Greetings, this week’s newsletter highlights some key topics you won’t want to miss!
This week’s newsletter includes the following topics:
- Veto Session
- Nuclear Power in Illinois
- Veterans Wall
Legislators Return to Springfield for Fall Veto Session
This week, legislators will return to Springfield for the fall Veto Session, set for October 14th–16th and October 29th-30th. During this time, lawmakers will review bills vetoed or amended by Governor Prtizker, and we may also see the return of several major proposals that were stopped at the end of the spring session.
One proposal we are keeping an eye on is the Transit Bill, which is a billion-dollar bailout for Mayor Brandon Johnson that would have handed control of the transit board to Chicago while forcing suburban taxpayers to foot the bill. Other proposals included a $1.50 delivery tax on nearly every package dropped at your door, a new service tax on essentials like haircuts and home repairs, and a “mom and pop” tax on digital ads that would have punished family-run businesses just trying to reach customers.
Fortunately, we were able to stop these measures for now, but if they return, they’ll drive up costs for families, threaten local jobs, and hurt the small businesses that keep our communities strong. I fought to stop these proposals once, and I’ll continue working to protect taxpayers and small businesses from these burdens.
As we approach Veto Session, I am keeping in mind that thirteen million people are depending on us, as leaders, to move our state forward. While I remain committed to standing firm on my principles, we can best achieve results by lowering the temperature of our political conversations, building bridges with one another, and working together to find common-sense solutions that benefit our communities. My goal is to focus on collaboration and results, even when debates are heated.
Standing Firm on Principles
As we approach Veto Session, I am keeping in mind that thirteen million people are depending on us, as leaders, to move our state forward. While I remain committed to standing firm on my principles, we can best achieve results by lowering the temperature of our political conversations, building bridges with one another, and working together to find common-sense solutions that benefit our communities. My goal is to focus on collaboration and results, even when debates are heated.
Moving Forward on Nuclear Power for a Reliable Illinois
Illinois’ energy future depends on taking bold steps now. Our latest data shows that in 2023, Illinois consumed roughly 130 million megawatt-hours—or about 130 gigawatts—of electricity, with data centers projected to account for 20% of usage by the 2040s and 2050s. To meet this growing demand while keeping our energy reliable and clean, we must move forward on nuclear power. I am co-sponsoring SB 1527, which would repeal the current moratorium and allow nuclear construction to begin in Illinois. Advancing this legislation is essential to securing a stable, sustainable energy future for our state.
Submit Info for Veterans Day Wall of Honor Display by October 24
The members of the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus are once again hosting their annual Veterans Day Wall of Honor display at the Statehouse, from October 28 to November 13, providing families across Illinois with an opportunity to pay tribute to their loved ones who courageously served our nation.
The memorial will feature a large electronic display of veterans and their stories, along with a wall where visitors can write notes of thanks to those who served.
I am encouraging friends and families to submit a photo and written story (max: 250 words) along with the following information: name, military branch (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, National Guard, Navy) and conflict served (Afghanistan, Iraq, September 11, Gulf War, Vietnam, Korea, WWII, WWI, Peacetime, other). Military photos are preferred but not necessary.
Please email submissions to veteransday@sgop.ilga.gov by October 24, to be included in the Veterans Day Display at the Illinois State Capitol. Submissions can also be mailed to Veterans Day Wall, 110 D Statehouse, Springfield, IL 62706. For questions, please call (217) 782-1154.
