Protecting Our Local Economy
Chicago had fewer licensed businesses operating in 2024 than during any year in the past decade, with a 17% decline since 2015. While urban areas like Chicago struggle with shuttered storefronts and declining business activity, our rural communities know how vital small and family-owned businesses are to keeping local economies strong.
That’s why I am working on advancing legislation that makes it easier for businesses to not only stay but grow here in our district — reducing the property tax burden, cutting red tape, and encouraging investment that supports both large employers and our mom and pop shops.
My work is aimed at making the 53rd District a place where businesses can thrive, families can find opportunities close to home, and our neighborhoods remain strong and safe.
Pritzker Signs HB 460, Expands College Aid to Non-Citizens
Bad bill alert! Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed House Bill 460 into law, expanding access to taxpayer-funded scholarships, grants, and stipends to include illegal immigrants, who are ineligible for federal aid.
Senate Republicans argue the measure diverts limited financial resources away from Illinois families and redirects them to individuals who are not in the country legally. They contend the law places undocumented immigrants on the same footing as citizens who work, pay taxes, and follow the rules, even as many Illinois students struggle to keep up with the rising cost of higher education.
With Illinois families already burdened by some of the highest taxes in the nation, they will now be forced to subsidize college aid for individuals who are not citizens.
I voted against the legislation earlier this year, emphasizing that federal law withholds student aid from non-citizens, and that HB 460 sidesteps those protections by using state dollars instead.
The law also creates a carve-out for individuals who refuse to register for Selective Service, including transgender individuals. This provision weakens compliance with federal law, undermines fairness, and raises questions about national defense obligations.
I believe that at a time when Illinois families are under financial strain, HB 460 prioritizes benefits for illegal immigrants and those who avoid Selective Service over the very citizens the state is supposed to serve.
IDOT Hiring Seasonal Help
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is gearing up for winter and looking to add seasonal help through its annual Snowbird program. These temporary positions help keep the more than 45,000 lane miles safe and clear during snow and ice events.
IDOT is hiring both full-time temporary Winter Salaried Highway Maintainers and hourly Snow Removal Operators. The monthly pay for full-time temporary positions begins at $6,044, while hourly snow removal operators start at $27.79 per hour.
Applicants must hold a valid Class A or B commercial driver’s license with proper endorsements and no airbrake restrictions. Employment is contingent on passing a physical exam, vision test, drug and alcohol screening, and background check. Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.
Job seekers can search by county to find openings in their area, but are encouraged to apply quickly since postings are removed as soon as local positions are filled.
More information about openings, requirements, and the hiring process is available through IDOT at illinois.gov.