As the clock counts down and the final moments of the year fade away, we find ourselves at the edge of something new. New Year’s Eve is a celebration, but also a chance to pause, reflect, and dream. It’s a night where we look back on the triumphs and challenges of the past year and anticipate the opportunities and adventures that lie ahead.

For some, the evening is filled with excitement; gathering with friends, family, or even strangers at parties, fireworks displays, or concerts. Whether you’re out and about or in the quiet warmth of your own home, the spirit of the New Year is the same: hope, renewal, and the belief in a fresh start. 

Rep. Patrick Sheehan with the donations from his winter coat drive.

We were blown away by the generosity of our communities this year during our holiday donation drives. Constituents throughout the state donated food, coats, toys, backpacks, diapers, and more to help our neighbors in need. 

From the bottom of our hearts -- thank you!

The first day of winter, falling on December 21st this year, marks a turning point on the calendar. Shorter days of sunlight and earlier sunsets have reached their peak. Families of all faith traditions are celebrating holidays. The start of a new year is on the horizon. 

While some may see it as just another cold December day, the winter carries a rich history of traditions, celebrations, and even scientific curiosity that still resonate across our great state. 

MASS TRANSIT/TAXES
Pritzker Approves $2.5 Billion Mass Transit Bailout. This week, Governor JB Pritzker signed into law a $2.5 billion bailout of Chicago’s mass transit system.

Passed well after midnight on the final night of the fall Veto Session, the Democrats’ Mass Transit Bailout includes $1.5 Billion in tax increases and $1 Billion in higher Tollway charges to fix a $230 million transit shortfall. 

Illinois House Republicans joined farmers and industry stakeholders at the Illinois Farm Bureau Annual Meeting held December 6-9. The multi-day conference brought together agricultural leaders from across the state to discuss current challenges, explore new opportunities, and outline policies that will strengthen Illinois’ agricultural future.

Throughout the event, lawmakers met with Farm Bureau members, participated in policy discussions, and emphasized their shared commitment to advocating for Illinois’ farm families. Topics ranged from land use and environmental stewardship to regulatory reform and support for the next generation of farmers. 

The stain of corruption on Illinois’ government is sadly well known. In recent years, federal prosecutors have been cleaning up the mess caused by Illinois’ lax ethics laws with several high-profile corruption convictions against some of the most powerful politicians in Illinois history. The ComEd Four, the longest-serving House Speaker in Illinois, Michael Madigan, long-time Chicago Alderman Ed Burke, Madigan’s Chief of Staff Tim Mapes, and others are now behind bars. 

Despite these many corruption cases, Illinois Democrats who control the state legislature still refuse to pass the meaningful ethics reform necessary to stop the graft in Illinois politics and restore trust in government to the people of Illinois. 

Near the Capitol stands a building constructed to celebrate Illinois’ first 100 years of statehood. The Centennial Building (today called the Howlett Building) features an area for exhibiting battle flags of Illinois regiments from the Civil War and other conflicts. The flags have been removed to another facility to be better preserved, but the hall still includes displays marking the history of the Illinois National Guard.

Since its founding on this date in 1636, the National Guard has been a staple of the defense and public safety of this nation before there even was a nation.