Sen. Mark Walker

Amends the Personnel Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Illinois Enterprise Zone Act. Provides that businesses that intend to establish a new wind power facility in Illinois may be considered "high impact businesses" and qualify for certain occupation tax exemptions. Exempts businesses that intend to establish new wind power facilities from provisions of the Act requiring applicants for designation as high impact businesses to provide the Department with (i) the prospective plan for which 1,500 full-time jobs would be eliminated if the business is not designated and (ii) proof of alternative non-Illinois sites which would receive the proposed investment and job creation if the business is not designated, and from provisions of the Act concerning revocation of high impact business status. Requires payment of prevailing hourly wages.

Amends the Public University Energy Conservation Act. Provides that "energy conservation measure" includes construction of a new building or facility that is designed to reduce energy consumption or operating costs.

Urges the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to provide health benefits programs that pay for services from local mental health providers and to educate mental health providers on post-traumatic stress disorders.

Encourages the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs to cause private health care providers to be reimbursed for their costs associated with the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder sought by veterans and to provide the resources necessary for private health care providers to seek continuing education in the effective diagnosis and treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Resolves that special funds in the State treasury that are dedicated for purposes concerning veterans shall not be subject to sweeps, administrative charge-backs, or any other fiscal or budgetary maneuver that would in any way transfer any funds from such special funds into any other fund of the State.

Creates the Joint Committee on Government Reform to stand ready to work with the Governor and others to restore integrity to State government.