Legislative information for Melrose Park Fall 2001
Saviano, state leaders secure $2.45 million for ner Library
    State Representative Angelo "Skip" Saviano recently had the opportunity to visit the construction site of the new Elmwood Park Public Library for which he secured $1.5 minnion in state funding. "The Library plays an important part in the learning process," said Saviano. "To a person trying to stay on track on the information highway, a modern

 library is equally important. Senator Dan Cronin and Secretary of State Jesse White worked with me in sexuring these funds, and we wer eproud to ahve played a part in constricting this new facility."
    Pictured above, left to right, Jim Parenti, Mike Marino, and Representative Saviano; below, left to right, Representative Skip Saviano, and Elmwood Park Mayor Peter Silvestri as they unveiled the artist's rendering of the new library at a recent meeting.


Dear residents,
    The 2001 legislative session of the 92nd General Assembly in Springfield adjourned on June 1st, and my fellow legislators and I are very proud of what we accomplished. In this issue, you will find some of the highlights of our productive session. Furthermore, I believe that in order to develop and maintain a violence-free, responsible society, we must continue to introduce legislation that targets gun violence-and we have-including a pilot program, Project Exile, which calls for the criminal prosecution of persons who illegally use firearms against a person or property of another; in connection with a drug crime; in cases of domestic battery, or in violation of an order of protection. According to House Bill 231, if the accused pleads or is found guilty, s/he could serve at least five years in an out-of-state federal penitentiary.
    I am honored and grateful to have the opportunity to serve as your State Representative. As always, I encourage you to contact my district office at (708) 453-7547 with any questions or concerns that you may have, and my staff and I will be more than happy to assist you.

Very truly yours,




TARGET:
Legislation cracks down on "Ecstasy" dealers and child sex offenders
Representative Saviano supports legislation that holds those who possess and deal the drug "ecstasy" more accountable for its dangerous short-and long-term effects by greatly increasing the penalties for its possession and distribution. Under House Bill 126, a person who possesses at least 15 grams of "ecstasy" or delivers at least one gram of it to someone who consequently dies or becomes seriously injured would be charged wit ha Class X felony.
    Legislation to crack down on child sex offenders by enacting stricter consequences for every repeat offense was offered. House Bill 3154 calls for offenders to be charged with a Class 4 felony if they are knowingly present in a place in which programs, services, or		 lessons are provided to minors, and where minors are present. "We must do everything within out power to ensure that our children receive the protection that they deserve," said Savaino.
    In related news: House Bill 3162 permits a designated individual between 18 and 21 years of age to serve as an "undercover agent" and attempt to purchase alcoholic liquor from a licensee in order to investigate whether the policy regarding checking for identification for suspiciously-looking individuals is being met. The Bill also calls for the designation of a person between 16 and 18 years of age to attempt to purchase tobacco from a licensee for the same purpose. Requires the reporting of any instances where rules and regulations are not being met.



    Representative Saviano recognizes the value of a quality education in a child's life. These individuals represent the next generation of leaders, and the importance of ensuring that the proper tools and the latest technological advancements in the educational field are at their disposal cannot be stressed enough.
 A $53 billion state budget for FY 2002 passed prior to adjournment includes the following education highlights.
A $460 million increase in education funding (with $303 million to be used for elementary and secondary education and $157 million for higher education),
$740 million in school construction projects, and
A $50 million construction initiative for the enhancement and improvement of community colleges throughout Illinois. "I have confidence that all of these measures taken will ultimately result in the hiring of more quality instructors, a reduction in class sizes, and an increase in technology in our schools," said Saviano.

Pictured, State Rep. Saviano visits a local elementary school during Career Day to talk about public service.





    Legislation proposed by State Representative Angelo "Skip" Saviano establishing the right for a mother to bury her dead fetus was signed into law by Governor Ryan. House Bill 382 calls for the mother of a dead fetus less than 20 weeks into its gestation period to be notified by the hospital and informed of her right to arrange for its burial and cremation.
    According to the bill, the mother within 24 hours after having been notified, must inform the hospital in writing of her intention to arrange for the fetus' burial or cremation.
    Saviano feels that fetuses that die in the earliest stages of development should be entitled to the same proper

Saviano legislation on fetal burial is signed into law

disposition measures as anyone else.
    "This bill says that parents should have the right to determine the ultimate fate of their babies that die prematurely, regardless of the stage of development," said Saviano.
    House Bill 382 was inspired by Cecelia McGregor, coordinator of the Illinois Bereavement Support Movement, who experienced a miscarriage in 1998, only to discover two years later that the hospital had disposed of the remains.
    Celcilia McGregor has been an outspoken advocate for enacting a policy that requires hospitals to inform the parents of their options regarding the fate of their fetuses.
    Acknowledging the sacrifices that Illinois war veterans have made, Rep. Saviano sponsored House Bill 854 to provide honorably discharged war veterans who served in a hostile-fire environment and awarded campaign medals with home care services in an Illinois Veterans Home for domiciliary or nursing home services. Additionally, the bill authorizes those who have served at least 20 years in the National Guard or Reserved Forces to receive home care services if they meet certain requirements. "We must never forget those who have risked injuries and sacrificed their lives so that we may enjoy freedom," said Saviano. "This bill ensures that those who have served in hostile environments will not be denied admissiblity into Veterans Homes and access to long-term care."
Keeping Illinois Roadways Safe
    In memory of Lieutenant Scott Guillen of the Chicago Fire Department, who was struck and killed in the line of duty by a drunk driver, a bill entitled "Scott's Law" was introduced, which increases penalties for drivers who fail to yield to emergency vehicles or who cause accidents or injuries to emergency response personnel.
    In an effort to keep intoxicated drivers off the streets and make Illinois roadways as safe as possible, legislation to increase

penalties for persons who drive under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or other drugs was initiated. These increases penalties include additional fines and longer prison sentences.
    "It is imperative to stress the importance of exercising responsibility when driving," said Saviano. "Everyone must do their part to exercise caution while behind the wheel of any vehicle to ensure the safety of others who share the roadways."
EXPANDING SENIOR PRESCRIPTION ASSISTANCE
    Representative Saviano realizes that more and more Illinois seniors are suffering from osteoporosis. To assist these seniors, approximately $106.7 million was allocated by the state for improvements made to the Circuit Breaker program to now add the medication treating osteoporosis to the list of available prescription medication coverage.
    "Because of the high costs of osteoporosis drugs, seniors are being forced to stop purchasing the medication required for its treatment," said Saviano. "We must respond by provide methods that will result in a minimization of out-of-pocket costs to them."
    The Circuit Breaker program in Illinois is open to seniors aged 65 and older and are married with an annual income of $28,480 or less, or single with an annual income of $21,218 or less.



 
SAVIANO SECURES $5.6 MILLION FOR LOCAL PROJECTS


INCLUDING: TRITON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
$125,000 for the Triton Library renovation
$500,000 for the purchase of a parcel and land

WEST CENTRAL MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE
$25,000 towards startup costs of 9-1-1 consolidation

DOMINICAN UNIVERSITY
$2,000,000 toward the Library's renovation

OAK/LEYDEN DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES
$100,000 toward the acquisition of a building, allowing the organization to reopen a Leyden Township location

OTHER SAVIANO LEGISLATION HIGHLIGHTS
    House Bill 27. Grants the township board permission to request a county to demolish, repair, or enclose a dangerous or unsafe building.
    Senate Bill 464. Allows elderly victims of violence to testify out of court. Grants permission to offer testimony if the victim is at least 60 years of age, resides in a domestic living situation, is, or alleged to be, physically abused, neglected, or financially exploited by another individual, and the injuries result in a condition that prevents him or her from appearing in court, and the diagnosis is made prior to the commencement of a trial.
 


Serving You
    The 77th District consists of River Forest, Elmwood Park, River Grove, Franklin Park, and portions of Oak Park, Forest Park, Northlake, Melrose Park, Maywood and unincorporated Leyden Township.

    Constituents are welcome to stop in the District Service Office in River Grove during regular business hours.

Monday
noon - 9 p.m.
Tuesday - Friday
9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday
9 a.m. - noon
Sunday
closed

For additional information, you may call skip at...

708/453-7574
(708/453-SKIP)
 Above, Carol Misso, a resident of Elmwood Park and participant at West Suburban Special Recreation, was Saviano's "Page for a Day" recently. (Photo: Reprinted by permission of Pioneer Press