Democratic state Sen. Mike Frerichs says he will reintroduce similar legislation that stalled in the House last year.

“Tested right here in Vermilion County, this system provides law enforcement with the information they need to stop meth right at its source,” said Sen. Michael Frerichs. “I fully support this legislation and Attorney General Madigan’s efforts to fight the horrible impact meth can have in our communities.”

House Bill 166, sponsored by Senator Michael Frerichs (D-Champaign) and Representative Dave Winters (R-Shirland), creates the Higher Education Green Jobs and Technology Act.  This will promote collaboration between the state and Illinois' colleges, universities and research centers focused on green technology.

The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability took two steps today — one, to permit Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to operate a self-insurance plan and move ahead with the bids it had previously awarded to HealthLink and Coventry Health Care, formerly PersonalCare, for open-access plans.

COGFA also voted to issue supplemental requests for proposals for fully insured HMO group health plans, according to Sen. Mike Frerichs, D-Champaign,

Frerichs, a COGFA member, said there's no guarantee Health Alliance will be awarded the bid, but "I think they will be very competitive."

“We know Enterprise Zones have been creating jobs across Illinois for 30 years,” said Senator Frerichs. “A program this proven and successful deserves this kind of comprehensive approach, rather than piecemeal renewals. I look forward to hearing from business and community officials throughout the state on how we can keep this great program going and improve it for the future.”