Conroy Passes Legislation to Support Domestic Violence Shelters, Local Governments

To support critical local needs and vital social services, state Rep. Deb Conroy, D-Villa Park, championed legislation to release funding for local governments, 9-1-1 services, law enforcement training and domestic violence shelters.

“Domestic violence victims, first responders and our municipalities have been held hostage by the governor’s budget impasse,” Conroy said. “After months of fighting for these critical services that help ensure the safety of our communities, the House approved this measure with bi-partisan support.”

Conroy supported Senate Bill 2039, which provides local municipalities with the funds collected from the motor fuel tax and other taxes. Local governments depend on these funds for many local services, including salting roadways during the winter months.

The Conroy-backed measure also provides funding for domestic violence shelters, the Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund (LIHEAP) to help low-income families and senior citizens pay their heating bills, 9-1-1 services and other critical services. The legislation also releases funding for lottery payouts and Adult Education programs.

“Although this is a step in the right direction, we cannot continue to ignore the thousands of residents that are suffering because of the governor’s budget impasse; seniors that rely on Meals on Wheels and residents that rely on mental health services continue to be held hostage without a state budget,” Conroy said. “I will continue to fight to put people before politics and work towards a balanced approach to solving the critical challenges facing our state.”

Senate Bill 2039 signed into law by the Governor on Monday.