Rockford Sun

Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) said legislation related to small wireless facilities looks to the future and a drug-monitoring database is a good directive for doctors. 

The Senate deputy Republican leader said SB1451, a small wireless facilities bill sponsored by Senate Assistant Majority Leader Terry Link (D-Waukegan), and SB772, a drug-monitoring bill sponsored Sen. Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake), were ideal for Illinois while the Senate debated the measures.   

“I know this is always controversial, but it is an important piece of legislation that is really going to make a difference,” Syverson said of SB1451 that promises to bring 5G network capability to even the most remote parts of Illinois while making millennials happy. 

“We talk about the goal of trying to keep young people in Illinois and young people to come to Illinois and one of the things to them that is a huge issue is this technology,” Syverson said.

Can you hear me now will no longer be an issue for Illinoisans, Syverson said.

“When you have this frustration of trying to have your cellphone with one bar, or a hard time trying to download something, it is a frustration to young people who are concerned about it and it makes a difference,” Syverson said.

It’s time for the state to seriously usher in 21st Century cell communication, he added of the bill that will bring 100,000 jobs over seven years.

“There is no reason why Illinois should not be on the cutting edge, and this is going to bring coverage in every community and throughout the whole community where there is dead zones or slow zones,” Syverson said. “This is going to make a significant difference in moving Illinois forward instead of being on the back end technology.”

SB1451 passed on 41-7 in the Senate before the veto session ended.

Syverson also gave his full support to SB772, but before voting yes, shared he his apprehensions of the bill, which is a prescription drug monitoring database program that requires doctors to look at before prescribing opioids.

“I support this legislation, but there has been some concerns because of issues with the pilot program,” Syverson said noting the Department of Human Services is working out the kinks out so the system can be readily accessed by doctors and hospitals.

“I appreciate your help in getting this finalized and we can be rest assured that the system will be capable of handling this when it is up and running,” Syverson said.

SB772 passed the Senate on Nov. 9 on 53-0 vote and was sent to Gov. Brtuce Rauner.