AFFORDABILITY
House Republicans Prioritize Affordability for Illinois Families. As legislative session resumed in the Illinois House this week, House Republican lawmakers held a press conference in the Capitol to talk about their session priorities. House Minority Leader Tony McCombie stood beside Assistant Leader Amy Elik and State Representative Joe Sosnowski to talk about delivering affordability to Illinois families.

“House Republicans have long focused on reining in spending, providing real tax relief for hardworking families, and creating opportunities for growth,” said Leader McCombie. “What is new is hearing House Democrats suddenly embrace the word ‘affordability.’ Here’s the problem: you can’t have affordability without accountability.” 

During remarks earlier this month at the City Club of Chicago, Speaker Welch claimed that Democrats are working to bring down the cost of living. That statement is difficult to square with reality, given how much Democratic policies have increased costs for Illinois families over just the past year.

Since May of last year alone, Democrats have driven up the cost of living through a series of tax hikes and expensive policy decisions. 

AFFORDABILITY
Republicans Will Continue to Expose and Oppose Bad Policy. As lawmakers in the Illinois House prepare to return to legislative session next week, Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie has set expectations as to where her caucus’ priorities will be when the House convenes on January 20th.

At a recent City Club of Chicago event, Speaker of the House Emmanuel “Chris” Welch said the legislature is focused on “bringing down the cost of living,” and suggested that meeting the everyday needs of Illinoisans takes precedence over requests for new high-profile projects like a Bears stadium. 

ENERGY
Pritzker signs CRGA energy bill, costing consumers billions in higher energy rates. Governor JB Pritzker signed a controversial battery storage and energy omnibus bill into law Thursday. Senate Bill 25, also known as CRGA, is another example of flawed green energy policies that Illinois ratepayers are already all too familiar with.

Pritzker’s signing of SB 25 comes on the heels of a study released last month by three state agencies that detailed the ‘credible risk’ of electricity shortages across Illinois within the next five years. 

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.