News

As citizens throughout Illinois toast the New Year and sing Auld Lang Syne, 253 new laws will take effect. From controversial gun-control laws to fighting human trafficking and celebrating our state’s rich history, these new laws cover a wide range of topics.

Dozens of high school students from across the 51st Senate District participated in a unique, hands-on experience in public policy, state government, and leadership and hear from local leaders on those issues as part of State Sen. Chapin Roses Youth Advisory Council.

Senator Brian Stewart and Representative Andrew Chesney were sworn in Wednesday, December 5, at the Lincoln Douglas Debate Square in Freeport, Illinois, by the Honorable Michael P. Bald, Presiding Judge of Stephenson County.

To ensure quality care for Illinois nursing home residents, State Sen. Jil Tracy and State Representative Norine Hammond sponsored a measure to provide provisional eligibility for Medicaid long-term care applicants whose applications have not been processed within federal timelines. As of November 28, House Bill 4771 was passed into law, taking effect immediately.

To ensure safe shopping this holiday season, the Illinois Attorney General has released its annual Safe Shopping Guide, which highlights hazardous toys, children’s products and household items that have been recalled over the past year. The guide includes descriptions and photographs of each item.

On December 3, it was announced that State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) would be joining Governor-elect Pritzkers Job Creation and Economic Opportunity Committee, representing Southern Illinois as a new Administration prepares for the upcoming General Assembly.

Legislators were in Springfield for the final week of the Fall Veto Session, taking action on measures vetoed or changed by the Governor.

State Senator Craig Wilcox joined hundreds of farmers and agriculture advocates over the weekend during the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting held in Chicago, where he learned about the issues impacting farmers and the agriculture industry.

State Sen. Yadav Nathwani has extended the deadline for the "Support Our Troops" collection drive one more week! Residents have until Friday, December 7 to donate items for the Christmas care packages for overseas soldiers. Nathwani encourages the 24th District to participate in helping to gift some holiday spirit to our brave military men and women who cannot be at home with their families during this season.

Illinois now has several new laws following the conclusion of the Fall Veto Session, where the General Assembly overrode measures vetoed by Gov. Bruce Rauner. Other measures fell short of the 3/5 majority needed in both the Senate and House of Representatives to override the Governors vetoes.

State Senator Craig Wilcox (R-McHenry) joins the Capitol Report podcast this week to discuss legislation that would allow for the consolidation of government in McHenry County.

State Senator Craig Wilcox (R-McHenry) joins the Capitol Report podcast this week to discuss legislation that would allow for the consolidation of government in McHenry County.

Leader Bill Brady joined the Steve Cochran Show to talk about veto session and the future of Illinois.

In response to the recent discovery that Illinois school districts have hired individuals as school counselors without the proper licensing and certification, State Sen. John F. Curran sponsored an initiative to protect the mental health of students and ensure only licensed school counselors may provide these crucial services.

State Senator Dale Fowler provides an update on ongoing business development in Cairo, including developments with the Cairo River Port Terminal.

A section of roadway in Shelbyville in dire need of repair will soon get a facelift. Illinois 128 (N. Cedar St.) from Illinois Route 16 (West Main St.) to slightly north of North Sixth Street in Shelbyville will be resurfaced, State Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) and State Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) announced Nov. 29.

State Senator Craig Wilcox (R-McHenry) releases a statement following the passage of House Bill 4637 in the Senate, which allows for the abolishment of townships in McHenry County.

The protection of the local water supply will be strengthened under legislation sponsored by State Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) and passed by the Senate Nov. 28.

December 1st, 2018 will now be known as Blake Kinnett Day in the state of Illinois, in honor of a teenager from Alvin who was diagnosed with Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). Blake Kinnett has been an inspiration to those around him through his courage and determination...

Milton Township Vice-Chairman Yadav “Nick” Nathwani was appointed and sworn in as the new State Senator for the 24th District to represent the interests of his west suburban constituents for the remainder of the 100th General Assembly. Nathwani made Illinois history as the first Indian-American member to serve in the Illinois State Senate.

A section of Illinois Route 116 will soon be renamed to honor the memory and sacrifice of SPC Phillip Pannier, according to State Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington). SPC Pannier gave his life in service to his country...

The Illinois General Assembly has passed legislation to honor fallen Ashkum firefighter Dana Schoolman, 30 years after he lost his life in the line of duty. "Dana Schoolman is a hero who gave his life while trying to save the lives of others...

A section of I-55 near Towanda will soon be renamed in honor of a local fallen soldier, Sgt. Anthony Maddox. We are free because today because of the sacrifice of brave men and women like Sgt. Maddox...

On November 26, the Horizon Developer Group announced plans for several businesses throughout the city of Cairo, including plans to develop a Mexican restaurant, coffee shop, laundry mat, dry cleaners, and childrens indoor play center.

In recognition of her dedicated and effective advocacy for the people of Illinois, Senate Republican Leader Bill Brady appointed State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) to Senate Leadership as the new Minority Whip.