Last month, I met with state and county officials to discuss the progress of flood relief efforts in the 43rd District. Representatives from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency have since compiled a complete damage assessment of Will County, including the 43rd District. This damage assessment provided the documentation that was necessary to support a request for federal relief.

On May 10, President Obama officially declared Will and 10 other counties disaster areas due to the severe storms and flooding that occurred between April 16 and May 5. That declaration opens the door for residents to receive federal assistance.

If your home was damaged due to flooding, you may begin the process of applying for disaster relief immediately. If you have flood insurance, please make sure that you have contacted your insurance agent first. Only damages that are not covered by insurance can qualify for Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster assistance. To register for FEMA assistance, call (800) 621-3362 or visit www.disasterassistance.gov. More information on qualifications and eligibility for can be found here.

FEMA representatives suggest that anyone seeking additional relief help register online for FEMA assistance. FEMA will then come out to survey the damage and determine if the applicant qualifies. Although FEMA does not duplicate insurance, home and business owners with flood damage may be eligible for grants or low interest loans.

FEMA representatives are available to answer all questions and accept registration information from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily at (800) 621-3362.

As always, if you have questions on the disaster relief effort, or any other matter, please do not hesitate to call my office at (815) 207-4445.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Pat McGuire (D-Joliet) last week passed legislation in the Senate that imposes stiffer penalties on repeat domestic battery offenders.

"This legislation sends a message that the more often abusers do harm, the more time they'll spend in jail," Sen. McGuire said.

House Bill 958 increases the penalties for domestic battery from a Class 4 felony with a one-to three- year prison term to a Class 3 felony with a two-to five-year prison term upon the offender's fourth domestic battery conviction. The penalty then increases to a Class 2 felony with a three-to seven-year prison term for all subsequent convictions if the offender has four or more domestic battery convictions.

"Four domestic battery convictions show a pattern which must be stopped," McGuire continued. "This bill will remove abusers from their victim's lives for a longer period. As a result, victims of abuse will have the time and protection needed to stay safe."

Carolyn Kahn of Bridges to a New Day, an organization that provides prevention, intervention and educational services for victims of domestic violence, believes that this strengthening of the current law will send a clear message to domestic abusers.

"This bill makes a strong statement for domestic abuser accountability," Kahn said. "Domestic violence has a negative effect on not only victims but also their children and our society as whole."

Representative Emily McAsey (D-Lockport) sponsored the legislation in the House, which passed it without opposition earlier this year. McGuire received unopposed passage of the bill in the Senate as well. Upon signature of the governor, the bill will become law.

It was a deep honor today to welcome Lt. John Batusich of the Lockport Fire Department to the 20th Illinois Fallen Firefighter Memorial ceremony. Lt. Batusich, a member of Fire Fighters Local 1544, traveled to Springfield with his wife, two sons and parents to accept the Medal of Honor. He was one of only eight firefighters statewide to receive this esteemed award.

Lt. Batusich was awarded the Medal of Honor because, on the night of Nov. 28, 2012, he happened upon a house fire on Caton Farm Road in Crest Hill. He was off duty but, acting on instinct, Lt. Batusich forced his way in and carried 89-year-old Dorothy Dumyahn out of the burning house.

At the firefighter memorial ceremony, Lt. Batusich was congratulated by Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon. She thanked Lt. Batusich for his heroism and expressed her admiration for his rushing into the burning home with no protective equipment, on his off day.

Tragically, Mrs. Dumyahn had been assaulted before her home was set on fire and died as a result. However, Lt. Batusich's selfless actions helped investigators gain a sworn confession from Mrs. Dumyahn's killer.

After the ceremony, Lt. Batusich and his family were seated in the Senate gallery, and I had the opportunity to welcome him as a "true Illinois hero" and visitor to the Senate. Members of the Senate rose and gave Lt. Batusich a heartfelt and most well-deserved ovation.

On Friday, the House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 1170. This legislation, introduced in the Senate by State Senator Pat McGuire, helps the Illinois Department of Natural Resources recover some of the costs from investigating illegal hunting that has taken place in other states.

IDNR spokesman Marc Miller hailed the measure, which passed both chambers without opposition. It now awaits the governor's signature.

PREVIOUS: VIDEO: McGuire discusses hunting legislation

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Pat McGuire (D-Joliet) issued the following statement after he voted against gaming expansion yesterday:

"We fought hard to keep the vote below the 34 needed to override a veto by the governor, and we did. I appreciate so many colleagues understanding that the market for casino gaming is limited. Allowing more casinos threatens communities like Joliet, which took the risk 20 years ago of bringing gaming to Illinois. I hope Governor Quinn realizes that and vetoes this bill--as he has its two forerunners."

The bill narrowly passed out of the Senate. It will now be sent to the House for Representatives for further action.