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A new state law aimed at reducing classroom distractions will require Illinois public schools to restrict student cellphone use beginning with the 2027-2028 school year. Under Senate Bill 2427, public school districts and charter schools must adopt policies prohibiting students from using cellphones and other wireless communication devices during the school day. The law includes exceptions for students who need

A federal district court recently struck down several Illinois laws that provided in-state tuition rates and financial assistance to noncitizens. In United States v. Illinois, the federal government argued that Illinois law conflicted with a federal statute prohibiting states from offering residency-based higher education benefits to noncitizens unless the same benefits are made available to all U.S. citizens, regardless of

House Speaker Chris Welch recently pledged to lead an effort during the fall veto session to provide additional state funding for Chicago Public Schools (CPS), renewing debate over how Illinois should invest in public education. While additional investment in public education remains a priority, Senate Republicans maintain that any new funding should be distributed through Illinois’ Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) formula,

State and federal health officials are reporting a significant increase in cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora. As of July 16, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) had reported 277 confirmed and probable cases in Illinois. Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had received reports of 1,645 cases since May

Residents, businesses, and eligible nonprofit organizations in several northern Illinois counties can now apply for low-interest federal disaster loans following the severe storms and tornadoes that struck the region in June. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued a disaster declaration for Bureau, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, LaSalle, Lee, Livingston, Marshall, McHenry, Putnam, Will, and Woodford

Illinois consumers will soon have a clearer understanding of the fees and surcharges included on their monthly electric utility bills thanks to a new law signed by Governor Pritzker. I co-sponsored House Bill 5524 requires the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) to compile information on electric utility fees and surcharges and make that information publicly available in a

Following recent ethics investigations and public corruption allegations involving members of the Illinois House Democratic Caucus, Senate Republicans are continuing their push for a package of legislation designed to strengthen ethics laws, increase transparency, and restore public trust in state government. The renewed push comes after one House Democratic lawmaker resigned following an ethics investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct,

CHERRY VALLEY – State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Cherry Valley) released the following statement after reports that the Chicago Bears plan to move forward with stadium development in Hammond, Indiana: “For the past six months, Republicans have urged Governor Pritzker and Democratic legislative leaders to take the Bears stadium issue seriously. Instead, they repeatedly dismissed concerns and operated under the assumption that

Legislation to improve government transparency and another to help recognize the service of veterans in Illinois have passed both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly. House Bill 2137 requires local governments, counties, and municipalities with existing public websites to provide and post information on how to access audit and financial reports through the Illinois Comptroller’s Office. This legislation is intended

Illinois consumers will soon have a clearer understanding of the fees and surcharges included on their monthly utility bills, thanks to legislation that passed the Senate unanimously. House Bill 5524 requires the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) to compile information on electric utility fees and surcharges and make that information publicly available in a clear and accessible format.