Kane County Reporter

State Representative Dan Ugaste has provided an update on various topics, including the new legislative session, firearms, higher education, immigration, jobs, and transportation.

The Illinois General Assembly has convened for the new legislative session, welcoming two new members to the House Republican caucus, State Representative Nicole La Ha and State Representative Brandun Schweizer. The House and Senate will soon receive Governor Pritzker's proposed budget for the State of Illinois.

One of the controversial issues discussed is the new gun ban law, which requires Illinois residents to register their firearms and ammunition on the Illinois State Police website. Many firearm owners see this as a potential threat to gun ownership in Illinois, and legal action is being taken to challenge the law.

In higher education news, the University of Illinois (U of I) system has announced a tuition freeze for the 2024-2025 school year. This freeze applies to all three campuses of the U of I system. However, other state universities, such as Illinois State University and Northern Illinois University, set their own tuition rates.

On the topic of immigration, a group of Republican lawmakers has called for legislative solutions to address the migrant crisis in Illinois. They attribute the crisis to weak border policies by the Biden Administration and Illinois laws that act as incentives for undocumented individuals to come to the state. The lawmakers are proposing legislation to repeal portions of the Trust Act, which prohibits law enforcement from collaborating with federal immigration officials. They also seek to roll back laws that provide free healthcare for migrants and illegal immigrants in Illinois.

In the realm of jobs, State Representative Amy Elik's legislation has helped retain jobs and spur investment in Illinois. Wieland Rolled Products has announced plans for investment and job retention at its East Alton facility. This investment is a result of the tax incentives offered to businesses that operate in the state and plan to convert or expand as electric vehicle manufacturers or renewable energy manufacturers.

In transportation news, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has encouraged drivers to use online services and avoid unnecessary visits to the DMV. Expanded online services, including appointment scheduling and text reminders, aim to reduce wait times and improve efficiency.

These updates from State Representative Dan Ugaste provide insight into the current legislative session and various issues affecting Illinois residents.