Key Bill Deadline Passes in Senate and House
Friday, April 17 marked a significant milestone in the legislative process, as it was the deadline for most bills to pass out of their chamber of origin in order to remain viable this session. In the Senate, 149 bills were approved and will now move to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Sponsors will continue working to advance their legislation through the committee and floor process in the opposite chamber.
Lawmakers are spending time in their home districts this week, meeting with constituents and discussing legislative priorities. When the General Assembly returns to Springfield during the final week of April, attention will turn to reviewing House bills that met the same April 17 deadline.
While this deadline is an important benchmark, exceptions may be granted, allowing certain bills additional time to advance. Budget and appropriations measures also follow a different timeline and are typically considered later in the session, with final decisions expected toward the end of May.
Flooding Impacts District 32 Communities Along Fox River and Chain O’ Lakes
Communities across this region are facing significant flooding following heavy rains, high winds, and rising water levels along the Fox River and Chain O’ Lakes, which has been closed to boating.
According to the National Weather Service, the Fox River has reached flood stage and is expected to continue rising, with a projected crest by midweek. Officials warn that this event is transitioning into a major flood, with the lower river likely to exceed levels seen during the 2017 Northern Illinois Flood. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources estimates the Chain O’ Lakes could reach about 7.3 feet in the coming days.
The Fox Waterway Agency has closed the lakes and is urging residents and boaters to take immediate precautions, which include:
- Moving valuables and equipment out of low-lying areas like basements and garages
- Checking sump pumps and backup power sources to ensure they are working properly
- Clearing storm drains and gutters to help water flow away from your property
- Securing boats, docks, and outdoor furniture
- Monitoring official updates and follow any local safety guidance
Sandbags are available to those who need them, and they are provided through local townships. Please keep in mind that water levels can change quickly depending on additional rainfall, so staying informed and prepared is key.
Rt 47 Improvements Underway
The City of Woodstock, the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce and Industry, McHenry County Government, and other leaders came together recently to officially break ground on the Route 47 widening project.
Over the next two years, Route 47 between US 14 and Route 120 will be widened, and safety will be improved through the addition of three roundabouts, signal improvements, the addition of pedestrian and ADA improvements, and more.
Route 47 is a critical north-south artery connecting McHenry County to I-90, I-88, and Wisconsin, and this two-year project will build on the route’s widening in Huntley and ongoing work to improve its intersections with Route 176 between Huntley and Woodstock.
To learn more, visit the project webpage set up by the City of Woodstock.
McHenry, Marengo get $4.7 M for Industrial Development Projects
I’m pleased to announce that the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has awarded $4.7 million in Site Readiness Program grants for two McHenry County job-creating projects.
The City of McHenry received a $120,000 planning grant to pay for environmental assessments at Ebel Farms, a 22-acre property adjacent to the city’s Route 31 industrial park that has extraordinary industrial development potential. Additionally, the City of Marengo received a $4.6 million capital grant to extend water and sewer infrastructure to the I-90 and Route 23 interchange to foster industrial and commercial development.
You can visit the R1 Planning website to learn more about the grant awards and the important projects they are helping fund.
Audit Commission Demands Accountability from Corrections Department
As a member of the Legislative Audit Commission, I recently joined bipartisan lawmakers in pressing the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) for answers following yet another troubling audit revealing widespread mismanagement and ongoing violations of state rules.
The audit identified 40 findings, including improper overtime practices that allowed employees to earn extra pay while on leave, repeated misuse of emergency purchasing, and serious lapses in tracking individuals on parole or supervised release. These failures waste taxpayer dollars and raise significant public safety concerns.
During the hearing, we expressed frustration over the department’s lack of progress in correcting issues that have persisted for years. Corrections Director LaToya Hughes was called on to provide a plan for meaningful reform. Due to the severity of the findings, the Commission declined to accept the audit, requiring IDOC to return with updates on corrective actions.
I remain committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, and the responsible use of taxpayer resources, while prioritizing the safety of Illinois communities and correctional staff.
Law-Abiding Gun Owners Descend on Springfield for Annual IGOLD Lobby Day
Second Amendment advocates gathered in Springfield last week for IGOLD (Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day), standing in support of their Constitutional gun rights. Their presence served as a strong reminder that when law-abiding citizens come together and make their voices heard, it sends a clear and unmistakable message to government leaders.
The right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental freedom, protected by the Constitution and deeply rooted in our nation’s founding principles. Responsible gun owners across Illinois take this right seriously. They follow the law, respect their communities, and remain committed to protecting their families.
However, far too often, the focus in Springfield is misplaced. Instead of prioritizing policies that target violent crime and hold criminals accountable, the General Assembly continues to advance legislation that places additional, and often burdensome, mandates on lawful gun owners. The reality is simple: criminals, by their very nature, do not follow the law. Piling on new restrictions for those who already comply does little to improve public safety.
Events like IGOLD highlight the importance of civic engagement and reinforce the need for balanced, effective policymaking. I remain committed to standing with responsible gun owners and advocating for policies that both uphold our constitutional freedoms and address the root causes of crime in our communities.
Downers Grove Business Wins “Coolest Thing Made in Illinois”
Chosen by voters from an initial field of more than 100 entries, the NASA Standard Initiator made by Chemring Energetic Devices in Downers Grove has been crowned the winner of the 2026 “Makers Madness” contest, earning the title of The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois.
Rooted in a heritage that stretches back to the Apollo era, the NASA Standard Initiator (NSI) is an electrically activated pyrotechnic device that plays a critical role in modern spaceflight. The NSI enables essential mission functions such as vehicle staging, satellite separation, and spacecraft maneuvering. Its reliability is proven across thousands of missions, from every Mars rover to the Red Planet, to the current Artemis II/Orion mission, which carried astronauts around the Moon for the first time in over 50 years. Chemring Energetic Devices is the only NASA qualified manufacturer of the NSI in the world, continuing a legacy of precision and trust at the heart of human and robotic exploration.
Congratulations to the NASA Standard Initiator made by Chemring Energetic Devices for being named the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Illinois!
Relief Package Targets Rising Costs for Illinois Families
Illinois families are facing rising costs at every stage of life, from childcare and preschool to everyday essentials like diapers and prescription medications.
These are not optional expenses. For many families, these are necessary costs that continue to increase, making it harder to stay in the workforce and make ends meet.
On Tax Day (April 15), Senate Republicans highlighted these challenges and introduced a legislative package aimed at providing relief. The proposals focus on reducing costs, expanding access to childcare and early education, and supporting the workforce that makes those services possible.
The package includes Senate Bill 1647, which creates a tax credit of up to $1,500 per child to help families afford preschool. Senate Bill 1646 would provide a refundable tax credit for early childhood educators to improve retention in a field that is critical to maintaining access to care.
Additional legislation, Senate Bills 3851 and 3869, would eliminate state sales taxes on prescription medications and diapers, helping families and seniors better afford basic necessities.
The package also includes Senate Bill 2277, which increases incentives for businesses to provide on-site childcare, and Senate Bill 2382, which creates a tax credit for donating property for childcare use.
These efforts are focused on addressing the real financial pressures families face every day and making Illinois a more affordable place to live and work.
Advocacy Groups Visit Capitol for Lobby Days
While last week was an incredibly busy week for the movement of bills, the halls were also bustling with advocacy groups in town to talk with legislators about programs and issues of importance.
I’m shown in this photo with a group of 4-H kids (top), who were in town to celebrate the importance of 4-H programming. 4-H programs in Illinois play a vital role in developing leadership, responsibility, and practical life skills among young people through hands-on learning in areas like agriculture, STEM, and civic engagement. By connecting youth with mentors and real-world experiences, 4-H helps build confident, community-minded leaders who are prepared to contribute to Illinois’ future workforce and local communities.
In the bottom photo, I’m shown with rideshare advocates who were pushing for the passage of legislation that would be beneficial to employees of companies like Uber and Lyft.
Senate Approves Safety Standards for E-Bikes, Other Micromobility Devices
Last week, the Illinois Senate unanimously approved legislation (Senate Bill 3336) establishing statewide safety standards for high-speed e-bikes and other micromobility devices, such as electric scooters and skateboards. I supported the measure to help bring consistency and clarity to a rapidly evolving area of transportation. The bill addresses the growing use of faster, more powerful electric devices by setting age requirements, establishing safety rules, and requiring licensing, registration, and insurance for the highest-speed models that exceed 28 miles per hour.
This legislation replaces a patchwork of local regulations with uniform statewide standards designed to improve public safety for both riders and pedestrians while ensuring responsible use of emerging technologies. If approved by the House and signed into law, the new rules would take effect January 1, 2027.
Pritzker Tries Blaming Local Governments as His Policies Drive Up Property Taxes
Governor JB Pritzker recently suggested that local governments and school boards are responsible for Illinois’ high property taxes. However, that explanation overlooks the significant role his policies play in shaping those costs.
While property taxes are collected locally, the state determines school funding levels, imposes mandates, and establishes policies that directly impact local budgets. When state funding falls short, local governments are often left with few options but to rely more heavily on property taxes.
Illinois continues to rank among the states most reliant on local property taxes to fund education, placing a heavy burden on homeowners.
In addition, unfunded mandates imposed by the Governor and Democratic lawmakers continue to increase costs for schools and local governments. Without sufficient state funding to support those mandates, local districts are forced to pass those costs on to taxpayers.
Recent budget decisions by the Governor and his allies have only made the problem worse. The Governor’s budget excluded $43 million in property tax relief funding last year, and that funding is not included in his current proposal.
These decisions limit opportunities to provide relief and shift more responsibility onto local communities. Meaningful property tax relief will require action by the Democratic-controlled state government, not shifting blame to local officials.
I-COVER Program Reopens to Provide Incentives for Sustainable Farming Practices
The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) has relaunched the Infield Conservation for Operationalizing Vital Ecosystem Resilience (I-COVER) program, which offers financial incentives to farmers adopting new or earlier cover crop techniques for 2026–2028.
I-COVER is a three-year initiative funded by a $7 million grant from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to promote the use of cover crops and improve soil health.
Applications for the program opened April 15. IDOA will select applications on a first-come, first-served basis per county, with the first application per county being prioritized, pending qualification and verification.
Illinois farmers are at the forefront of innovation, and the I-COVER program helps ensure they have the tools and resources needed to implement practices that benefit both their operations and the environment.
Pre-enrollment and applications are available online. Visit the IDOA website at agr.illinois.gov/ and select the I-COVER program link on the home page. Interested participants can also contact IDOA by email at agr.icover@Illinois.gov or by phone at (217) 782-6297.