Governor Signs DeWitte, La Ha Measure Prioritizing Inclusive Park Projects Across Illinois
I am thrilled to report that beginning in 2027, when state grant dollars become available for local park improvement projects, priority will be given to proposals that incorporate inclusive designs and recreational opportunities for children of all ability levels. My Senate Bill 3016 was signed into law Friday by Governor JB Pritzker.
SB 3016 is based on legislation originally introduced by State Representative Nicole La Ha (R-Homer Glen), who championed the effort to ensure Illinois park grants better recognize projects that go beyond minimum accessibility standards. While Representative La Ha’s proposal passed the House last year, it stalled in the Senate before reaching the Governor’s desk. I reintroduced the measure this year, helping advance the legislation through the Senate and to the Governor for his signature.
Representative La Ha deserves tremendous credit for recognizing that our state can do more to encourage inclusive park design. Her vision was simple but impactful, because when communities compete for limited grant dollars, projects that create opportunities for children of all abilities to play together should receive greater consideration. I was proud to help move her proposal across the finish line.
Specifically, the new law updates Illinois’ Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant program to prioritize projects that exceed federal accessibility standards when demand for grant funding exceeds available resources. It does not increase state spending or expand the program. Instead, it directs the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to give additional consideration to projects that expand accessibility and inclusive recreation opportunities when evaluating grant applications.
Since its creation in 1986, the OSLAD program has awarded approximately $640 million in grants for park acquisition and development projects throughout Illinois.
Legislative Ethics Commission to Release Report in Former Democratic Lawmaker Investigation
On July 23, the bipartisan and bicameral Legislative Ethics Commission voted unanimously to release its report regarding a complaint filed against former Democratic State Representative Harry Benton. The Legislative Ethics Commission consists of eight legislators, with two members each appointed by the President and Minority Leader of the Senate and the Speaker and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.
Before the report is made public, state law requires both the complainant and the respondent to have an opportunity to review the report, suggest redactions to protect privacy, and submit written responses. The Commission expects that process to be completed and the report to be published by the end of July.
Senate Republicans have repeatedly called for stronger ethics laws that increase transparency, strengthen the independence of ethics investigations, and restore public confidence in state government.
Illinoisans deserve a government they can trust, and the forthcoming report is another reminder that Illinois must continue working to improve its ethics laws. Senate Republicans remain committed to advancing reforms that promote accountability, strengthen public trust, and ensure all public officials are held to the highest ethical standards.
House Special Investigating Committee Sets Hearing Following Ammons Indictment
The Illinois House Special Investigating Committee is scheduled to hold its first hearing on August 6 following the federal indictment of Democratic State Representative Carol Ammons.
Ammons faces 10 federal felony charges, including wire fraud, making false statements to federal investigators, and obstruction of justice. The charges stem from allegations that she participated in a scheme involving campaign funds and state grants.
As of July 23, Ammons remained in office and was still listed as a Democratic member of the Illinois House representing the 103rd District.
Every Illinoisan should be able to expect honesty, integrity, and accountability from those elected to serve them and that Illinois cannot continue to accept ethics scandals as business as usual.
For years, Senate Republicans have pushed for stronger ethics laws aimed at addressing corruption and misconduct in state government. Those efforts have included proposals to strengthen bribery laws, close ethics loopholes, expand anti-corruption investigations, increase transparency, and prevent conflicts of interest.
August Events Taking Shape for District 33 Constituents
My staff and I are putting the finishing touches on some beneficial outreach events for August, September, and October. Three separate senior fairs are included in the offerings.
Up next on the calendar is an ICASH/Unclaimed Property Event that will be held on August 4 in South Elgin. Unclaimed assets include bank accounts, uncashed checks, funds from inheritances, insurance benefits, utility deposits, stock dividends, and more. Visitors can meet individually with a counselor from the Treasurer’s Office to search the database, learn about the claims process, and receive assistance filing claims. I hope to see a large turnout at this popular event.
Please mark your calendar now for these upcoming events:
- August 4: ICASH/Unclaimed Property Event in South Elgin
- August 19: Senior Fair in Carpentersville
- September 12: Document Shredding Event in Elgin
- September 15: Senior Fair in St. Charles
- October 14: Senior Fair in Crystal Lake
All of these events are listed on the Events page of my website with full details. Additional events are added regularly, so please visit my Events page regularly to learn about new events as they are added to the schedule.
New Laws Support Illinois Veterans and Service Members
Three new laws have been signed to better support Illinois veterans and service members by making it easier to return to college after military service, strengthening recruitment for the Illinois National Guard, and improving access to mental health resources for veterans. I was proud to support all three of these bills when they came before the Senate.
The new laws include:
- SB 3737 – Ensures students returning from military leave can be readmitted to Illinois colleges and universities without unnecessary delays, helping them continue their education and work toward earning a degree.
- SB 3818 – Creates a peer referral program for the Illinois National Guard that encourages current Guard members to recruit qualified individuals, helping strengthen military readiness across the state.
- SB 3926 – Transfers the Breakthrough Therapies for Veteran Suicide Prevention Program Advisory Council to the Illinois Department of Public Health, providing greater administrative support as the council continues evaluating emerging treatments to help prevent veteran suicide.
All three laws will take effect January 1, 2027.
New Report Highlights Challenges Facing Illinois Job Creators
A new report from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) found that Illinois small business optimism continues to lag behind the national average, reflecting ongoing concerns about the state’s business climate.
According to the Illinois Small Business Economic Trends report, the state’s Small Business Optimism Index scored 97.3 during the winter of 2025-26, 1.2 points below the national average. While Illinois businesses reported stronger current inventory levels, they also experienced lower earnings and fewer job openings compared to businesses nationwide.
The report also found that taxes remain one of the top concerns for Illinois small business owners. More than 23% of respondents identified taxes as their single most important problem, compared to 17.3% nationally. Business owners also cited regulatory burdens and the cost of operating in Illinois as ongoing challenges.
Small businesses are the backbone of Illinois’ economy and play a critical role in creating jobs and supporting local communities. The report underscores the importance of policies that encourage investment and create an environment where small businesses can grow and succeed.