TODAY – Join us for a Live End of Session Town Hall!
Today, Monday, July 21st at 6:00 p.m. I will be joined by State Representatives Dennis Tipsword and Jason R. Bunting to discuss the spring legislative session, share updates from Springfield, and answer your questions. We hope you join us on our Facebook live!
You can still watch the live town hall even without a Facebook account! Just paste the link below into your browser. When the pop-up appears asking you to log in, simply click the “X” in the top right corner to close it.
You will then still be able to view the event page, and the livestream will start right at 6 PM! You can also share this with your friends! Click here.
Illinois Ranks Last for Financial Transparency
In a recently released report, Illinois was dead last in the country concerning financial transparency when compared to all 50 states. Researchers with Truth in Accounting, who put out the report, claim Illinois’ ranking can be highlighted by the state’s delay in publishing its fiscal year 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports. That report was meant to be published by June 30, 2024, but the Illinois Comptroller’s Office has only released an “interim” version.
The Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports are meant to be one of the most accurate ways to view the state’s financial outlook. While the 2023 report remains incomplete, the state’s 2022 report included a disclaimer of opinion, meaning auditors were unable to ensure the financial statements were free of material misstatements. This raises further questions about the state’s fiscal accountability.
I believe this report is yet another reminder of Illinois Democrats’ inability to provide basic transparency to taxpayers. I also think that timely and accurate financial reporting is essential for building trust with the public and for making sound budgetary decisions. Illinois will continue to struggle with credibility and fiscal stability until Illinois Democrats take financial responsibility seriously.
Summer Rate Hikes Hit Customers’ Wallets
Earlier this year, Ameren and ComEd announced summer electricity rates would increase significantly. These increases are the result of energy grid capacity auctions and the ongoing strain on Illinois’ power supply.
Senate Republicans say the blame for the current rate hikes and supply issues in Illinois’ energy sector lies squarely with failed policies pushed by Democrat lawmakers that have forced reliable power plants offline and blocked construction of new ones.
To fight back, I am calling for the passage of our energy legislative package when the General Assembly returns for its fall Veto Session. The legislative package would:
- Create a task force to examine how state energy policies are impacting prices and reliability (SB 1234),
- Repeal the forced closure date for fossil fuel plants and allow new peaker plants to be built (SB 1235), and
- Cut permitting delays that have stalled projects like the Lincoln Land Energy Center (SB 1236).
In the meantime, Illinois residents looking for ways to reduce their energy usage and lower their monthly bills can visit the Senate Republican Caucus’ Energy Savings FAQ page.
Illinois Sends Search and Rescue Team to Texas
In the aftermath of the deadly flooding in Texas over the Fourth of July weekend, an Illinois Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team has been deployed by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS). Illinois is one of around two dozen states offering aid to Texas.
Thirty-nine rescuers from various fire departments are part of the team sent to Texas under a mutual aid agreement among states, in place since 1996. This mutual aid agreement has led to thousands of aid deployments after hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and other disasters.
The Illinois team departed on July 11, 2025, and is expected to remain there for up to two weeks.
ComEd Customer Relief Fund
Economic hardships happen from time to time. ComEd, understands this so they have set up a fund to assist their customers, their neighbors essentially, during tough times. The new Bill Payment Assistance Program provides grants of up to $500 for income-eligible customers whose accounts have a past due balance. This program also provides grants of up to $1000 for qualified non-profit organizations customers with a past due balance. Click the link here to learn more about the program and to apply.