The 1848 Illinois Constitution remains a defining document in our state’s history, setting key reforms in place while modernizing Illinois’ government. While the Prairie State’s new constitution went into effect on April 1,1848, the story of Illinois’ second constitution begins in the summer of 1847, when discussions and debates established the foundation for one of Illinois’ most prominent transformations.

By the mid-1800s, Illinois had outgrown the framework of its first constitution, signed in 1818. The state’s population had surged and its economy had evolved thanks to advancements in farming, newly created railroads, and, notably, the construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal. While these benefited the state immensely, they also underscored the imperfections within the 1818 Constitution, which could not meet the needs of a rapidly expanding society.

Time is running out to file your state and federal income tax returns. The filing deadline for Illinois taxpayers is Tuesday, April 15. Illinois is participating in the IRS Direct File Program this year, which means eligible taxpayers can complete their 2024 federal returns electronically for free. The Illinois Department of Revenue features several online programs to aid in tax preparation. Filing extensions can also be requested.

Since the 1960s, the concept of spring break in March and April has been alive and well all over the world and most notably in the United States. March and April serve as sweet spots for half-way through the semester and students take full advantage by taking trips or using the time to recharge before tackling the remainder of the school year.

In Illinois, three physicians are bringing their medical expertise to the state legislature. State Representatives Paul Jacobs, Bill Hauter and Kevin Schmidt are proving that healing extends beyond the clinic, as they work to shape policies that prioritize the health and well-being of their constituents.

The pictures are so famous they almost speak for themselves.

A two-day long Grand Review of the Armies in Washington DC in May 1865 to celebrate the northern victory in the Civil War.

General Eisenhower, in an open car with a wide grin and outstretched arms receiving a ticker tape parade through Manhattan following American victory in World War II.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Democrats Follow the Leader, Continue to Undermine Illinois. For weeks, the Democratic supermajority has wasted time on the House floor throwing tantrums against President Donald Trump’s actions to “Make America Great Again.” Democrats have decried Republican efforts to make life more affordable for everyday Americans, to secure our borders, and to cut wasteful government spending. After only 10% of the bills passed out of committee by last week’s deadline were Republican bills, and after two session days were canceled this week, House Minority Leader Tony McCombie issued the following statement:

The Original Little Red Wagon that has served many generations for over 100 years and is a staple to most childhood memories. Radio Flyer, the company characterized by its famous red wagon, trikes, and outdoor toys was created right here in Illinois by Italian immigrant Antonio Pasin.

Pasin immigrated to the United States at just 16 years old in 1914 and made a living as a craftsman, mostly selling phonograph cabinets and built the wagons to carry his woodworking tools. After building the wagons, Pasin would sell them to area toy stores. Although crafting wagons was not Pasin’s original business model, it soon would take off and transform his life.

The HIRE Vets Medallion Program is an employer recognition program administered by the Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS). Through the program, VETS accepts voluntary applications from employers for the HIRE Vets Medallion Award beginning on January 31 of each calendar year. The Award recognizes employers who hire and retain veterans, including their efforts to establish employee development programs and veteran specific benefits to improve retention.

“As a proud veteran of the United States Navy from 1965 to 1971, I am encouraging employers to learn about the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act of 2017 (HIRE Vets Act or the Act), signed by President Trump in 2017,” said State Representative Paul Jacobs, a member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “This program recognizes employer efforts to recruit, employ, and retain veterans.”

Employer-applicants meeting criteria established in the rule receive a “HIRE Vets Medallion Award.” There are two award tiers, Platinum and Gold, for large (500-plus employees), medium (51-499 employees), and small employers (50 or fewer employees). Verification of award criteria includes a self-attestation by the applicant CEO or CHRO and a check for violations of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Act (VEVRAA).

Successful employers receive a certificate stating the award year, a digital image of the medallion to use, including as part of an advertisement, solicitation, business activity, or product, and will be recognized on the program website. Award recipients have the opportunity to utilize the medallion in the marketing of their firm as a veteran ready business when hiring and in efforts to attract additional business.

Detailed information about how to gain eligibility can be found at the HIRE Vets Medallion Program can be found at HIREVets.gov or by contacting HIREVets@dol.gov.

Each year, March 25th marks National Medal of Honor Day in the United States, a time to reflect on extraordinary acts of bravery and selflessness that define the essence of true heroism. It is a day dedicated to the men and women who have earned the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest and most prestigious military decoration. For Illinoisans, this day carries a special weight, as many of the medal's recipients have roots in the Prairie State.

Shell Bills (sometimes referred to as vehicle bills) are a mechanism used by the Illinois General Assembly to provide placeholders for legislation yet to be determined. Essentially shell bills allow lawmakers to introduce legislation after the bill filing deadline established by chamber rules has passed. It’s important to first note that each bill introduced must be read by title on three different days in each chamber before it is passed. The first reading introduces the bill and the second reading allows for floor amendments. A bill is voted on when called for third reading.

REDISTRICTING REFORM

Reformers: Democrats Recruit ‘Prince of Darkness’ to Defend Illegal Maps. Illinois House Republican leaders provided the latest update this week regarding their ongoing lawsuit on redistricting filed with the Illinois Supreme Court. The lawsuit alleges that the Illinois Democratic majority has rigged legislative elections by gerrymandering electoral districts to their benefit, and at the expense of a fair process for all Illinois voters.

Illinois House Republican State Representatives C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville), Mike Coffey (R-Springfield), and Paul Jacobs (R-Pomona) held a Capitol news conference during Committee Deadline Week to denounce Illinois’ costly and dangerous “Sanctuary State” policy.

Illinois House Republican leaders provided the latest update this week regarding their ongoing lawsuit on redistricting filed with the Illinois Supreme Court. The lawsuit alleges that the Illinois Democratic majority has rigged legislative elections by gerrymandering electoral districts to their benefit, and at the expense of a fair process for all Illinois voters.

House Republican Leader Tony McCombie was joined by Deputy Leader Ryan Spain and Assistant Leader Dan Ugaste at a press conference in Springfield to provide the latest details.

Grain bins, towering symbols of agricultural prosperity, can, under certain conditions, become perilous. Entrapments occur when individuals become submerged in flowing grain, rendering self-rescue nearly impossible. The statistics are sobering: in 2023 alone, at least 27 grain entrapments were reported, resulting in 16 fatalities. Over the past decade, more than 300 such incidents have been documented, with experts estimating that an additional 30% go unreported. Alarmingly, in just four seconds, an adult can sink knee-deep in flowing grain, and within 20 seconds, they can be completely engulfed, leading to suffocation.

House Republican lawmakers presented their legislative proposals today to bring light to human trafficking and the impact it has throughout Illinois. With Illinois ranking among the top ten nationwide for human trafficking cases, State Representatives Nicole La Ha (Homer Glen), Jennifer Sanalitro (Hanover Park), and Dennis Tipsword (Metamora) discussed the importance of putting forth viable solutions.

As the brisk cold of winter begins to fade, Illinoisans statewide know that spring is just around the corner. Though perfect weather is far from guaranteed with the arrival of spring, March 20 is more than just a date on the calendar; it marks a turn that symbolizes transformation, new life, and fun to be had on the horizon here in the Land of Lincoln.

Legislation being brought forward in the Illinois House to add new regulations and mandates on Illinois homeschooling families has drawn the opposition of tens of thousands of residents. The measure, HB2827, requires parents to meet certain educational qualifications, notify school districts when homeschooling begins, and provide evidence of teaching materials if concerns arise. It also extends registration requirements to private schools.

In the pre-dawn hours of April 19, 1775, a column of British soldiers on their way to seize a colonial weapons depot in Concord, Massachusetts, were surprised by a small group of militiamen blocking their path.

The colonials had been alerted throughout the nighttime hours by the famed midnight ride of Paul Revere and his associate William Dawes (great-great-grandfather of Illinoisan Charles Dawes who was sworn in as Vice President of the United States one hundred years ago this month). They had gathered on the town green of Lexington, placing them between the advancing redcoats and their objective at Concord.

Every year, National Agriculture Day reminds us of the crucial role agriculture plays in our daily lives. From the food on our plates to the clothes we wear, agriculture is the foundation of modern society. This year, as we celebrate National Ag Day on March 18, let’s take a closer look at the significance of agriculture, with a special focus on Illinois, a leader in agricultural production.

St. Patrick’s (Paddy’s) Day, or the Feast of St. Patrick, is celebrated in Ireland and other countries to honor the live of St. Patrick, an Irish patron saint, who is most known for bringing Christianity to Ireland, establishing many churches, and using of the shamrock. The holiday being celebrated on March 17th is to commemorate the death of St. Patrick, dating back to A.D. 493.

CRIMINAL LAW
House Republicans Working to Restore Public Safety. House Republican lawmakers held a press conference in the Capitol on March 12, 2025, to discuss the dire state of public safety in Illinois and present their pathway forward, aiming to deliver a state where families can succeed.

As the Democratic majority continues to prioritize criminal justice reforms at the expense of public safety, House Republican Floor Leader Patrick Windhorst, Assistant Minority Leader John Cabello, and State Representative Dennis Tipsword spoke about the reality Illinois families face across the state.

Illinois House Republican lawmakers unveiled their legislative bill package to deliver property tax relief to residents across the state. Assistant Minority Leader Dan Ugaste (Geneva) and State Representatives Joe Sosnowski (Rockford) and Tom Weber (Fox Lake) discussed the impact that high property taxes have had on Illinois, and the Democratic majority’s inaction and refusal to provide relief.

March 14th marks Pi Day, a celebration rooted in math and science. Pi, π, is the ratio of circumference of any circle to the diameter of that circle and the 16th letter in the Greek Alphabet. The math constant was first discovered almost 4,000 years ago and is a crucial part to multiple facets of math and science topics. To date, more than 100 trillion digits of pi are known and the number is nowhere near complete, as it is irrational and never ending.

National K-9 Veterans Day, observed annually on March 13, is a tribute to the service and sacrifices of military and working dogs throughout history. These remarkable canines have played irreplaceable roles in safeguarding lives, detecting threats, and providing unwavering companionship to their handlers. The day also serves as a reminder of the deep bond between humans and their four-legged partners, a relationship built on trust, loyalty, and mutual respect.

House Republican lawmakers held a press conference in the Capitol on March 12, 2025, to discuss the dire state of public safety in Illinois and present their pathway forward, aiming to deliver a state where families can succeed.

In 1911, following a meeting with Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the youth scouting movement, in London, Juliette Gordon Low, commonly known by her nickname “Daisy,” felt called to start an organization that would bring girls together through community service, spending time in nature, and developing new skills. A year later on March 12, Daisy founded a group of 18 young women called the Girls Guides of America, an organization we now know as the Girl Scouts.

Illinois has a deep-rooted history in apple growing, a tradition that stretches back to the early days of settlement. The rich soil and favorable climate of the state have allowed orchards to thrive, making apples not just a staple of Illinois agriculture but also a cherished part of its culture.

It is no secret that Democrats hold a supermajority in the Illinois General Assembly. For years they’ve been wielding their power with abandon and at great expense to Illinoisans’ right to participate in the legislative process. The Democrats in charge have been suppressing the rights of Illinoisans to weigh in on public policy through a number of strategic moves designed to keep the public in the dark and stifle their viewpoints, especially if those viewpoints run counter to those of the supermajority.

REDISTRICTING
McCombie Gives Update: Illinois Supreme Court Moves Fair Map Lawsuit Forward. House Minority Leader Tony McCombie filed a brief with the Illinois Supreme Court last week to further argue the case for fair maps in the State of Illinois. This week, Leader McCombie joined Deputy Minority Leader Ryan Spain and Assistant Minority Leader Dan Ugaste to discuss the latest litigation update, and released the following statement:

With winter coming to a close, it is time to get ready to spring forward back to Daylight Saving Time this weekend. On Sunday, March 9 at 2:00 a.m., clocks should be adjusted one hour forward. For some, this means losing an hour of rest, but for others, means later sunsets and longer days, with sunset taking place around 7:11 p.m. following the time change.

With the former home of a young Abraham Lincoln in disrepair, Illinois lawmakers are joining with local advocates to put forward a package of legislation designed to revitalize the New Salem State Historic Site.

“New Salem is a powerful reminder of President Lincoln’s political beginning, and people travel to the site from around the world to learn more about the man who became our nation’s greatest president,” said State Senator Steve McClure. “The legislation aims to restore the site’s structures and its reputation, while creating a path forward for New Salem that preserves its place in Lincoln’s legacy for generations to come. I thank the Lincoln League for partnering with me on our shared vision to Save Lincoln’s New Salem.”

The definitive guide to the biographies of Illinois’ chief executives, The Illinois Governors: Mostly Good and Competent, describes the state’s 38th Governor, Jim Edgar, as “the right governor at the right time.”

Edgar, who served two terms between 1991 and 1999, held the office between the flashy, big-spending days of his predecessor and the scandal-tarred administrations of his two successors. Edgar was, according to the book’s authors, Robert P. Howard, Taylor Pensoneau and Peggy Boyer Long, “comparatively dull, yet popular throughout his two terms.”

Chicago and other areas of the Midwest celebrate a delicious Polish tradition every year known as “Paczki Day.” This day-before-Lent celebration occurs on what is commonly known as “Fat Tuesday” during Mardi Gras.

In Poland, paczki are traditionally made on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday. However, many Polish Americans now combine the celebrations with Mardi Gras on Fat Tuesday. If you are wondering what a paczki is, one Chicago baker sums it up succinctly – “essentially a cream-filled donut, but on steroids.” 

Throughout the United States’ storied history, many iconic symbols serve as incredible reminders of our nation’s past, though few represent its unbreakable spirit quite as profoundly as the national anthem, titled “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The time-tested tune encapsulates not only its fortitude in battle, but its core values of freedom and bravery. 

Casimir Pulaski Day was officially designated as a statewide observance in Chicago and Illinois in 1986. It is observed each year on the first Monday in March in recognition of Pulaski’s March 6 birthday. Pulaski, a Polish-born hero of the American Revolution, was killed in battle during the ‘Siege of Savannah’ in 1779. 

Our children deserve the brightest future and best opportunities for success we can provide for them, and two of the fundamental assets of their early education must include teaching them to read and write. Students who struggle with literacy can fall behind their peers quickly, and the consequences are compounded as they get older. The importance of literacy is not lost on House Republicans, who believe an important goal in Illinois should be for every child to read and write at their grade level or higher.

Women's History Month has been an annual celebration in the United States since 1987, but its roots go back to a weeklong event in Sonoma, California, in 1978. The celebration was expanded to a month-long observance by Congress in 1987, to recognize the often-overlooked achievements of women throughout history.

Here in Illinois, we're proud to have several women stepping up to represent their communities in the House Republicans. These women bring a wealth of diverse experiences and a shared commitment to public service. They've made significant strides in healthcare, education, and economic development, showing us all what dedicated leadership looks like. Their hard work and advocacy have opened doors for future generations of women leaders.

IMMIGRATION
Audit shows Pritzker Administration vastly underestimated the cost of immigrant healthcare program. On Wednesday, the Illinois Auditor General released the results of an audit of the Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors and Adults programs, which showed that the State of Illinois has already spent over $1.6 billion in taxpayer funds on health benefits for undocumented immigrants.

Illinois working families face an unprecedented number of financial hurdles that a group of House Republican legislators want to help them overcome. The lawmakers unveiled a package of bills today aimed at providing much needed financial relief for Illinois’ working families.

The Relief for Working Families legislative package contains proposals which encourage entrepreneurship, help tipped employees keep all of their gratuities, and create opportunities for technical skill-building that can lead to high-paying jobs.

State Representative Brandun Schweizer (R-Danville) has filed his first bills in the 104th General Assembly, both measures to benefit volunteer first responders.

Rep. Schweizer’s first bill, HB 1353, amends the Volunteer Emergency Worker Protection Act to ensure that volunteer first responders are protected when they need to be absent from their full-time jobs due to mandatory training required for volunteer first responders or when they need to be absent to respond to an emergency. The legislation makes four main changes:

State Representative Nicole La Ha (R-Lemont) has introduced HB2541, a bill working to ensure that individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome are fully recognized and eligible for developmental disability services in Illinois.

“Families caring for loved ones with Prader-Willi syndrome face unique and significant challenges,” said Rep. La Ha. “Right now, some individuals with this condition are being denied critical resources simply because the law doesn’t clearly recognize their needs. They deserve the same support and services as others with developmental disabilities.”

The long line of cars that sit idling on the side of the busy roadways leading to O’Hare Airport is threatening the safety of thousands of motorists who travel to O’Hare each day.

Instead of using the cell phone lot created for drivers so they can remain in their vehicles while they await incoming flights at O’Hare International Airport, some motorists are lining up in the emergency lanes alongside the highly trafficked road leading to the airport.

Welcome to the "3 Things You Didn't Know About" series. Our aim is to help you get to know your legislators a little better.

 ________________________________________________________

Here are three things you didn't know about Illinois State Representative Jason Bunting: 

Each year, on February 22nd, we take time to reflect on the life and contributions of George Washington, the nation's first president and an enduring symbol of leadership, integrity, and patriotism. While today’s observance is bundled into "Presidents' Day," Washington’s real birthday is February 22nd. His military victories and role in forming the United States helped to shape American ideals.  

BUDGET
Pritzker proposes the largest budget in state history. Last year after the budget address, we reported Governor Pritzker had proposed the largest budget in the state’s history. This year, he has outdone himself – breaking last year’s record.

State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro (R-Hanover Park) has filed her legislative agenda for her 2nd term in the 104th General Assembly. The agenda is aimed at reducing costs for Illinois families and workers, protecting victims, and improving access to voting and higher education.

“These proposals are about putting Illinois first,” said Rep. Sanalitro. “Whether it’s helping seniors stay in their homes, making school supplies more affordable, or protecting victims of human trafficking, this agenda addresses the challenges Illinoisans face every day.”

Last year after the budget address, we reported Governor Pritzker had proposed the largest budget in the state’s history. This year, he has outdone himself – breaking last year’s record.

During his speech to the Illinois General Assembly today, Governor Pritzker unveiled his priorities and spending plan, setting his total FY26 expenditures at $55.235 billion. The new proposal reflects a $1.994 billion increase in spending over last year, resulting in a 3.7% increase overall. Moreover, the Governor plans to pay for the new spending with yet-to-be-realized revenue, based in part on aggressive projections that have not been confirmed by the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (CGFA), as well as increased taxes and other gimmicks that will require the legislature’s approval.

Governor Pritzker will deliver the State of the State and budget address to the Illinois General Assembly today at noon in Springfield. Legislators from the House of Representatives and the Senate will join together in the House Chambers to listen to the Governor's speech and learn of his budget priorities. 

In Illinois, the Governor drafts a budget they would like to see implemented but it is up to the members of the General Assembly to appropriate funds based on how they think the state's money should be spent. Throughout the remainder of the legislative session, lawmakers serving on appropriation committees will be conducting public hearings where state agencies will lay out the Governor's budget requests providing lawmakers with an accounting of how funds will be spent over the next fiscal year. After accessing the information from those hearings, budget analyses, and based on their priorities, legislators will ultimately vote on the budget and budget implementation bills sometime at the end of May.

Earlier this month, Rep. Amy Grant delivered a floor speech recognizing an incredible group of women who made history during World War II—the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, known as the Six Triple Eight.

This was the only predominantly Black, all-female battalion of the US Women's Army Corps (WAC) to serve overseas in the Second World War. Their job was a tough one, clear the huge backlog of mail addressed to American service personnel that was piling up in Europe. Army officials reported that the lack of reliable mail delivery was hurting morale.