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.

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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.

Presidents Day is a day of recognition set aside for remembering the lineage of elected officials who have boldly led our nation. While Presidents Day is celebrated all across the country and recognizes presidents born in many parts of our nation, it would be remiss not to acknowledge the significant contributions to the United States’ presidential history made by those who hailed from Illinois, aptly known by its State slogan: the “Land of Lincoln.”

Throughout Illinois, 1.5 million family caregivers provide an estimated 1.4 million hours of care annually to their loved ones. This dedication, valued at approximately $18.5 million in unpaid labor, shows the profound commitment these individuals have toward their families and communities.

Caregivers in Illinois encompass individuals of all ages, races, and genders. Approximately 16.5% of Illinois adults serve as caregivers, reflecting the widespread need within our communities. This role often involves managing medical appointments, administering medications, and assisting with daily activities, tasks that require significant time, energy, and emotional resilience.

MADIGAN TRIAL
Ex-Speaker Madigan guilty on 10 counts in landmark federal corruption trial. Former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan was found guilty this week in federal court on 10 felony counts that centered on bribery, bribery conspiracy, and wire fraud.

Dating back to ancient Rome, some 4,000 years ago, the month of February has symbolized romance and love. While details on how Valentine’s Day ended up on February 14th differ, traditional gift giving, sending valentine cards, and professing one’s undying love have always remained consistent.

During the months-long trial of former Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan, the jury heard testimony about the powerful Democrat’s use of play-to-pay tactics that included bribery and ghost jobs. That testimony ultimately led to a guilty verdict for the longtime politician.

Despite the guilty finding, the culture of corruption cultivated by Madigan is still in play in the Land of Lincoln and we cannot afford to be complacent. Madigan’s handpicked successor now presides over the House of Representatives, and the House chamber is still governed by Madigan rules.

A jury has found Michael J. Madigan guilty of corruption charges.

Michael J. Madigan’s long-running reign as Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives ended with his ouster as Speaker in January 2021 amid a federal bribery investigation. He resigned his legislative seat one month later. Madigan had served in the legislature for more than 50 years, 36 of those years as Speaker of the House. For much of that time he simultaneously led the Illinois Democratic Party, tightening his stranglehold not just on legislators, but on all Democratic elected officials in Illinois.

Abraham Lincoln, born on February 12, 1809, near Hodgenville, Kentucky, emerged from humble beginnings to become one of the most revered figures in American history. His rise from a simple frontier life to the highest office in the nation was marked by perseverance, intellect, and an unwavering commitment to justice. As the 16th President of the United States, Lincoln led the nation through its darkest period, the Civil War, and played a critical role in ending slavery. His legacy is deeply intertwined with the state of Illinois, where he spent much of his life and honed the leadership skills that would define his presidency.

Starting your own new business in Illinois may soon be more affordable. State Representative Kyle Moore has introduced legislation that would eliminate many of the first-year fees new business startups face.

“Starting a business is a key component of the American Dream and we need to do everything we can to make it more affordable here in Illinois,” Moore said.

In January, Illinois State Representative Patrick Windhorst introduced HB 1478, a bill aimed at protecting children from fentanyl exposure. The legislation would establish two new criminal offenses: Fentanyl-related Child Endangerment and Aggravated Fentanyl-related Child Endangerment.

Enjoy the wonders of winter at this year’s Annual Winter Carnival in Galena in Jo Daviess County. Whether you are looking for family-friendly activities, a romantic get-away for Valentines Day weekend or looking for an opportunity to learn about our 18th President, Ulysses S. Grant, on a tour of his Galena Home as part of the Presidents’ Day Weekend, there is something for everyone!

Pizza, one of the most cherished foods in the nation, has become a household favorite of millions and an icon of American cuisine and culture. While originally a humble Neapolitan flatbread, pizza has called the United States home for more than a century and has grown into its own unique dish with varying styles all across the country. On February 9, we celebrate National Pizza Day, a time to celebrate the beloved baked treat and an excuse to get your pizza fix!

 

William Dickson Boyce (June 16, 1858 – June 11, 1929) was an American entrepreneur, magazine publisher, explorer, businessman and millionaire who owned numerous newspapers in the United States and Canada. With his first wife, Mary Jane Beacom, he moved to Chicago to pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions. There he established the Mutual Newspaper Publishing Company and the weekly Saturday Blade, which catered to a rural audience and was distributed by thousands of newspaper boys. With his novel employment of newsboys to boost newspaper sales, Boyce's namesake publishing company maintained a circulation of 500,000 copies per week by 1894. Boyce strongly supported worker rights, as demonstrated by his businesses' support of labor unions and his concern for his newsboys' well-being.

Democrats in Illinois continue to push overreaching legislation and expansion of government, and the latest example comes in the form of HB 2827, filed last week in the House by Rep. Terra Costa Howard. Creation of the ‘Homeschool Act’ will impact thousands of Illinois families who have lawfully chosen to homeschool their children. This right was upheld in the “People v. Levisen” Illinois Supreme Court case from 1950.

MADIGAN TRIAL
No tea leaves from silent Madigan jury as deliberations head into 8th day. Jurors in the landmark corruption trial of Michael Madigan on Thursday concluded their seventh day of deliberations without reaching a verdict. And for the second day running, they maintained total silence, sending no questions or other communications to the judge.

National Wear Red Day is Friday, February 7, 2025

Heart disease has long been perceived as a predominantly male health issue. However, statistics reveal a different narrative: heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in the United States, accounting for approximately one in every five female deaths. 

Ronald Wilson Reagan, born on February 6, 1911, in the modest village of Tampico, Illinois, rose from humble beginnings to become the 40th President of the United States. His journey from the heartland of America to the presidency is a testament to the values and experiences that shaped him during his formative years in Illinois.

House Republicans took a stand against the supermajority Democrats demagoguery by walking out of session this afternoon when Democrats diverted the agenda toward attached on President Trump.

State Representative David Friess (R-Red Bud) has filed House Bill 1206, legislation aimed at addressing law enforcement shortages in Illinois through innovative student loan repayment assistance for former police officers. The bill, which amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act, establishes the Returning Police Officers Loan Repayment Assistance Program.

State Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton) says the time has come to provide real, lasting tax relief for all Illinoisans. This week, Severin announced a sweeping package of legislation aimed at cutting income taxes, reducing estate tax burdens, and extending tax credits for families who recycle and foster children.

State Representative Travis Weaver (R-Edwards) has filed legislation in the newly-formed 104th General Assembly aimed at supporting families who have lost a loved one killed in the line of duty. House Bill 1115 provides a property tax exemption for Gold Star Parents.

Every year on February 2nd, Americans turn their attention to a small, burrowing mammal to predict the weather. Groundhog Day is a fun and playful tradition that has fascinating ties to Illinois!

In 1993, the film "Groundhog Day," starring Bill Murray, was filmed in Woodstock, Illinois. Since then, the town has embraced its connection to the film, turning it into an annual celebration that draws visitors from near and far. 

In 1915, Carter G. Woodson, an accomplished historian and graduate of the University of Chicago, traveled from Washington D.C. to take part in a three-week celebration commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of emancipation sponsored by the state of Illinois. The celebration, attended by thousands of people from all across the country, displayed a number of exhibits, each telling a part of the history of Black Americans and their contributions to our nation. Inspired by these celebrations and the exhibits displayed, Woodson, along with A. L. Jackson, minister Jesse Moorland, and others came together at the Wabash YMCA on September 9 to form the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. In 1926, Woodson announced that the second week of February, the birth month of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, shall be recognized as Negro History Week, a period of historical remembrance that would eventually evolve into Black History Month.