especially with regard to our economy.

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By Marni Pyke, Daily Herald Staff

Peeling paint, shelters with holes in the ceiling, rusty equipment, 113-year-old stations – Regional Transit Authority leaders put their worst foot forward during a tour organized for Illinois lawmakers Friday morning.

Metra, Pace and the Chicago Transit Authority officials say their agencies need about $10 billion in capital funding to replace old cars, buses, locomotives, stations and rail infrastructure – and to expand and improve service in the future.

To prove their case, RTA administrators gave eight legislators a look at CTA and Metra stations in Chicago and Cicero in disrepair plus a viewing of Pace buses well past their prime.

As it turns out, RTA leaders were preaching to the choir. Lawmakers from the city and suburbs agreed a capital program that helps public transit is long overdue.

“Transit demand is growing and suburban need is at an all-time high,” said Republican state Rep. Sid Mathias of Buffalo Grove, a member of the Mass Transit Committee. “This is no longer a city versus suburban issue.”

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By RICHARD MAYER, Assistant Managing Editor                                                                                                               Journal & Topics Newspapers

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Two advisory referendums, one regarding Palatine Township joining neighboring townships in possibly seceding from Cook County, the other seeking input on extending Route 53 through Lake County, were overwhelmingly approved by voters Tuesday night.

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois House of Representatives voted down a measure on Thursday that would have rolled back the 2008 sales tax increase approved by the Cook County Board which more than doubled the existing tax rate from 0.75 to 1.75 percent. House Bill 715, sponsored by State Rep. Sidney Mathias (R-Buffalo Grove) would have also required the County Board to put any future tax increase proposals before the voters in the form of a ballot referendum. The bill, which required a three-fifths majority of 71 votes in order to secure passage, fell short with 61 votes in favor and 55 in opposition.

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