Governor Signs Unes Bills to Benefit Illinois Schools



Today, Governor Bruce Rauner signed into law two bills sponsored by State Representative Mike Unes (R-East Peoria) that benefit Illinois schools.  The first bill, HB 4675, ensures that federal pass-thru dollars to community colleges for adult education and career and technical training programs are not delayed by the Comptroller’s Office, even in the absence of a state budget.  The second, SB 2823, allows high school building and trades programs to sell homes constructed as a part of their curriculum through a licensed real estate agent rather than through the standard public bidding process for “state property.”  The bill was first introduced in the Senate by Senator Dave Koehler.

“I was very proud to sponsor and help ensure the passage of both of these bills by the House during this past legislative session, and am pleased to see them become law today.  I remain a strong advocate of strengthening our public school systems at all levels, and know that both of these pieces of legislation will have a very positive impact on several institutions not just within the 91st District but across the entire State of Illinois,” said Rep Mike Unes. 

Currently, 45% of Spoon River College’s budget for its Adult Education programs is comprised of federal dollars, and amounts to about $65,000 annually.  They also receive approximately $79,965 in federal Perkins funds, which support their Career and Technical Education programs. Illinois Central College receives roughly $400,000 annually in federal subsidies for its own programs of this kind.  Both institutions are in the 91st District.

The High School Building and Trades legislation was drafted and introduced as a direct result of concerns expressed by Pekin Community High School, also in the 91st District. 

For more information on either HB 4675 or SB 2823, please contact Representative Unes’ Pekin District Office at 309-620-8631.

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