2025 Memorial Day Wall of Remembrance at Illinois State Capitol
This Memorial Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedom. Their courage, devotion, and selflessness will never be forgotten. My Republican colleagues and I gathered at the Illinois State Capitol on Thursday to unveil the 2025 Memorial Day Wall of Remembrance, a tribute to the brave men and women from Illinois who gave their lives in service to their nation. This solemn display serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of our liberty and the heroes who paid that price.
Bill to Cap Property Tax Hikes and Protect Illinois Homeowners
With property tax bills arriving in mailboxes across Illinois this past week, I’m proud to co-sponsor Senate Bill 2246 to cap annual increases in home assessments to the rate of inflation—unless a property has been improved—to protect homeowners from sudden, overwhelming tax hikes.
Families are already struggling with rising costs and higher interest rates. Unexpected spikes in property taxes push many to the breaking point, forcing some to delay retirement, skip home repairs, or even consider leaving the state.
This bill also stops municipalities from bypassing these protections, ensuring fairness and predictability for all homeowners. Illinois families deserve real solutions, not more bureaucracy or excuses. It’s time to put homeowners first and give them relief from skyrocketing property tax bills.
Too Many Local Governments Driving Up Illinois Property Taxes Illinois has over 7,000 government entities – the highest in the nation! This is another reason that our property taxes are so high. The inefficiency and overlap of all these governments waste taxpayer dollars and create unnecessary bureaucracy. Most residents live in so many layers of government that it is hard to keep track of the property tax bill. Lawmakers have previously failed to cut this bureaucracy. It is time to get serious about real reform. I will champion the simplification of government while reducing waste and lowering taxes. Read more here.
Illinois Senate Republicans Urge Governor Pritzker to Protect Care for Vulnerable Illinoisans
I’m urging Governor Pritzker to reverse his proposed $32 million cut to services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This cut would slash 900,000 care hours, put nearly 10,000 people at risk, and eliminate hundreds of jobs—especially in rural areas. Families are already struggling, and this cut would push many to the breaking point, risking a return to institutional care. This week, my Republican colleagues and I sent the Governor a letter demanding he restore this vital funding and protect vulnerable Illinoisans.
Senate Republicans Unveil Plan to Combat Rising Energy Bills
With energy prices rising again, I’m calling for immediate action to protect Illinois families from even higher utility bills. This summer, Ameren customers could see their monthly bills jump from $37 to nearly $46, while ComEd customers may pay over $118. These increases are tied to capacity shortages and the consequences of failed energy policies. Families are already overwhelmed by the rising cost of living.
That’s why I’m co-sponsoring a legislative package to improve energy reliability and lower costs across our state:
- Senate Bill 1234: Establishes a task force to examine how current state policies, including the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), are affecting energy prices and reliability
- Senate Bill 1235: Repeals the forced 2045 shutdown of coal and natural gas plants and allows for new gas peaker plants to meet demand
- Senate Bill 1236: Streamlines the Illinois EPA’s permitting process to fast-track new energy projects, like the long-delayed Lincoln Land Energy Center in Pawnee
These are smart, necessary reforms to ensure families have access to dependable, affordable energy.