America Celebrates its 250th Birthday!
This past Saturday, Americans across our nation proudly celebrated Independence Day while also marking a historic milestone honoring the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. It is a time to reflect on the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of the men and women who pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to secure the blessings of liberty for future generations.
Independence Day reminds us that the American story is one of faith, freedom, resilience, and unwavering determination. For 250 years, generations of citizens, service members, first responders, and community leaders have carried forward the ideals upon which our nation was founded, preserving the freedoms we enjoy and passing them on to the next generation.
As we continue celebrating America’s 250th birthday, may we always honor our nation’s remarkable heritage by serving our communities, strengthening our republic, and remaining faithful stewards of the liberties entrusted to us. It is a privilege to serve you, and I remain committed to working on your behalf to help ensure the next chapter of our nation’s history is as strong and hopeful as the last.
U.S. Supreme Court to Hear Challenge to AR-15-Style Rifle Bans
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a major Second Amendment case that could have implications for gun laws in Illinois and across the country.
The Court announced last week that it will take up two challenges involving bans on certain semiautomatic rifles, including AR-15-style firearms. One case challenges Cook County’s assault weapons ban, while the other challenges a similar law in Connecticut. The two cases have been consolidated, with oral arguments expected during the Court’s next term, which begins in October.
Cook County’s ban, which has been in place since the 1990s, restricts the possession, sale, and transfer of certain semiautomatic firearms. Gun rights advocates argue that these types of firearms are commonly owned by law-abiding citizens and that banning them violates the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.
The case could also affect Illinois’ statewide ban, which was signed into law by Governor Pritzker in 2023. That law regulates the sale and distribution of certain firearms classified as assault weapons, high-capacity magazines, and switches.
I believe that broad firearm bans infringe on the constitutional rights of law-abiding gun owners while doing little to target criminals who ignore existing laws. Rather than continually going after lawful gun owners, I think the majority party should focus on enforcing current laws, holding violent offenders accountable, and addressing the root causes of crime rather than placing new restrictions on responsible firearm owners.
Another Major Business Moves Out of Illinois
Another major business is moving its headquarters out of Illinois, adding to a growing list of well-known employers that have chosen to leave the state.
Do it Best Group recently announced that it will move True Value’s headquarters from Chicago to Fort Wayne, Indiana. True Value, a longtime Chicago-based hardware wholesaler, was acquired by Do it Best in 2024 after filing for bankruptcy.
The announcement marks the latest in a series of high-profile departures from Illinois. In recent years, major companies, including Caterpillar, Boeing, Morton Salt, and Citadel, have moved their headquarters out of the state, raising continued concerns about Illinois’ business climate and long-term economic competitiveness.
For many employers, the challenges of doing business in Illinois continue to grow. High taxes, rising costs, burdensome regulations, and uncertainty about the state’s future are making it harder for businesses to invest, expand, and create jobs. When businesses leave, it does not just impact corporate headquarters; it affects workers, families, communities, and the state’s overall economy.
Senate Republicans have continued to push for reforms aimed at supporting workers, encouraging investment, and helping businesses create and retain jobs in Illinois. Those proposals include:
- Senate Bill 3786 would create a Legacy Tax Credit for businesses headquartered in Illinois to encourage investment, job retention, and long-term economic growth.
- Senate Bill 3873 would make Illinois’ Research and Development Tax Credit permanent, giving employers more certainty as they invest in innovation and job creation.
- Senate Bill 3792 would eliminate Illinois’ income tax on tips, allowing service industry workers to keep more of their hard-earned money.
Illinois should be a place where businesses want to grow and where families can build a future, but until Governor Pritzker and his allies take action to improve the business climate, reduce costs, and make Illinois more competitive, the state risks seeing more employers and opportunities move elsewhere.
Conversations Untapped Tour Continues This Week with Event in Antioch
After a very successful Conversations Untapped event in Cary at the end of June, I am happy to announce that a second evening of casual conversation is coming this Wednesday in Antioch. I hope you’ll join me so we can discuss issues that are important to you.
I’ll be at Rivalry Alehouse, 945 Main Street, in Antioch, from 5:30 PM until 7:00 PM. Please stop by and say hello!
Additional upcoming outreach events include:
- July 22: ICASH/Unclaimed Property in McHenry
- July 29: ICASH/Unclaimed Property in Fox Lake
- August 6: Barks & Brews Pet Adoption in Woodstock
- August 8: Document Shredding and Food Collection in Woodstock
- August 13: Property Tax Exemptions Seminar in McHenry
- August 25: IPASS on Demand Sticker Event in Lindenhurst
- September 10: IPASS on Demand Sticker Event in Woodstock
- October 14: Senior Fair in Crystal Lake
- October 25: Veterans Appreciation Luncheon in Lake Zurich
You can learn more about these events on the Events page of my website or by contacting Abby from my events staff at amccarthy@sgop.ilga.gov.
New Proposal Would Help Illinois Families Afford Health Insurance
As Illinois families continue to face rising healthcare costs, I am supporting legislation to help lower health insurance costs.
Senate Bill 2763, and Senate Bill 4214, both filed by Sente Republicans, would allow Illinois families to deduct eligible health insurance premiums from their state income taxes. The two bills would ensure that all Illinoisans can deduct their out-of-pocket health insurance premiums, regardless of the type of plan they have, including employer-sponsored insurance and plans purchased through the ACA.
Many Illinoisans are paying more than ever for health insurance while also facing rising costs for groceries, housing, utilities, and other everyday necessities. Helping reduce the cost of healthcare is one way lawmakers can provide meaningful relief without expanding government.
Under the proposals, eligible premiums paid for the policyholder, a spouse, and covered dependents could qualify for the deduction.