Senator William R. Haine News

Haine bill aims to deter drug trafficking, punish drug dealers

Written by Haine Staff Friday, 25 May 2012 12:17

“This legislation is designed to deter people from offering dangerous, illegal substances to others, causing their death. The law is obstructed if all the drug dealer has to do it go out of state, across the river, to buy the substance. We need to address this loophole immediately.”

– State Senator Bill Haine

SPRINGFIELD, IL – After two Metro East court cases were dismissed because of a loophole in Illinois’ drug-induced homicide laws, State Senator Bill Haine (D-Alton) spearheaded legislation today through the Senate that would discourage individuals from selling dangerous drugs in another state, causing death in Illinois.

Haine’s legislation, House Bill 3499, is an initiative of Madison County State’s Attorney Thomas Gibbons who requested quick action in light of the local court decisions. Haine’s staff worked closely with Madison County felony prosecutors to draft the legislation to ensure criminals who provide illegal drugs to victims of overdose can be punished accordingly.

Haine votes to advance Senate’s balanced budget plan

Written by Haine Staff Wednesday, 23 May 2012 19:27

“This plan is a step toward a leaner, more efficient state government that can operate on its own merit after the temporary income tax expires. It spends less, sets aside money to pay down our stack of bills and fully funds our pensions without relying on borrowing… and works to guarantee that the temporary tax increase goes out of existence in two-and-a-half years.” – State Senator Bill Haine

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Senate advanced a balanced budget plan that reduces state spending by $255 million, sets aside over a billion dollars to pay down Illinois’ backlog of bills, and falls within the conservative revenue estimate agreed upon by both chambers earlier this year.

Illinois State Senator Bill Haine (D-Alton), who voted for the plan, said the Senate’s budget proposal is a step in the right direction because it reduces spending and puts Illinois on a track of financial certainty, which is important for businesses in the state.

Haine bill creates job opportunities for young unemployed veterans

Written by Haine Staff Tuesday, 22 May 2012 14:46

“They sacrificed for us and our families. It’s only right that we give everything back we can to our veterans.” – State Senator Bill Haine

SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Senator Bill Haine (D-Alton) is pushing legislation that addresses the growing problem of unemployment rates among young returning veterans.

House Bill 4586 creates the Illinois Veteran Conservation Corps to provide veterans with work opportunities for projects designated by the Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to enhance public lands owned or leased by the Department or developing and enhancing projects or initiatives undertaken in whole or in part by IDNR.

Haine pleased with House’s action to cut legislators’ pay and end abused legislative scholarship program

Written by Haine Staff Tuesday, 22 May 2012 10:25

“During these difficult economic times, Illinois businesses and families are being forced to do more with less. It’s important that we are doing the same.”

– State Senator Bill Haine

SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Senator Bill Haine (D-Alton) was pleased with the Illinois House’s decision to take action yesterday to cut legislators’ pay and end the state’s legislative scholarship program.

The measure (House Bill 3188), co-sponsored by Senator Haine, requires legislators to take 12 unpaid furlough days and freezes state officials' salaries, resulting in a salary decrease of about 5 percent. The salary freeze applies to lawmakers, the governor, lieutenant governor, comptroller, attorney general, secretary of state, treasurer, state's attorneys, state agency directors and members of boards and commissions.

SIUE terrorism threat leads to legislation; bill to be sent to governor

Written by Haine Staff Tuesday, 22 May 2012 10:20

“The punishment needs to fit the crime for these types of very serious threats. The individuals who commit these crimes should be treated like mass murderers.” – State Senator Bill Haine

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Criminals convicted of attempting to commit terrorism will spend more of their sentences behind bars under legislation passed out of the Senate today by Illinois Senator Bill Haine (D-Alton).

Inspired by the case of a Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) student convicted of attempting to make a terroristic threat, House Bill 5121 limits the amount of “good-conduct” credit that can be earned by an individual sentenced for such a heinous crime.

“The punishment needs to fit the crime for these types of very serious threats,” Senator Haine said. “The individuals who commit these crimes should be treated like mass murderers.”

Haine fights to bring reforms to Illinois’ homicide laws

Written by Haine Staff Thursday, 17 May 2012 16:43

“If a wrongful death occurs in Illinois, our prosecutors should have the jurisdiction to bring the offender to justice.” – State Senator Bill Haine

SPRINGFIELD, IL – In light of a recent court case dismissal of a man facing a 30-year prison sentence for drug-induced homicide charges, State Senator Bill Haine (D-Alton) is sponsoring legislation that would ensure criminals who provide illegal drugs to victims of overdose can be punished accordingly.

Haine’s legislation, House Bill 3499, is an initiative of Madison County State’s Attorney Thomas Gibbons who requested quick action. Since the court ruling, Haine’s staff has been working closely with Madison Country felony prosecutors to draft the bill.