News

Springfield – The 2016 spring legislative session came to a close on May 31 as scheduled, but many issues remain unresolved – including and most-importantly – a complete and constitutional state budget. Like 2015, the summer installment of legislative activity is about to begin in the coming days and weeks. Last Minute Shenanigans In the final hours of the scheduled

SPRINGFIELD – On the day the Democrats triedto pass a budget with a looming $7 billion projected deficit, Democrat lawmakers also passed a 40 percent pay raise to employees of the Community Care Program and certain Developmentally Disabled facilities. “No one doubts the important role these workers play in providing quality healthcare,” said State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Rockford). “But at

Springfield, Ill. – Tensions were high in the Statehouse this week, as the four legislative caucus leaders continue to meet with the governor to negotiate an end to the ongoing budget stalemate. However, a compromise remains elusive, and while Republican lawmakers stress they are trying to remain optimistic a final budget can be negotiated before the May 31 legislative adjournment

SPRINGFIELD – On Friday, May 27, Senate Democrats once again muscled through a bailout for the bankrupt Chicago school district, instead of working with Republicans to help all Illinois schools, according State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Rockford). “We should be here working on a balanced budget, improving school funding and reforming state government,” said Sen. Syverson. “But instead we’re voting on

SPRINGFIELD – With the end of the spring legislative session less than one week away, and the state operating without a budget for nearly 12 months, House Democrats have walked away from budget negotiations, intent on trying to ram through another unbalanced budget filled with empty promises. “Our schools don’t know if they will be able to open on time

SPRINGFIELD, IL – It was a rollercoaster week in the Illinois Statehouse, beginning with the Governor’s veto of controversial “binding arbitration” legislation. Though the atmosphere turned momentarily hopeful with talk of momentum on a potential budget compromise that would include reforms pushed by Republican lawmakers and the Governor, Democrats are still seemingly reluctant to fully embrace commonsense reforms—continuing to focus

SPRINGFIELD – State Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) is reminding residents about upcoming changes to the process of renewing driver’s licenses and state-issued ID cards. By the end of July, driver’s licenses and ID cards will not be issued at the end of the application/renewal process. People will be given temporary secure paper licenses and ID cards, which will be valid

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Democrats narrowly rammed through legislation purported to represent school funding reform, despite analysis from the state school board showing that plan was little more than a thinly-veiled bailout for Chicago schools. The bill faces an uncertain future in the House of Representatives, where lawmakers are currently reviewing other options. However, lawmakers did come together to pass a

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Democrats narrowly rammed through legislation purported to represent school funding reform, despite analysis from the state school board showing that plan was little more than a thinly-veiled bailout for Chicago schools. The bill faces an uncertain future in the House of Representatives, where lawmakers are currently reviewing other options. However, lawmakers did come together to pass a

SPRINGFIELD – State Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) voted with a strong bipartisan majority to pass legislation May 12 appropriating $714 million for human service programs.             “This isn’t ideal, it doesn’t represent full funding for these programs, but it’s an important step,” said Sen. Syverson. “We have to make sure programs that benefit our most vulnerable residents don’t close down due