News

Small businesses looking to keep workers on the payroll have a new option in the Paycheck Protection Program. Starting now, small businesses may apply for loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) that will be forgiven loans for businesses that keep all employees on the payroll for eight weeks. Money must be used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.

With the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases growing daily, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has announced that he will be extending the state’s disaster proclamation for 30 days. This is the second disaster declaration issued by the Governor in hopes of combating the ongoing COVID-19 health issue. 

Illinois' current income tax filing deadline is April 15. Recently, the federal government has already pushed back the income tax filing deadline from April 15 to July 15. 

With the Governor having recently issued a stay-at-home order lasting until Tuesday, April 7, I wanted to reach out to make you aware that constituent services are still available through both my Springfield and Rockford offices via phone and e-mail.

In an effort to increase the number of medical personnel available to handle increased patient loads at Illinois hospitals, a call has been issued to former doctors, nurses, physicians assistants, nurse practitioners, and respiratory care therapists who have recently left the medical field to join the fight against COVID-19.

The Governor has issued a stay-at-home order starting at 5 PM Saturday, March 21, until Tuesday, April 7. We want to make sure you understand what this means for you and dispel some rumors you may have heard.

In light of ongoing concerns and questions surrounding COVID-19, we’ve pulled together information on a number of topics that impact daily life.

In light of ongoing health concerns surrounding the coronavirus/COVID-19 health crisis, Illinois’ Governor issued a Disaster Proclamation in Illinois this week, which will allow the state to access additional federal resources to combat the pandemic.

On March 3, State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) received the Jim Guilinger Legislative Award from the Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education (ILCAE) for his support of agricultural education and FFA student programs.

State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) continued his calls for a balanced budget during the week, seeking to ensure that K-12 education funding is not held hostage by a costly income tax.

State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) is one of only four state legislators with a 100 percent voting record on the 2019 Legislative Scorecard released by the Technology and Manufacturing Association (TMA).

Gov. J.B. Pritzker unveiled his budget proposal in an address before the General Assembly on Feb. 19, seeking $1.6 billion in new spending which relies on getting the Governor’s income tax increase approved.

State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) was cautiously optimistic following the Governor’s annual Budget Address of February 19, noting his concerns that the budget proposal calls for $1.6 billion in new spending and holding funding for critical priorities contingent on the approval of his tax increas

On Feb. 6, State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) was honored by the Stateline Chamber of Commerce at their annual Awards Gala.

During the week, the first $50 million of the $420 million dedicated to statewide broadband Internet expansion was released along with information to apply for this grant. Also, a recently filed piece of legislation seeks to repeal the outdated Firearm Owners Identification Act. Tax season is here and the Illinois Department of Revenue is reminding taxpayers to take full advantage of the Illinois and Federal Earned Income Tax Credit. Aiming to showcase the wide range of items made in Illinois, the Illinois Manufacturers Association (IMA) is hosting a contest to pick the “coolest thing made in Illinois.”

A major issue with the state’s Automatic Voter Registration program made headlines during the week, raising questions about the integrity of Illinois' elections. As the legislature gears up for the spring session, and the process of filing new legislation begins, Senate Republicans continue to push for fair maps. Meanwhile, a new law ends the practice of suspending driver’s licenses for not paying fines, and January is "Blood Donor Month."

In the wake of federal indictments, raids and elected official resignations, a special legislative panel heard testimony during the week on how to address ethics and lobbying legal loopholes. In other news, January is Human Trafficking Awareness month in Illinois, an effort to combat the exploitation of hundreds of Illinois children each year. Meanwhile, the Illinois State Police is extending their application period for potential cadet candidates.

A new year could mean big changes for the state of Illinois.

As a new year begins, Illinois residents may be interested to learn about several notable new laws that take effect January 1.

As people throughout Illinois prepare to ring in a new year, the Senate Republican Caucus is continuing to highlight new laws that will take effect as the clock strikes midnight on January 1. The new laws kicking off 2020 cover everything from protecting children under DCFS care to safeguarding individuals’ privacy and personal information.

As 2019 comes to a close and we prepare for a new year, several notable laws take effect January 1 that Illinois residents may want to know about. The new laws kicking off 2020 cover everything from transportation safety and increased traffic penalties, to supporting our military personnel.

The Belvidere Park District runs a special summer recreation camping program for special needs teens, giving them the opportunity to experience the outdoors while learning and enjoying the basics of camping, fishing and boating.

A recent report ranks Illinois low in fiscal transparency, and as a new decade looms, lawmakers must commit to improving the state’s system of drawing legislative boundaries to limit undue influence from politicians and special interests.

Illinois continues to move toward a brand-new industry launching statewide, as state government continues to prepare for the sale of recreational cannabis beginning January 1.

The fall Veto Session came to a close during the week with the final days’ main focus firmly on combatting the ethics problems currently plaguing the state.