Illinois State Senator Martin Sandoval (D-Chicago) stood with fellow Senator Michael Frerichs in passing the state’s first comprehensive set of standards for hydraulic fracturing, often referred to as “fracking.”

“We are seeking to regulate this industry before Illinois experiences any of the problems that other states have had,” said Sandoval, a member of the Senate Licensed Activities Committee.

Fracking is an increasingly controversial process for extracting natural gas that involves injecting water and chemicals into the ground to force out the gas. In other states, the process has been tied to contamination of drinking water and other environmental concerns. At the same time, the natural gas extraction industry is primed to create jobs and assist in boosting the nation’s energy independence.

Senate Bill 3280 requires oversight and regulation of fracking by the Department of Natural Resources. Specifically, fracking operators would be required to provide the department with a complete list of the chemicals used in the hydraulic fracturing process before beginning work. The proposal requires that fracking wastewater pits be lined to prevent leakage into groundwater.

Illinois State Senator Martin Sandoval (D-Chicago) joined with his colleagues in passing a balanced budget for the state.  The measure, approved by both the Senate and the House of Representatives is now on the governor’s desk waiting for his signature.

“During the budget address earlier this year, Governor Quinn proposed cutting $150 million from state support of public schools.  That was unacceptable,” said Senator Sandoval. “I worked with the appropriations committee to ensure that we found the dollars to fund education at an adequate level.”

The state budget that was sent to the governor focuses on preserving funding for education and pays down old bills.

“I have, and will continue to work to ensure the financial situation in Illinois is turned around. We have focused on funding priority programs that are necessary to the people of Illinois,” said Sandoval.

The budget also ends the practice of the state underfunding key budget lines and stringing out social service providers at the end of the budget year.

To ensure college students were also not left holding the bag, the fiscal year 2014 budget includes an additional $2 million for the MAP program.

Illinois State Senator Martin Sandoval (D-Chicago) has supported a measure sponsored by Senator Jim Oberweis that will bring Illinois’ speed limit in line with other states and increase it to 70 miles per hour.

 Senate Bill 2356 increases the maximum speed limit to 70 mph on all interstates and toll highways. Currently, there are 34 other states with speed limits of 70 mph or higher. All of Illinois’ neighboring states, except Wisconsin, have speed limits of 70 mph.

At the request of the Illinois State Police, this measure will also raise the penalties for speeding from a petty offense to a misdemeanor. 

 “There are exceptions written into this legislation,” said Sandoval. “Cook County, the collar counties, Madison County and St. Clair County will be able to opt out of this law if they are able to pass a local ordinance.”

Sandoval represents the 11th Senate District which includes the neighborhoods of Brighton Park, Clearing, Gage Park, Garfield Ridge, West Lawn, and West Cook municipalities of Bedford Park, Burbank, Cicero, Forest View, Lyons, McCook, Stickney, Summit and Riverside.

State Senator Martin Sandoval (D-Chicago) hosted Sara Reschly, Director of Community Partnerships (far left) and members of the Brighton Park Neighborhood Council (BPNC) organization in Springfield last week, to discuss expansion of the Parent Mentor Program.

“I’ve seen the benefits of the Parent Mentor Program,” said Sandoval. “It has made a positive impact in the lives of children and parents who have participated.”