New Energy Law Removes Rate Protections for Families
In a sweeping change to Illinois energy policy, Governor Pritzker has signed into law a new policy that eliminates long-standing limits on how much utility companies can raise electric rates. The law opens the door to significant increases in future bills and directs large sums of money toward experimental energy programs that may offer little relief to consumers.
The law also weakens local control by allowing large battery storage facilities to be placed as close as 150 feet from homes and farms. Many families and community leaders are concerned about safety, property values, and the lack of local input. I voted against this measure when it came before the Senate during Veto Session.
At that time, several of my colleagues and I warned that the new mandates, higher costs, and reduced oversight will make energy less affordable and reliable. Families already struggling with high utility bills may face even greater financial pressure as a result of this law.
Lawmakers Set to Return to the Capitol for Spring Session
With Senators set to return to the Capitol on January 13 for the start of the spring legislative session, I am renewing calls for a change in direction following actions taken during the fall Veto Session that have made life more expensive and more difficult for Illinois families and businesses.
During Veto Session, the majority party advanced several controversial measures despite ongoing concerns about affordability and the rising cost of living. Those measures included a sweeping transit bailout for Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City of Chicago, a major tax increase on Illinois businesses and manufacturers, and a new energy omnibus package expected to drive up utility rates statewide.
I firmly believe that the General Assembly needs to shift the focus toward policies that provide real relief for working families and job creators throughout the state. Addressing the affordability crisis here in Illinois must be a top priority as lawmakers return to Springfield.
Spring session kicks off this week and is scheduled to run through the end of May.
JCAR Accepts Safety Protocols for Department of Corrections Mail Processes
I serve on the state’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR), and on Friday JCAR accepted permanent rules for the handling of inmate mail at our Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) facilities.
As you may have heard, there have been multiple instances where incoming mail for inmates had been laced with dangerous drugs and/or poisons. Substances, including synthetic cannabinoids and other illegal drugs, were found to have been sprayed or soaked into paper, making them hard to detect and dangerous for both incarcerated people and to staff. A recent report from IDOC showed almost 700 non-fatal overdoses among incarcerated people and an additional over 400 staff exposures to drugs.
To address the problem, IDOC will implement a mail scanning program at all prisons. Rather than receiving physical paper mail, inmates will receive scanned copies of their mail to prevent the flow of illegal drugs and increase safety.
Following the JCAR decision, my Republican colleagues and I from JCAR issued the following joint statement:
“As members of JCAR, we are pleased to see steps finally taken to curb the flow of illicit drugs into our correctional facilities.
“For far too long, the Department has allowed preventable drug exposure incidents to endanger the health and safety of correctional officers and inmates. We have repeatedly called on IDOC and the Pritzker Administration to take action and implement meaningful safeguards to protect those who live and work in these facilities.
“With these rules now in place, we hope IDOC leadership follows through on their pledge by fully implementing the mail-scanning protocols outlined in the regulations.”
2026 Valentines for Seniors Underway in 33rd District
My 2026 Valentines for Seniors card drive is off to a great start! To brighten the days of seniors and make sure they know they are a valued part of the community, I am asking students from public and private schools, church groups, scouting organizations and other groups to create homemade cards and drawings that will be delivered to assisted living centers, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities across the 33rd Senate District during the week of Valentine’s Day. Individual residents across the district are also invited and encouraged to participate.
Cards and drawings can be mailed to or dropped off at my district offices in West Dundee and St. Charles between now and February 6. My office staff and I will personally deliver the cards and drawings on your behalf the week of Valentines Day.
Valentines can be dropped off or mailed to:
West Dundee Office
641 S. 8th St.
West Dundee, IL 60118
St. Charles Office
406 Surrey Woods Drive, Suite A
St. Charles, IL 60174
If you are interested in participating or have any questions, please contact Abby at amccarthy@sgop.ilga.gov.