Kane County Reporter

This week, Democrats from across the nation are gathering in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention, an event that has drawn on local, state, and federal taxpayer resources to host and safeguard the thousands expected to flock to Illinois’ largest city.

As Democrats prepare to tout what they have “delivered” in Illinois, on Friday I joined three of my Senate Republican colleagues for a press conference where we scrutinized the real impact of Democratic policies on the state.

Click here to view the full press conference, and click here to view my comments.

As the cost of living continues to soar, many families are struggling to afford basic necessities such as groceries, childcare, and daily essentials. Lawmakers pointed out that despite these challenges, the administration has raised taxes by $1 billion to fund $1 billion in spending on programs for non-citizens.

During the press conference, lawmakers highlighted Illinois’ reputation as one of the least tax-friendly states in the country. They expressed frustration that as families struggle to make ends meet they face higher taxes rather than relief, making Illinois an increasingly difficult place to live and work. They also noted that Illinois now has the third-highest unemployment rate in the nation, yet state leadership continues to impose job-killing taxes, further compounding financial hardships.

Public safety was another major concern raised by legislators. Since 2019, major crimes in Chicago have surged nearly 60%, with an 18% increase in the past year alone. Legislators criticized Pritzker’s “catch and release” policies which they say have led to the release of dangerous offenders putting communities at risk.

Lawmakers also expressed disappointment over the recent decision not to extend the Invest in Kids scholarship program. This program provided thousands of students from low-income families with opportunities to attend schools that better meet their educational needs. The decision to end it has left many families scrambling to find alternatives as the new school year begins.

Legislators called for a reevaluation of state priorities urging the administration to focus on the needs of Illinois residents rather than on policies they believe are failing to address pressing issues.

A new law is providing increased flexibility for working parents by expanding daycare scheduling options for shift employees. I was proud to support this bill.

Senate Bill 3207 authorizes daycare centers to operate 24 hours a day and allows care for children for up to 12 hours if a parent works in a position requiring regularly scheduled shifts. A 10-hour break must occur between daycare visits.

This initiative was inspired by the need for a more adaptable childcare system supporting shift workers. The law is not intended for children being in daycare for 24 hours straight but rather offering essential flexibility for caregivers and working parents they serve.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is tasked with adopting necessary rules implementing this new system. The bill received unanimous support in both chambers and takes effect January 1, 2025.

My staff will be in Carpentersville this morning from 10:00 AM until noon for traveling office hours. If you are having an issue with an Illinois agency or department let constituent services experts from my office help! Please mark your calendar for these other upcoming events:

August 24: Prescription Drug Drop-Off: West Dundee Police Department

September 5: Senior Expo: Dundee Township Rakow Center

September 9: IPASS on Demand: Algonquin Village Hall

September 17: Senior Expo: St Charles Pottawatomie Park (Community Center)

September 21: Shred Event: Pingree Grove

September 24: I-CASH Unclaimed Property Day: Algonquin Village Hall

October 15: Senior Expo: Crystal Lake Park District Grand Oaks Building

Please visit my website's Events Page learn more about these events.

A new law I supported will now require government entities notifying residents when spraying pesticides near homes aiming helping families plan taking necessary precautions such as keeping children indoors or covering outdoor items like plants pools when pesticides applied vicinity.

Senate Bill mandates government applicators those contracted government provide public notice before applying pesticides public rights-of-way within municipal borders including contact information applicators excluding farmers private individuals spraying own property businesses applicators working private property requirements enhancing government accountability protecting public health signed into law August ninth

The IL State Fire Marshal grant portal open applications Small Equipment Grant Program Grants up twenty-six thousand dollars purchase small equipment fire department fire protection district township fire department not-for-profit ambulance service All interested departments send application electronically postmarked no later October first Learn more Office Illinois State Fire Marshal

Legislation aimed reducing burdens local motorcycle dealerships addressing costly manufacturer mandates signed into law House Bill amends Motor Vehicle Franchise Act preventing vehicle manufacturers distributors wholesalers requiring motorcycle dealers making costly improvements facilities protecting smaller dealers incurring significant expenses due mandates manufacturers easing financial pressure small businesses ensuring aspects manufacturer-dealer relationship contingent dealer complying potentially unreasonable demands manufacturers supporting competitiveness motorcycle dealers ability serving people Illinois signed into law August ninth takes effect immediately