We have some big updates this week. Last week was the final week of Veto Session. Halloween was extra spooky as we were still debating bills Thursday night through Friday at 4:30 a.m. Lots to update you on. I am sorry to bring you bad news on your Monday.
This week’s newsletter includes the following topics:
- Transit Bill
- Assisted Suicide Bill
- New Energy Bill Will Drive Up Our Power Bills
- Decoupling Bill – New Tax Hike
- Statement on Anti-ICE Legislation
- Join Me for a Community Blood Drive Nov. 12
Controversial Transit Legislation Passes General Assembly
The General Assembly has passed a controversial plan that redirects revenue from the state’s motor fuel sales tax, stripping critical funding from Downstate roads and bridges to bail out Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and his failing transit system.
I voted no on Senate Bill 2111, saying the plan raises costs for families who can least afford it and takes more from our communities to cover Chicago’s spending problems. Downstate communities keep Illinois moving. I voted no to protect our roads, jobs, and families. Lawmakers should invest in every region of Illinois, not punish families who already pay more for gas and groceries.
Senate Bill 2111 now heads to the Governor’s desk.
Assisted Suicide Bill Passes General Assembly
I am deeply disappointed following the passage of legislation legalizing physician-assisted suicide in Illinois.
I recently lost both of my parents while they were in hospice care, and I know what it means to say goodbye. Death comes for all of us, but it is not society’s role to promote a premature entrance into it.
I warned that the bill’s language is too broad and lacks proper safeguards.
It allows lethal drugs to be taken home without supervision, requires no mental health evaluation, and opens the door for doctor-shopping. Genuine compassion doesn’t hand someone a way out, it pulls up a chair beside them and says, ‘You are not alone.’ Illinois should be a state that helps people endure — not escape.
New Energy Bill Will Drive Up Our Power Bills
I am raising concerns following the passage of the controversial “Energy Omnibus Bill,” which will increase costs and reduce protections for Illinois families.
Families are already struggling to keep up, and instead of offering relief, this makes things worse. It wipes out the protections that keep energy affordable and gives unelected bureaucrats the power to raise rates with no limits or accountability.
This legislation removes current limits on how much utilities can raise electric rates, handing decision-making power to the Illinois Commerce Commission. With this legislation, there is an estimated $8 billion utility fee increase.
Our power bills are going to go way up. Once those caps are gone, there’s nothing stopping bills from going through the roof. Families will pay more, local control will be stripped away, and reliability will suffer. Illinoisans deserve a break, not another bill that makes life more expensive. Affordability must come first.”
I am urging lawmakers to start prioritizing policies that protect consumers, preserve local control, and maintain reliable, affordable energy for working families across Illinois.
SB 25 now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature.
Springfield Democrats Push New Tax Hike Disguised as “Decoupling”
In the early hours of the morning, Springfield Democrats advanced a controversial proposal to “decouple” Illinois from federal tax relief measures designed to help businesses recover and grow. The Democrats’ plan, which effectively raises taxes on businesses, manufacturers, and other job creators, is being criticized as another short-sighted tax grab that threatens jobs, investment, and working families across the state.
Senate Bill 1911 would “decouple” Illinois from historic federal relief efforts, which Republican lawmakers warn would make Illinois even less competitive at a time when other states are cutting taxes and attracting new investment.
Currently, Illinois faces one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation, and Senate Republicans say this new tax hike would only make matters worse. Every other state competing for factories, jobs, and new facilities is offering incentives to build, but decoupling sends a clear message that Illinois is closed for business.
Governor Pritzker and his allies are prioritizing short-term revenue over long-term economic stability. Instead of creating jobs and helping families get ahead, Democrats are choosing yet another tax hike that raises costs, drives away opportunity, and makes it even harder for Illinois families to succeed.
Senate Bill 1911 now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature.
Statement on Anti-ICE Legislation
Here are my thoughts on Democrats’ anti-ICE legislation, House Bill 1312, that recently passed the General Assembly.
I am deeply saddened and concerned that this legislation puts Illinois families and law enforcement at a huge risk. This new law makes it much harder for officers to target dangerous criminals and penalizes them for taking critical safety precautions. Tragically, it forces public servants into impossible situations where they must choose between following state mandates or federal law.”
We must pursue policies that make our communities safer, support our law enforcement officers, and ensure that everyone is treated equally under the law.
HB 1312 now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature.
Join Me for a Community Blood Drive in Dwight!
I’m reaching out to invite you to join me, Representative Jason Bunting, and ImpactLife for a Community Blood Drive on Wednesday, November 12th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at my Dwight District Office, 132 East Main Street, Dwight, Illinois.
Giving blood is a simple act that can make a life-saving difference. Every donation helps provide critical support for hospitals and patients in need throughout our region.
If you’re able, I hope you’ll take a few minutes out of your day to roll up your sleeve and give back to the community. Together, we can help make sure blood is available when it’s needed most.
🩸 Appointments are encouraged. Please schedule yours here: ImpactLife – Donor Portal
