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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

Before lawmakers returned to Springfield on March 5, members of the Senate Subcommittee on Capital met in Edwardsville to discuss capital and infrastructure needs throughout southern Illinois. In other news, a number of controversial gun measures have been introduced in the General Assembly and the Illinois State Board of Education will begin implementing a shorter version of the highly-criticized PARCC

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