Day Camp Counselors May Not Be Subject to the Adult Minimum Wage
Both houses passed House Bill 4583, sponsored by Representative Kathleen Ryg, which amends the Minimum Wage Law so that day camp counselors are not subject to the adult minimum wage if specified requirements are met. The measure also makes deletions to the Minimum Wage Law that limited the scope of the language to day camps of organized not-for-profit corporations. The bill defines "day camp" as a seasonal recreation program in operation for no more than 16 weeks intermittently throughout the calendar year, accommodating for profit or under philanthropic or charitable auspices, five or more children under 18 years of age, not including overnight programs. The term "day camp" does not include a "day care agency," "child care facility" or "foster family home" as licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. The measure was sent to the governor on June 30.
IMRF Pensions and Benefits
Under Senate Bill 1957, the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund's annuitant trustee would have the right to vote on any and all actions before the board of trustees. The bill also increases from four to five the number of concurring votes necessary for every decision or action by the IMRF board of trustees. This amendment to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund Article of the Illinois Pension Code passed both houses and was sent to the governor on June 27.
Defibrillator Grants and Requirements
The governor signed into law House Bill 1058 (now Public Act 95-721) sponsored by Representative Daniel Burke, which amends the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois to provide that the Department of Public Health has the power to make matching grants from the Heartsaver AED Fund to: (i) any school, college or university (instead of any public school, college or university); (ii) any public park district; or (iii) any municipal recreation department; or (iv) any forest preserve district or conservation district to assist in the purchase of an Automated External Defibrillator. The bill removes the requirement that the entity be "required to have" an AED to be eligible for the grant and further provides that any entity applying for a grant shall not receive more than one grant from the Heartsaver AED Fund each fiscal year (instead of per facility). The new law went into effect immediately.
Sales or Leases of Chicago Park District Property
Senate Bill 2788, sponsored by Senator Don Harmon, amends the Chicago Park District Act to allow the Chicago Park District to sell, lease or otherwise convey all or any portion of district-owned property that is used solely and exclusively as office or administrative space. The bill overwhelmingly passed both houses and was sent to the governor on June 27.
Make Sure Your Agency has a Legislative Key Contact
When - and, perhaps, even before - legislators return to the Capitol, your state association may need to remind lawmakers that the voice of Illinois parks and recreation is strong and unified behind such issues as providing open space in any capital budget and keeping proper staffing levels at IDNR.
To make the most impressive impact on legislators, we must show that our message has critical mass. Lawmakers often need to hear from as many agencies as possible. IAPD will coordinate such messages through the new Legislative Key Contact program.
I urge each agency's board to appoint one commissioner or trustee to serve as the agency's legislative key contact. From time to time the association will e-mail all key contacts, urging them to take action (and encourage others in their community to take action) on a specific issue.
Please put it on your next meeting agenda to appoint a Legislative Key Contact who will advocate for responsible public policies to benefit park districts, forest preserves, conservation, recreation and special recreation agencies.
Only you can ensure your agency has a voice in Springfield.
Legislative Key Contact Job Description
The Legislative Key Contact should be an elected official who is interested in the legislative process and in keeping abreast of legislation and its impact on parks and recreation in the Illinois. No legislative experience is necessary, just a willingness to learn and understand the legislative process. The key contact must be willing and able to communicate through e-mail.
Responsibilities of the Legislative Key Contact
- Have agency formally appoint you as the agency's legislative liaison for one year.
- Provide your contact information to IAPD.
- Attend a meeting of all legislative key contacts for orientation and training.
- Attend the IAPD Commissioner Boot Camp.
- Stay informed about new legislation and legislative initiatives and report monthly at your agency board meetings.
- Accept and read legislative updates and alerts from IAPD.
- Attend a local legislative breakfast to become aware of park and recreation issues of importance.
- Attend the IAPD legislative conference in Springfield.
- Work with the agency director to establish positive relationships with local legislators.
- Contact legislators and inform them of important park and recreation issues.
- Encourage agency completion of the biennial Legislative Platform Survey.
- Encourage the attendance of your local legislators at the Soaring to New Heights IAPD/IPRA State Conference and a local legislative breakfast.
- Communicate with and update IAPD about legislative discussions and positions of local legislators that could be beneficial to our efforts in Springfield.
How to Designate Your Agency's Legislative Key Contact
Once your agency has decided which commissioner or trustee will serve as its Legislative Key Contact, go to IAPD's Web site at www.ILparks.org. On the home page, scroll down to the information about the Legislative Key Contact program. There, you will be directed to "click here" to sign up as your agency's Legislative Key Contact. You'll be asked for your contact information so that IAPD can alert you when your help is needed.
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