KUDOS

     Kudos to the Conference of Women Legislators (COWL) for its Scholarship Award Program, which helps mature women who are seeking to earn college degrees.

     COWL created the program as part of its mission to promote economic independence, community service and leadership development.

     Each grant will be $2,500. Applications can be downloaded at www.cowlil.com. Applications must be postmarked by April 9 and should be mailed to P.O. Box, 10161, Springfield, IL  62791. Call 217-725-4911 for more information or e-mail questions to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Senator Bill Brady welcomes members of the Bloomington-Normal Hotel and Lodging Association to the Capitol February 24 as part of the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association’s Legislative Day activities.

Pictured here are (from left) Jeff Pritts of Marriott, Michelle Bobulski of Marriott, Sarah King of Marriott, Senator Brady; Rachel Bedeker, vice-chair of the Bloomington-Normal Hotel and Lodging Association; Ray Ceresa of Eastland Suites and Conference Center, and Gary Wilson of Doubletree Hotel.

KUDOS

Kudos to all the central Illinois individuals and groups that come to the State Capitol and talk with me and other state officials about the issues important to you! On February 17, I met with members of McLean County Chamber of Commerce Leadership group. I appreciate them taking the time to meet with me.

Kudos to the City of Normal for receiving a $22 million federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery grant for its uptown transportation center.

FORMS AVAILABLE IN OFFICE

The new Form IL-1363 – for Illinois Cares Rx for senior citizens or persons with disabilities – is available in my legislative office. Please call 309-664-4440 or stop by 2203 Eastland Dr., Suite 3, in Bloomington.

GOVERNOR WILL DELAY BUDGET SPEECH UNTIL MARCH 10

Illinois lawmakers advanced controversial legislation this week that will postpone the Governor’s annual budget message until March 10.

The Budget Address was originally scheduled for February 17, but Governor Pat Quinn asked for more time, saying it would allow him to gather more accurate revenue estimates for the next fiscal year, which starts July 1.

Senate Republicans dispute the Governor’s claim and say that delaying the address will further defer action on the state’s mounting fiscal crisis.