Springfield, Ill. – Bee keepers across Illinois are buzzing with anticipation that legislation to ease restrictions on their industry has passed the Illinois Senate with a vote of 50-2 on March 12, according to State Sen. Dave Luechtefeld (R-Okawville). 

Senate Bill 2959 will ease cumbersome regulations on small bee keeping and honey producing farms. The Department of Public Health currently regulates honey as a product under the Illinois Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Bee keeping advocates argue that “unadulterated” honey should be treated like fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds for selling purposes at farmers markets across the state.

Springfield, Ill. –  Legislation sponsored by State Sen. Dave Luechtefeld (R-Okawville), concerning veterans’ licensing for Department of Natural Resources permits was approved by the Illinois Senate on March 12. 

Senate Bill 384 will allow veterans who are applying for free hunting, fishing and camping permits to mail their applications to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Springfield headquarters. Currently, veterans are required to present the proper qualifications in person at the DNR building.

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Springfield, Ill. – Governor Pat Quinn’s budget proposal will likely be met with a lot of opposition, according to State Sen. Dave Luechtefeld (R-Okawville).

“The Governor’s Fiscal Year 2011 plan, introduced today will likely not be the one that will be approved by the General Assembly,” Luechtefeld said. “Governor Quinn’s budget as introduced shows a $4.7 billion deficit, without discussing many specifics on how to account for the shortfall.”