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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. Also during the week, lawmakers and state officials joined firefighters

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. Also during the week, hunter safety classes could soon be available in Illinois high schools.  Controversial version of cannabis legalization bill filed Gov. Pritzker and Democrat sponsors of Senate Bill

On May 1, the Democrat-majority voted to advance legislation proposing to change the income tax structure in Illinois.  Senate Joint Constitutional Amendment (SJRCA) 1 would place a referendum on the 2020 General Election ballot asking voters if they support moving Illinois from a flat tax to a graduated tax structure. “Since the inception of this proposal, no consideration has been

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. Also, as severe weather season ramps up, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) has announced

In an effort to make the roadways safer for Illinois’ public servants, State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) is sponsoring legislation aimed at educating and reminding Illinois’ drivers about Scott’s Law. Senate Bill 947 would require the Secretary of State to include in each registration renewal notice a reminder of Scott’s Law, which states that drivers should move over and slow

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. When considering some of the measures that have been filed and introduced by members of the Democrat-majority, I’ve noticed a disturbing trend emerge. Alarmingly, much of the legislation being filed seeks to turn the criminals

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. Senate Republicans Opposed Graduated

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. Senators spent many hours debating and voting on legislation – such as measures to combat the opioid crisis and to provide a more affordable alternative to medicine for treating allergic reactions –

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 Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 12 proposes an amendment to Illinois’ Constitution to prohibit the legislature from imposing or raising a state tax or fee except

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