State Senator Ed Maloney (D-Chicago) noted the conclusion of the General Assembly’s 97th spring session by looking at the Senate’s accomplishments as well as his individual achievements.

“I am pleased we were able to pass the budget this year effectively, using our ‘budgeting for results’ approach rather than a lump sum spending bill as we have in the past,” Maloney said. “Having heard testimony in Appropriations Committee hearings from all key state agencies and then funding those agencies with both results and revenue in mind gives us a far more comprehensive budget plan than in previous years, with realistic spending cuts incorporated.”

Senator Maloney also noted the workers’ compensation system reform that passed with bipartisan support in the Senate then passed on a second vote in the House, observing that the negotiations and compromises achieved could mean more reform is still possible in fall veto session.

While Senator Maloney wrapped us spring session this week passing bills on expanding renewable energy and pressurized oxygen safety, the bulk of his work this session focused on education. Maloney served on the bipartisan Education Reform Committee that successfully produced this year’s historic reforms that will mean better qualified teachers in classrooms and potentially less distracting teachers’ union bargaining rights regarding strikes.

Other key education measures led by Senator Maloney this spring included performance-based funding for higher education institutions, expanding access to college planning programs for students who may not be familiar with the college admission or financial aid process. Another measure increases safety on college campuses by requiring sex offenders who are students or employees are registered with campus security as well as local law enforcement.

As chair of the Senate’s Higher Education Committee, Maloney has also called for a special subject-matter hearing over the summer break regarding some troubling audit findings for Chicago State University.

“CSU President Dr. Wayne Watson has indicated his willingness to attend such a hearing,” Maloney said. “His tenure began during the audit process, and his administration has made progress in responding to and correcting several of the findings. He wants an opportunity to demonstrate that progress and address any remaining issues and I look forward to getting this resolved.”

Senator Maloney chairs the Senate’s Higher Education Committee, and is a former school administrator and teacher. He has been engaged in a number of education legislation efforts regarding access, completion, performance-based funding, tuition, and scholarship programs in Illinois since he joined the Illinois Senate in 2003.