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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. Once again, Illinois has ranked among the most expensive states for property owners, according to a new report from WalletHub that found Illinoisans pay the second-highest property tax rates in

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. Budget Address Gov. J. B. Pritzker delivered his first Budget Address Feb. 20 to a joint session of

On Feb. 23, newly-elected Governor JB Pritzker delivered his first-ever budget address before members of the General Assembly. State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) issued the following statement in reaction to the address: “While I can appreciate the Governor’s willingness to move forward in a bipartisan manner, I have very real concerns about some of the aspects of his proposal today.

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. In anticipation of the upcoming U.S. Census and the redrawing of Illinois’ Congressional

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.    “With approximately 99 percent of our nation’s businesses being considered a small employer, this is a wage increase that will cost jobs, drive out employers and harm consumers,” said Sen. Syverson. “When considering the

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

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. Plus, a program aimed at helping families save for future college costs could be in deep water, and tax

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. Syverson named minority leader in Senate committees State Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) will serve as the Minority Spokesperson for the Senate Human Services, Insurance and Public Health Committees in

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. Pritzker assumes office A new Administration took control of the Governor’s office this week with recently-elected Democrat Governor taking the Oath

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. “As Illinois government undergoes another transition under new governance, I’m honored to continue to serve in this leadership position,” said Senator Syverson. “I am looking forward to working with the new