News

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.  New DCFS requirements seek to better

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. Strengthening Scott’s Law 2019 will be a year the Illinois State Police

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. In Illinois, there is a bipartisan legislative Sportsman’s Caucus that raises money to help fund outdoor sportsman’s programs. “After hearing about this program at the Belvidere

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. In other news, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency is offering holiday safety tips, the Attorney General’s office has released its annual Safe Shopping Guide, and

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. In other news, the recent cold weather and the late harvest have led to a propane emergency across the Land of Lincoln. Meanwhile, AAA predicts a busy week of travel for Thanksgiving, while the Illinois

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. Senate Republicans stood up for true bipartisanship in the composition of a committee to examine the state’s ethics laws, and several ethics-related proposals were introduced. Also during the week, a pension consolidation measure

A full agenda awaits legislators when they return to the Capitol Nov. 12 for the final week of the fall Veto Session, and time is running out to take advantage of Illinois’ one-time-only Tax Amnesty Program.    In other news, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the state Department of Public Health have teamed up on a winter weather preparedness

The Senate Republican Caucus took action this week to restore public trust in an honest and ethical state government by introducing a legislative proposal to ensure independent investigations of members of the General Assembly. Currently, except in cases alleging sexual harassment, the Legislative Inspector General (LIG) must get advance approval from the Legislative Ethics Commission (LEC) before opening an investigation

An ambitious multi-year, multi-billion-dollar plan for road and bridge construction was launched during the week, while the battle against opioid deaths continues, and the state improves educational opportunities for both students and teachers. Meanwhile, final preparations are being made for the fall Veto Session that starts Oct. 28. Billions for roads and bridges The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) took

During the upcoming fall veto session, during which they generally take actions on bills vetoed by the Governor, Illinois lawmakers could also be asked to consider a proposal to consolidate suburban and downstate pension plans, and new bills being filed by lawmakers. The fall veto session is scheduled for Oct. 28-30, and Nov. 12-14. As Veterans Day approaches, Senate Republicans