News

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 increase.    As the spring legislative session gets underway in earnest, a number of new pieces

On Feb. 6, State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) was honored by the Stateline Chamber of Commerce at their annual Awards Gala. Senator Syverson proudly received the Cyndy Fogarty Lifetime Achievement Award at the event. The award is given to a leader within the Rockton-Roscoe area who has made a significant positive impact on their community.  In accepting the award, Sen.

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 Also, a recently filed piece of legislation seeks to repeal the outdated Firearm Owners Identification Act.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

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

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

A new year could mean big changes for the state of Illinois. Illinois’ population decline continues to be a cause for concern as Illinois entered a new decade with nearly 160,000 fewer residents. Also this week, the state’s Comptroller announced that her office will no longer help cities collect fines for red-light camera violations. In other news, the first phase

As a new year begins, Illinois residents may be interested to learn about several notable new laws that take effect January 1. The new laws kicking off 2020 cover everything from recreational cannabis sales, to ensuring children are receiving adequate healthcare. Recreational cannabis sales begin January 1 Starting January 1, Illinois will join 10 other states and the District of

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