Rep. Bos Picked for Critical Task Force Assignments

LAKE ZURICH - State Representative Chris Bos (R-Lake Zurich) was recently selected by Illinois House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) to serve on two state task forces. They include the Route 53 Expansion Land Alternative Use Task Force, which was created through HJR 6 with Bos serving as a chief House sponsor, and the Protection of Individuals with Disabilities in the Criminal Justice System Task Force.

After decades of feasibility studies and false starts about the possibility of expanding Route 53 into Lake County, the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority has finally determined it is not viable going forward. However, various pieces of land have been acquired by the state over the years and now how to use the land must be determined.

"Regardless of where you fall on the issue of expanding Route 53, it's not happening," said Bos. "Now the issue is to determine the best way forward with the land to benefit the affected communities. Whether that means protecting certain areas for flood mitigation, creating park space, or other uses to create tangible economic benefits for the communities and their residents."

In addition to Bos and other members of the General Assembly, the Route 53 task force will consist of officials from the Illinois Departments of Transportation, Natural Resources and the Environmental Protection Agency, along with Lake County officials and other local organizations, as well as the mayors of Grayslake, Hawthorn Woods, Long Grove and Mundelein. Bos represents all or portions of the four villages directly impacted.

The other task force Bos was tapped to serve on, the Protection of Individuals with Disabilities in the Criminal Justice System Task Force focuses on issues affecting disabled adults and children to ensure their rights, the public and the criminal justice system are protected.

Bos, who has a great deal of experience working with children and young adults, including those who have experienced trauma and need special accommodation said, "When it comes to working with youth interacting with the criminal justice system, especially those with a disability, it is typically difficult to recognize trauma that needs to be addressed. Crafting policies that help us address these issues and ultimately help keep youth from any future interaction with the criminal justice system should be the goal."

That task force, which was first formed in 2019, consists of 28 members with a range of backgrounds such as judges, state's attorneys and public defenders, as well as representatives of organizations who advocate for persons with disabilities, mental health, and youth, in addition to members of the General Assembly and state agencies.

The membership of both task forces, including Bos, serve without any additional compensation. For more information about either the Route 53 Expansion Land Alternative Use Task Force or the Protection of Individuals with Disabilities in the Criminal Justice System Task Force, visit RepBos.com.