I hope you had a good weekend! Although session has officially concluded, I am still working hard on legislation to make Illinois more transparent, affordable, and a great place to live. Now that I am back in the district and not in Springfield, you may see me around more at my local events or around town! Please let me know if you ever need anything.
This week’s topics include:
- Spring Session Comes to a Close
- District Highlight – Mr. Jim Tallman Band Director at Washington Community High School
- You’re Invited: Free Community Health Fair in Watseka
- Legislation to Eliminate Foreign Language Requirement in High School Heads to the Governor’s Desk
- Legislation to Increase Transparency on Utility Bills Passed Unanimously
- Illinois Flash Index Shows Signs of Stability
Spring Session Comes to a Close
After months of committee hearings, floor debates, and negotiations, the Illinois General Assembly officially concluded its spring legislative session in the early morning hours of June 1. During this session, I worked alongside my colleagues to consider legislation affecting families, students, businesses, and communities across our state. Hundreds of bills passed both the House and Senate and are now awaiting further action. To help keep you informed about the work completed this spring, I have included a link below to the full list of bills that passed both chambers during the 2026 spring session. View the full list here.
You’re Invited: Free Community Health Fair in Watseka
Residents are encouraged to attend this year’s FREE Community Health Fair for access to valuable information, helpful guides, and on-site resources from a wide range of state, county, and local service agencies.
This event is designed to connect community members with services that support health, wellness, and everyday needs. Whether you’re looking for public health information, family resources, or assistance navigating state programs, representatives will be available to help answer questions and provide guidance.
In addition, staff from the General Assembly will be on hand throughout the event to assist constituents with state-related concerns and help connect individuals with the appropriate offices and services.
Event Details:
- Date: Wednesday, June 10
- Time: 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
- Location: Watseka Schools Unit 9 Office, 1411 W. Lafayette St., Watseka
This is a free, community-focused event open to all residents. We hope to see you there!
Legislation to Eliminate Foreign Language Requirement in High School Heads to the Governor’s Desk
I cosponsored SB 3070, an education bill that will provide tremendous relief to high schools across our district. Back in 2021, Illinois passed a state law requiring students to complete two years of foreign language coursework, as a condition of graduation, beginning in 2028.
SB 3070 will allow school districts to establish a counselor-guided exemption process for students under certain circumstances. The process would involve students, parents, and school counselors working together to review how an exemption could affect future college admissions and career opportunities before a decision is made.
The legislation has now passed both the House and Senate and is headed to the Governor’s desk for consideration. As the bill continues through the final stages of the legislative process, I encourage residents to stay informed and learn more about how the proposed changes could impact students and families across Illinois. You can read more about the bill and its progress here.
Legislation to Increase Transparency on Utility Bills Passed Unanimously
Illinois consumers will soon have a clearer understanding of the fees and surcharges included on their monthly utility bills, thanks to legislation that passed the Senate unanimously.
House Bill 5524 requires the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) to compile information on electric utility fees and surcharges and make that information publicly available in a clear and accessible format.
Under the legislation, information regarding charges collected through electric utility bills will be compiled and reported, including identifying amounts that are remitted to the state and amounts retained by utilities. The goal is to provide consumers with a clearer picture of how their utility bills are structured and where their money is going.
House Bill 5524 passed the General Assembly unanimously and now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature.
Illinois Flash Index Shows Signs of Stability
I always keep a close eye on economic indicators that help tell the story of where Illinois is headed. Although the index increased slightly in May by 1/10 of a point, our state is falling way behind the nation average.
The Illinois Flash Index is a widely watched measure of the state’s economic health. While any number above 100 represents growth, our state could thrive if we reduced taxes and made Illinois a welcoming place for large and small businesses. I have multiple pieces of legislation to accomplish this goal and I will push hard to make it happen.