Today the governor signed legislation, sponsored by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield), that makes it much easier for everyone to recycle computers, cell phones and other electronic devices.

"This new law is a big step in the right direction for recycling efforts in Illinois," Morrison said. "Recycling is one of simplest and easiest ways that we can help improve our environment. We should always strive to make it easier for people to recycle."

The law requires the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to publish the mailing addresses of sites devoted to collecting recyclable electronic devices, so that people will be able to conveniently find their nearest recycler.

“Boats can weigh thousands of pounds and go 30, 40, 50 miles per hour or more. We require people who drive cars to get licenses. It only makes sense to ask people who operate powerful boats to have some safety training.” - Senator Julie Morrison

SPRINGFIELD – A series of new laws designed to make Illinois’ rivers and lakes safer for everyone was signed by the governor today. The most important part of the water-safety package is a plan to require boat operators to obtain safety certificates, which will function much like driver’s licenses.

“Boats can weigh thousands of pounds and go 30, 40, 50 miles per hour or more,” said State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield), who sponsored the law. “We require people who drive cars to get licenses. It only makes sense to ask people who operate powerful boats to have some safety training.”

The new law, originally Senate Bill 3433, will phase in safety certificates over time by exempting anyone born before 1990. It also exempts commercial fisherman, who already have to obtain specialized licenses. Renters will not need certificates, but they will have to take a brief safety course from the rental agency before they can take their boats out. The law only applies to boats with more than 10 horsepower motors.

Today I had the wonderul opportunity of meeting Kim Sang-II, the Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Chicago.

Yesterday I had the wonderful opportunity of attending groundbreaking ceremonies at both Deerfield High School as well as Highland Park High School.

Two of my summer interns, Danny Goldberg and Lily Zacharias (pictured left), helped me break ground for these projects.

Danny Goldberg is an incoming senior at Deerfield High School and is interested in international relations as well as political science. Danny is currently one of the varsity hockey captains, lacrosse captains, student council representative, physical education leader and the news editor of the school newspaper. He hopes to one day have a career in either law or politics.

Lily Zacharias, incoming senior at Deerfield High School, is interested in political science and international relations. She is currently on the leadership team of the Deerfield High School Model United Nations team and is the president of the Deerfield High School Straight and Gay Alliance. Lily hopes to one day pursue a career involving political or international diplomacy.