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SPRINGFIELD – As Illinois’ budget impasse extends into the new year, and the need for comprehensive restructuring and reform grow increasingly critical, Republican legislative leaders and the Governor continue to offer reform proposals intended to help right the state’s fiscal course. On Jan. 21, Republican legislative leaders joined Gov. Bruce Rauner in endorsing a pension reform plan that would save

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Illinois Senators returned to the Capitol for the first time after their holiday recess, and as the 2016 legislative session officially begins, many of the issues from 2015 still remain, according to State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Rockford). Senate Republicans are taking a stand against the scourge of human trafficking by adding some much-needed publicity to the worldwide

Springfield, IL – As Illinois is now in its seventh month into the fiscal year without a state budget, based on legislative archives, this has been the longest time without a complete and constitutional, twelve month state budget since at least 1970. While the lack of a budget at the start of the fiscal year is a serious disappointment, 2016

2015 saw its first Republican governor in 12 years–ushering in a new sense of bipartisanship that has challenged the status-quo and made reforming state government a top priority. While Senate Republicans continue to push for passage of a balanced budget for this fiscal year and reforms that will boost Illinois’ economy and create jobs, there were many legislative achievements this

Gov. Bruce Rauner and legislative leaders – minus House Speaker Michael Madigan – continued negotiations during the week regarding the state’s ongoing budget impasse and while a budget deal wasn’t reached, it was described as a “good” meeting. Meanwhile, a recent report shows Illinois’ unfunded pension liability continues to grow, now at $111 billion. The state received good news during

A bipartisan compromise that passed the Illinois Senate this week and was signed into law by Gov. Bruce Rauner means local governments will receive funding to help them salt icy roads this winter, local 9-1-1 centers will be able to continue to provide vital services, and the state’s portion of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will be funded.

SPRINGFIELD – State Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) is reminding drivers that due to the ongoing budget stalemate, residents will not be receiving reminders from the Secretary of State’s office to renew their license plates. According to Secretary of State Jesse White’s office, the move to temporarily stop sending renewal notices is due to the lack of money to pay for

SPRINGFIELD – Funding for local governments, lottery winners, and many much-needed health programs would be restored, under legislation passed Dec. 7 by the Senate, according to State Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford). “This is only a small component of the total budget, but it is an important step forward,” said Sen. Syverson. “This legislation will make sure our roads are plowed

Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner met with the four legislative leaders this week in Springfield to discuss the ongoing budget impasse, although no major progress resulted from the discussion. Progress was made, however, in the Illinois House this week on other issues, as House Speaker Michael Madigan finally allowed a popular, bipartisan initiative to advance that would help fund local governments,

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois’ legislative leaders and the Governor are set to meet Dec. 1 to talk about the state budget impasse, but several factors could delay action on passing a budget until early next year, according to State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Rockford). Also during the week, the state’s ranking has improved in an annual assessment of how states’ tax structures