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Despite the looming end of the regularly scheduled spring legislative session with its scheduled May 31 adjournment rapidly approaching, it appears a great deal of work remains on several controversial issues.

Controversy continues to swirl around Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s plan to legalize the recreational use of marijuana for adults in Illinois, while it appears a great deal of work remains on several other pressing issues that will also affect the state budget, with just two weeks left in the spring session.

Controversy surrounding Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s plan to legalize recreational cannabis dominated the week, while a MAP grant expansion proposal that could cost current college students tuition assistance also generated headlines.

On May 1, the Democrat-majority voted to advance legislation proposing to change the income tax structure in Illinois.

A number of pieces of legislation have recently passed the Illinois Senate including a bill to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, a measure that would help fund pediatric cancer awareness, and a measure aimed at ensuring Illinois schools receive property tax money committed to them.

In an effort to make the roadways safer for Illinois’ public

As we continue into a new legislative session, there seems to be a disturbing change when it comes to criminal justice policy proposals in Illinois.

A Senate committee advanced a controversial graduated income tax plan during the week, while the full Senate passed a number of bills to the House ranging from regulations to prevent deadly ethylene oxide leaks, to rules that would secure classrooms in the event of an armed intruder, and a bill to help ease the teacher shortage.

Citizens and advocacy groups from across the state crowded the Capitol during the week, voicing their support or opposition to hundreds of bills currently being considered by lawmakers.

State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) joined several members of the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus to unveil a measure seeking to protect the middle class and give them a voice in safeguarding their hard-earned money.

Senate Committees met throughout the week, considering a wide variety of legislation ahead of the March 22 deadline to move Senate Bills out of committees. From controversial measures, like a proposal to repeal parental notification for abortions, to legislation that would target fentanyl, and a measure to protect victims in sexual harassment cases, many pieces of legislation were considered in Senate committees this week.

Before lawmakers returned to Springfield on March 5, members of the Senate Subcommittee on Capital met in Edwardsville to discuss capital and infrastructure needs throughout southern Illinois.

Ratings agencies gave Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s budget proposal the cold shoulder this week, noting a dependence on one-shot revenues, an uncertain pension proposal and punting on real fiscal progress.

Illinois’ new Governor outlined his spending plan for the coming year, and a controversial minimum-wage measure has been signed into law. Also during the week, an environmentally-minded legislative package, which has gained bipartisan support, would offer communities greater protections from ethylene oxide.

On Feb. 23, newly-elected Governor JB Pritzker delivered his first-ever budget address before members of the General Assembly.

Just weeks into the start of spring Legislative Session, the Senate voted on a Democrat initiative to incrementally increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour – a plan that could have huge repercussions for employers across the board, including public universities, school districts, and not-for-profit organizations.

On February 7, a costly 15 dollar minimum wage increase to be phased in over the next 6 years was passed out of the Senate.

Every ten years after the U.S. Census is taken, Illinois redraws its Congressional and Legislative District maps. The current process allows the politicians to draw their own legislative districts taking the people totally out of the process. This then makes legislators beholden to their leaders who draw their districts not to the people they represent. While this has worked well for politicians in the past, it has not for the people of this state. Recently, I signed on as a sponsor for Senate Joint Resolution-Constitutional Amendment 4 that would give voters the opportunity to amend the Constitution...

Senate lawmakers braved the cold in Springfield this week as they returned for their second week of session starting Jan. 29. The Senate convened again Jan. 30-31, despite the Governor issuing a disaster proclamation due to the onslaught of artic temperatures.

Senate Republican Committee assignments were announced for the new 101st General Assembly, warming centers can provide help managing the predicted bitterly cold weather across the state and its tax filing season.

A new Administration transitioned into power this week with Governor J.B. Pritzker being sworn into office on Jan. 14. Also during the week, the Senate Republicans underwent their own transition, announcing new and continuing appointments to their leadership team.

State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) will continue his role as Senate Deputy Republican Leader, having recently been reappointed to this key leadership position by Senate Republican Leader Bill Brady.

"It was an honor to attend the swearing-in of the new chief executive of the State of Illinois. I look forward to working with Governor Pritzker on the issues important to the people of Northern Illinois...

Illinois lawmakers gathered in Springfield this week for the final days of the 100th General Assembly, Senate Republicans voted for Bloomington Senator Bill Brady as Leader of their caucus, Gov. Bruce Rauner issued a progress report in the last week of his administration, and the state received a $3.7 million early childhood education grant...

I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve the people of Northern Illinois. I’m also honored to have been asked to continue to serve in the role of Deputy Republican Leader. Illinois is facing some major challenges, but with the fundamentals in place in Illinois...