Lawmakers Call for Action Following Tragic Death in Chicago
Following the recent tragic murder of 18-year-old Sheridan Gorman in Chicago, Senate Republicans are raising concerns about public safety and calling for policy changes.
Gorman, a college freshman, was killed earlier this month in an incident that has drawn nationwide attention. Reports indicate the individual accused in the case was in the country illegally, had a documented criminal history, failed to appear in court, and remained the subject of an outstanding warrant for more than two years.
The case raises serious questions about Governor JB Pritzker’s policies and whether current laws are doing enough to protect Illinois families. There are also renewed concerns about the TRUST Act, which was expanded under Governor Pritzker, to limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. These restrictions create gaps in enforcement and make it more difficult to detain or remove individuals who pose a threat to public safety.
Public safety must be the top priority and Illinois families deserve policies that ensure dangerous individuals are held accountable. To that end, I am cosponsoring Senate Bill 1316, which would repeal the TRUST Act and restore cooperation between local law enforcement and federal authorities in cases involving serious criminal offenses.
Wilcox Bills Included in Legislative Package to Support Small Businesses and Workers
Last week I participated in a Senate Republican press conference where we introduced a legislative package aimed at supporting small businesses, providing relief to workers, and improving Illinois’ economic competitiveness.
Our proposals come as Illinois continues to face economic challenges, including projected population loss, slow job growth, and rising costs for employers and families.
Illinois must take steps to become a more competitive and business-friendly state. The legislative package includes several proposals designed to reduce costs and support economic growth. The bill package includes the following measures:
Senate Bill 3792 (Wilcox) would eliminate Illinois’ income tax on tipped wages, allowing workers to keep more of what they earn.
Senate Bill 137 (Wilcox) would increase the retailer’s discount for small businesses, helping offset the cost of collecting and remitting sales taxes to the State of Illinois.
Senate Bill 3786 (Lewis) would create a Legacy Tax Credit for businesses headquartered in Illinois, rewarding companies for long-term investment and job creation.
Senate Bill 2763 (Syverson) would allow individuals and small business owners to deduct health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket medical expenses from their state taxes.
The package is designed to help businesses remain in Illinois, support workers, and strengthen the state’s economy.
Illinois Trout Season Begins April 4th
The 2026 Illinois spring trout fishing season will open April 4 at 58 ponds, lakes, and streams statewide, with an early catch-and-release period already underway at select locations. During the early season, anglers must release all trout caught, while the regular harvest season allows a daily limit of five trout per angler.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources stocks more than 80,000 rainbow trout each spring, with additional stockings planned for the fall season. Funding for the program is supported through the sale of inland trout stamps purchased by anglers.
Several updates have been announced for 2026, including new or returning stocking locations in McHenry, Macon, Wayne, and Adams counties. Officials also remind anglers that harvesting trout before the April 4 opener is prohibited and may result in citations.
The spring trout season is a great way for families and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy Illinois’ natural resources. I encourage residents to take advantage of local fishing opportunities while following regulations that help maintain healthy fish populations in the present and future.
Anglers are required to have a valid fishing license and trout stamp unless exempt. More information, including site-specific regulations, is available at https://ifishillinois.org/.