Great Turnout for Wilcox/Reick IPASS on Demand Event
I want to thank everyone who came out for the IPASS on Demand Event I co-hosted with State Representative Steve Reick last week in McHenry. I also want to extend my gratitude to the amazing mobile team from the Illinois Tollway for helping moving people through quickly with fantastic customer service.
As you probably know, the Tollway is phasing out the plastic IPASS transponders we have in our cars in exchange for a new sticker system. While current transponders will continue to work for now, these events allow motorists to make quick work of making the transition. As I add additional IPASS on Demand events to my outreach calendar, they will be promoted in future newsletters and on the Events page of my website.
Senate Republicans Renew Calls for IHSA Compliance with Federal Order Banning Men from Women’s Sports
For generations, women and girls have fought hard for a level playing field in sports. Thanks to Title IX, those efforts have led to real progress—more opportunities, more scholarships, and a fair shot to compete. But today, those opportunities are at risk.
As you may recall, several weeks ago my Senate Republican colleagues and I sent a letter to the letter to the Executive Director of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA), seeking information about how the IHSA plans to comply with President Trump’s executive order prohibiting biological males from participating in women’s high school sports. You can read that letter here.
Last week we received the IHSA’s response. In the response by IHSA Board President Dan Tully and IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson, they evaded any level of responsibility for ensuring fairness and safety in women’s sports. Policies protecting same-sex sports and locker room usage should not be up for debate. They must align with federal policy to ensure the integrity of competition and the well-being and safety of student athletes.
Unsatisfied with the IHSA response, this week we elevated our inquiry and took our request directly to United States Attorney General Pam Bondi. In our latest letter, we are seeking clarification and guidance on the implementation of the “Keeping Men out of Women’s Sports” executive order and let AG Bondi know that we welcome any steps the office might consider appropriate to ensure fairness and opportunities for all student athletes. You can read our letter to AG Bondi here.
This issue is about more than podium spots—it’s about preserving the fairness, safety, and opportunities that Title IX was designed to protect. Girls shouldn’t have to compete against biological males for scholarships, records, or roster spots. They deserve clarity and fairness and while Democrats continue to be silent on the issue Republicans are standing up for them.
Senate Democrats Advance Dangerous Cannabis Bill
Senate Democrats recently advanced controversial legislation that potentially ties the hands of police and puts public safety at risk.
Senate Bill 42 removes the requirement that cannabis be stored in an odor-proof container and prevents law enforcement from stopping or searching a vehicle solely based on the smell of cannabis.
Senate Republicans argue that this proposal handcuffs law enforcement and undermines their ability to identify impaired drivers. The smell of cannabis has long been a reasonable and constitutionally accepted basis for officers to investigate potential impairment and, in turn, remove drivers who may be under the influence to ensure the safety of other drivers on Illinois roadways. If the smell of alcohol warrants further investigation, why should cannabis be treated differently?
I opposed the measure when it came before the Senate, arguing that the proposal sends the wrong message to Illinois drivers and discourages proactive policing of our roads.
Senate Bill 42 now advances to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
Controversial Mascot Ban
On April 10, the House of Representatives advanced House Bill 1237, a controversial measure that would ban Native-themed mascots and logos in schools statewide.
The proposal requires affected schools to rebrand by July 1, 2026, unless they secure and renew approval every five years from a federally recognized tribe. At least 90 schools would be impacted, many of which face steep, unfunded costs to replace uniforms, signage, and other materials. This pulls valuable resources away from classrooms, teachers, and student services.
I believe this bill ignores the local significance of these mascots, which often represent pride, heritage, and long-standing community identity. In some cases, schools have worked directly with tribes to ensure cultural respect and collaboration.
At a time when Illinois faces a multibillion-dollar deficit and rising financial pressures, lawmakers should focus on real fiscal priorities and not micromanage local school identity and traditions.
Improved Food Safety for People with Celiac Disease
Legislation proposed to improve food safety for individuals living with celiac disease recently passed out of the Illinois Senate unanimously.
Senate Bill 1288 would require all food handlers in Illinois to complete training on celiac disease and the safe handling of gluten-free foods. The bill also strengthens allergen awareness training by adding sesame as a major allergen and requiring a better understanding of gluten-related risks.
Under the legislation, food handlers would be trained on topics including the symptoms of celiac disease, methods to avoid cross-contamination with gluten-containing foods, cleaning and sanitizing procedures, and proper labeling of gluten-free products.
Senate Bill 1288 now heads to the Illinois House for further consideration.