Vienna… Following on the heels of a state audit that showed a drastic increase in overtime hours at Illinois correctional facilities, two southern Illinois lawmakers outlined a plan that would save jobs and money within the Department of Corrections.

State Representatives Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) and Brandon Phelps (D-Harrisburg) discussed their plan outside the Vienna Correctional Center on Tuesday.  Governor Pat Quinn recently announced a series of layoffs at prisons throughout Illinois as part of his Fiscal Year 2010 budget cuts, including 50 layoffs at Vienna.   

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Economic Stimulus Plan Will Create Nearly 500,000 Jobs

Springfield… After several years of back-and-forth debate in Springfield, Illinois lawmakers finally approved passage of a $26 billion capital jobs program to create jobs and improve the state’s aging infrastructure system.

State Representative Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) voted for the capital jobs program because of the major projects included for southern Illinois.

“We’re dealing with serious economic problems and people throughout Illinois are hurting,” Bost said. “Capital will give our economy a much-needed shot in the arm. It will put people back to work and help improve our roads, schools and communities.”

On Thursday evening, the Illinois House of Representatives approved the capital jobs program, which had previously passed the Senate. The legislation now goes to Governor Quinn for his approval.

“Southern Illinois does very well under the new capital program,” said Bost. “SIU will benefit tremendously from capital. And DuQuoin will finally get the $10 million for school construction that they’ve been waiting on for seven years. This is a great bill for our area.”

Among the many projects being funded by the capital jobs program are the following:

• $56 million to build the Transportation Education Center (TEC) at SUI
• $18 million for the renovation of Morris Library at SUI
• $4 million for the renovation and addition to the Communications Building at SUI
• $10 million to DuQuoin CUSD 300 for school construction
• More than $100 million for road and bridge improvements throughout the 115th District

Listen here to hear Mike on working with the new governor.

In light of the serious federal criminal charges filed against Governor Rod R. Blagojevich, I am currently co-sponsoring House Resolution 1644 calling for impeachment proceedings to begin immediately against Governor Rod R. Blagojevich.

Please join me in demanding that Speaker Michael Madigan immediately initiate impeachment hearings in the Illinois House by adding your name to the petition by clicking here.

For information on flooding, visit IEMA’s website by clicking here.

For information on low interest loans for flood victims, visit IL Treasurer’s website by clicking here.

Or call the Flood Hotline at 1-866-523-0641.

Carbondale, IL….State Representative Mike Bost today attended a meeting of the Clean Coal Review Board to discuss clean coal projects around Illinois and to reaffirm the board’s commitment to the Future Gen project.

“As a member of the Clean Coal Review Board, I voted today to pledge $2 million to support construction of the FutureGen project and an additional $500 million for the development of a Future Gen related research consortium. Despite the fact that the federal government reneged on its promise to bring Future Gen to Illinois – we have not yet given up the fight,” said Bost.

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Hi! I’m State Representative Mike Bost. Thanks for visiting my new website!

Here you will find the latest news and happenings around Springfield and at home in Southern Illinois.

Because I am your voice in Springfield, I need your input on a wide variety of topics. I will on occasion post survey questions looking for your opinion.

I also need to be able to report back to you progress on important issues being debated and what I’m currently working on to make life better for our families. It is my hope that this website will enable us to communicate on a more frequent and immediate basis.

If you need assistance, have suggestions for legislation or just want to leave a comment, please do not hesitate to drop me an email using this website. As always you can stop by my district office at 300 East Main Street in Carbondale or give my district office a call at 618-457-5787.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve you.

Mike Bost

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