Republicans Spotlight Illinois’ Struggles as Democrats Convene in Chicago
This week, Democrats from across the nation are gathering in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention, an event that has drawn on local, state, and federal taxpayer resources to host and safeguard the thousands expected to flock to Illinois’ largest city.
As Democrats prepare to tout what they have “delivered” in Illinois, on Friday I joined three of my Senate Republican colleagues for a press conference where we scrutinized the real impact of Democratic policies on the state.
Click here to view the full press conference, and click here to view my comments.
As the cost of living continues to soar, many families are struggling to afford basic necessities such as groceries, childcare, and daily essentials. Lawmakers pointed out that despite these challenges, the administration has raised taxes by $1 billion to fund $1 billion in spending on programs for non-citizens.
During the press conference, lawmakers highlighted Illinois’ reputation as one of the least tax-friendly states in the country. They expressed frustration that as families struggle to make ends meet they face higher taxes rather than relief, making Illinois an increasingly difficult place to live and work. They also noted that Illinois now has the third-highest unemployment rate in the nation, yet state leadership continues to impose job-killing taxes, further compounding financial hardships.
Public safety was another major concern raised by legislators. Since 2019, major crimes in Chicago have surged nearly 60%, with an 18% increase in the past year alone. Legislators criticized Pritzker’s “catch and release” policies, which they say have led to the release of dangerous offenders, putting communities at risk.
Lawmakers also expressed disappointment over the recent decision not to extend the Invest in Kids scholarship program. This program provided thousands of students from low-income families with opportunities to attend schools that better meet their educational needs. The decision to end it, they argued, has left many families scrambling to find alternatives as the new school year begins.
Legislators called for a reevaluation of state priorities, urging the administration to focus on the needs of Illinois residents rather than on policies they believe are failing to address the state’s pressing issues.
New Law Provides Flexible Daycare Scheduling Options to Working Families
A new law is providing increased flexibility for working parents by expanding daycare scheduling options for shift employees. I was a proud to support this bill.
Senate Bill 3207 authorizes daycare centers to operate 24 hours a day and allows care for children for up to 12 hours if the parent works in a position requiring regularly scheduled shifts. A 10-hour break must occur between daycare visits.
This initiative was inspired by the need for a more adaptable childcare system to support shift workers. The law is not intended for children to be in daycare for 24 hours straight but rather to offer essential flexibility for caregivers and the working parents they serve.
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is tasked with adopting the necessary rules to implement and administer this new system. The bill received unanimous support in both the Senate and the House of Representatives and is set to take effect on January 1, 2025.
Upcoming Events in the 33rd District
My staff will be in Carpentersville this morning from 10:00 AM until 12:00 noon for traveling office hours. If you are having an issue with an Illinois agency or department, let the constituent services experts from my office help! Please mark your calendar for these other upcoming events:
- August 24: Prescription Drug Drop-Off: West Dundee Police Department, 555 S 8th St, West Dundee, Time TBA
- September 5: Senior Expo: Dundee Township Rakow Center, 665 Barrington Ave, Carpentersville, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- September 9: IPASS on Demand: Algonquin Village Hall, 2200 Harnish Drive, Algonquin, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- September 17: Senior Expo: St. Charles Pottawatomie Park (Community Center), 8 North Avenue, St. Charles, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- September 21: Shred Event: 1865 Andrew Blvd, Pingree Grove, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- September 24: I-CASH Unclaimed Property Day: Algonquin Village Hall, 2200 Harnish Drive, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- October 15: Senior Expo: Crystal Lake Park District Grand Oaks Building, 1401 W. Route 176, Crystal Lake, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Please visit the Events Page on my website to learn more about these and other events.
Pesticide Notification Legislation Signed into Law
A new law I supported will now require government entities to notify residents when spraying pesticides near their homes. This legislation aims to help families plan and take necessary precautions, such as keeping children indoors or covering outdoor items like plants and pools, when pesticides are applied in their vicinity.
Senate Bill 3342 mandates that government applicators, or those contracted by the government, must provide public notice before applying pesticides on public rights-of-way within municipal borders. The notice will also include contact information for the applicators. The law specifically excludes farmers, private individuals spraying their own property (including businesses), and applicators working on private property from these requirements.
This law, designed to enhance government accountability and protect public health, was signed into law on August 9th.
Small Equipment Grants Now Available
The IL State Fire Marshal grant portal is now open for applications for the Small Equipment Grant Program. Grants of up to $26,000 are being provided for the purchase of small equipment by a fire department, fire protection district, township fire department, or not-for-profit ambulance service. All interested departments should send an application to the office of the State Fire Marshal electronically or postmarked no later than October 1, 2024. Learn more: Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal
Bill to Protect Local Motorcycle Dealerships from Costly Manufacturer Mandates Signed into Law
Legislation aimed at reducing burdens on local motorcycle dealerships and addressing costly manufacturer mandates has been signed into law. I was happy to support this bill.
House Bill 4925 amends the Motor Vehicle Franchise Act to prevent vehicle manufacturers, distributors, or wholesalers from requiring motorcycle dealers to make costly improvements to their facilities.
The law is designed to protect smaller dealers from incurring significant expenses due to mandates from manufacturers, easing the financial pressure on small businesses in Illinois. Additionally, the legislation ensures that aspects of the manufacturer-dealer relationship are not contingent on the dealer complying with potentially unreasonable demands from manufacturers.
This new law, which supports the competitiveness of motorcycle dealers and their ability to serve the people of Illinois, was signed into law on August 9 and takes effect immediately.