Budget

The 2023 budget forces grocers to display Gov. J.B Pritzker’s temporary suspension of the 1% grocery tax. Illinois is one of the few states to tax groceries.

Illinois Policy

Dylan Sharkey

04/12/2022

‘“A 1% abatement in just the cost of food is little appeasement to a working mom trying to feed her family when inflation is at 8%,” said state Sen. Jill Tracy, R-Quincy.’

 

McClure Unhappy With State Budget Process

WLDS/WEAI

Benjamin Cox

04/11/2022

“State Senator Steve McClure is unhappy with the state’s budgeting process.”

 

Crisis Center Foundation to Benefit as New State Budget Increases Funding

WLDS/WEAI

Jeremy Coumbes

04/15/2022

“In our area, I would like to say a special thank you to Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer and Senator Steve McClure for meeting with me and texting, emailing, talking on the phone for the last several months, and for supporting this increase to services.”

 

Barickman: State budget deficit can kicked down the road

WGLT

Charlie Schlenker

04/15/2022

“State Sen. Jason Barickman said early in the spring legislative session he expected very little productivity coming out of it. And now Barickman said his expectations have been fulfilled.”

 

General Assembly sends Pritzker budget buoyed by 1st surplus in years, loaded with temporary tax relief with ahead of election

The Daily Line

Ben Szalinski

04/11/2022

‘“Another year, another enormous budget dropped on us at the last minute full of promises and pork spending and who knows what else,” Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia), Republican candidate for governor, said. “I have a question to ask the body. Is there anyone here that actually read every page of this budget?”’

 

Greater transparency needed in state budgeting process

Shaw Media

Scott Reeder

04/16/2022

‘“They didn’t talk to Republicans during the budgeting process at all, and they don’t need to,” state Sen. Neil Anderson, R-Andalusia, said. “Why would they? This is kind of the result you get: a closed-door budget to make sure everybody in their caucus is happy.”’

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

4-11-22

Hyde Park Herald (1 other source)

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

4-11-22

WMIX Radio (Mt. Vernon) (1 other source)

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Darren Bailey

4-11-22

Illinois Issues (Springfield)

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Darren Bailey

4-11-22

WXEF Radio (Effingham)

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

4-1222

Ogle County Newspapers

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

4-11-22

WSCJ Radio (Morris)

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Steve McClure

4-11-22

WLDS/WEAI Radio (Jacksonville)

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

4-12-22

Alton Telegraph

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

4-14-22

Metropolis Planet (1 other source)

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

4-13-22

DeWitt Daily News

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

4-14-22

Metropolis Planet (1 other source)

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

4-13-22

Illinois Times (Springfield) (1 other source)

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

4-13-22

Monroe County Republic-Times

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Steve McClure

4-15-22

WLDS/WEAI Radio (Jacksonville)

Issue: New state budget/domestic violence shelters

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

4-14-22

Kankakee Daily Journal

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Jil Tracy

4-14-22

Quincy Herald-Whig

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Win Stoller

4-17-22

WQAD-TV (Quad Cities)

Issue: New state budget

Prisoner Review Board

Statement From Senator Plummer On End Of Legislative Session, PRB Appointments

Effingham Radio

Staff

04/11/2022

‘State Senator Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville) released the following statement after the Illinois Senate adjourned in the early morning hours of April 9th: “Families are across this state are struggling to pay their bills while inflation and taxes are out of control. I supported numerous measures to freeze the gas tax, permanently, increase property tax credits, permanently, and to remove the sales tax on groceries and prescriptions, again, permanently. But after years of fee increases and tax hikes, the only thing the super majority Democrats would allow to move forward were shameless election year gimmicks that expire immediately after the coming election.”’

 

Prisoner Review Board gains two members

Fox 2 Now

Danny Connolly, Cole Henke

04/12/2022

“Senator Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville) criticized the governor for keeping temporary board members for unconstitutional lengths.”

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

4-11-22

Chicago Crusader

Issue: PRB appointments

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

4-12-22

WWVR Radio (Paris) (11 other sources)

Issue: PRB appointees

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

4-12-22

WXEF Radio (Effingham)

Issue: PRB appointees

Public Safety

Illinois State Legislature Looks to Target Crime Through Series of Recently Passed Bills

WTTW

Amanda Vinicky

04/12/2022

“State Sen. Neil Anderson (R-Moline) said the measure wrongly will penalize himself and other legal firearm owners the same as it will criminals who intentionally scratch a serial number from a gun to prevent it from being traced.”

 

“But state Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield) said in terms of punishing those who actually rob stories, the measure has no real teeth.”

 

New legislation in Illinois would recognize emergency dispatchers as first responders

KWQC 6

KWQC Staff

04/13/2022

“Illinois State Senator Neil Anderson and Representative Dan Swanson hosted a press conference Tuesday with an update on a bill that would recognize emergency dispatchers as first responders.”

 

Illinois bill passed to designate emergency dispatchers as first responders

The Quad City Times

Jonathan Turner

04/13/2022

“State Senator Neil Anderson (R-Andalusia) and Representative Dan Swanson (R-Alpha) were joined Wednesday by QComm911 Deputy Director Scott Ryckeghem to announce the recent passage of Senate Bill 3127 in both the Senate and House late last week.”

 

Union-backed construction wage theft measure will head to Illinois Gov. Pritzker

CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS, Belville News-Democrat

JERRY NOWICKI

04/14/2022

“Sen. Jason Plummer, a Republican from Edwardsville, was among those calling for the measures not included in either of the final bills.”

 

Legislation classifying Illinois dispatchers as first responders clears legislature

The Center Square

Andrew Hensel

04/14/2022

“Senate Bill 3127 was filed by state Sen. Neil Anderson and provides that emergency dispatchers are now COVID-19 first responders.”

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

4-13-22

Champaign News Gazette

Issue: Protecting family nursing home visits

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

4-12-22

Daily Herald

Issue: Protecting family nursing home visits

 

Sen. Steve McClure

4-12-22

WTTW-TV (Chicago)

Issue: Reforming Democrat crime reform

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

4-12-22

Chronicle Media (Cook County) (23 other sources)

Issue: Retail theft legislation

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

4-12-22

Southern Illinoisan (1 other source)

Issue: Retail theft legislation

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

4-13-22

WTTW-TV (Chicago)

Issue: Responding to Speaker Welch’s claim Republicans offer no solutions to combat crime

 

Sen. John Curran

KFVS-TV (Cape Girardeau, Mo) (4 other sources)

Issue: Retail theft crackdown

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

4-13-22

OurQuadCities.com

Issue: Dispatchers recognized as First Responders

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

4-13-22

KWQC-TV (Quad Cities)

Issue: Dispatchers recognized as First Responders

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

4-14-22

KFVS-TV (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) (3 other sources)

Issue: Dispatchers recognized as First Responders

 

Sen. Steve McClure

KFVS-TV (Cape Girardeau, Mo) (4 other sources)

Issue: Retail theft crackdown

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

4-13-22

Ogle County Newspapers (2 other sources)

Issue: Retail theft crackdown

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

4-13-22

WLS Radio (Chicago)

Issue: Dispatchers recognized as First Responders

 

Sen. Darren Bailey

4-15-22

Illinois Business Journal (16 other sources)

Issue: Pharmacists dispensing HIV meds/Fentanyl tests

 

Sen. Darren Bailey

4-14-22

Hometownregister.com (west-central Illinois regional newspaper group) (19 other sources)

Issue: Pharmacists dispensing HIV meds/Fentanyl tests

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

4-15-22

Illinois Business Journal (16 other sources)

Issue: Pharmacists dispensing HIV meds/Fentanyl tests

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

4-14-22

WIFR-Tv (Rockford)

Issue: Dispatchers as first responders

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

4-17-22

Lake and McHenry County Scanner (1 other source)

Issue: Dispatchers as first responders

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

4-15-22

FireRescue 1 (Professional journal) (1 other source)

Issue: Dispatchers as first responders

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

4-16-22

WCMY Radio (Ottawa)

Issue: Judicial campaign finance

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

4-15-22

Hyde Park Herald

Issue: Retail theft legislation

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

4-15-22

Effingham Daily News

Issue: Protecting nursing home family access

2022 Spring Session

Rose Statement on End of Session

Effingham Radio

Staff

04/13/2022

‘State Senator Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) released the following statement after the Illinois Senate adjourned in the early morning hours of April 9th: “The Democrats who control Springfield emptied out their bag of election year tricks- let’s start with tax breaks that expire, conveniently for them, after the election. But it’s what they didn’t do that is the real story. They aren’t providing permanent tax relief by eliminating the tax on food and drugs. They aren’t doubling the tax credit for property taxes. They aren’t even suspending the sales tax on gasoline to help working Illinoisians – all of which we proposed. Well, you’ve come to expect this from the tax-us-into-oblivion crowd that makes up JB Pritzker’s Democrat party.”’

 

Session Recap: Bills allow pharmacists to administer preventive HIV meds, fentanyl test strips

Capitol News Illinois

GRACE KINNICUTT

03/14/2022

“Sen. Jason Barickman, a Bloomington Republican, was the only GOP lawmaker from either chamber to vote yes for the measure.”

 

“Sen. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia, said the language leaves “too many loopholes” for minors, whether emancipated or not, to go to different pharmacies and refill their medications several times.”

 

Local lawmakers feel more should have been addressed during session

Herald-Whig

DREW ZIMMERMAN Herald-Whig Staff Writer

04/14/2022

“Sen. Jil Tracy, R-Quincy, said the budget is balanced on a lot of federal money received as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. And though some strides were made on covering the state’s existing debt, more money should’ve been allocated to pay down Illinois’ unemployment insurance fund.”

 

WGLT's The Leadoff - Friday 4/15/22

WGLT 89.1 FM

Staff

04/15/2022

“WGLT's the leadoff is everything you need to know for Friday, April 15. State Senator Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) tells Charlie Schlenker he doesn't feel the legislature got as much done as it could have during the spring session. Plus, representatives from the United Way of McLean County Housing Coalition tell Eric Stock there's still more work to do, despite having already distributed more than $5 million in COVID housing relief.”

 

With spotlight on crime, lawmakers close session by sending bipartisan public safety bills to the governor

The Daily Line

Ben Szalinski

04/11/2022

‘The bill’s former chief co-sponsor Sen. John Curran (R-Downers Grove) said the narrowed bill is “only a small step forward.”’  

 

‘Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield) said the bill will do little to deter people from committing the crime because Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx typically does not press charges on thefts below $1,000 in value.’

 

Judicial campaign finance overhaul, parole board appointments among flurry of measures passed in waning hours of session

The Daily Line

Alex Nitkin

04/11/2022

‘Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) pounced on Harmon’s presentation of a bill (HB350) Harmon described as “an implementation bill” following up on Democrats’ January vote to redraw the state’s subcircuits. Harmon said the follow-up bill was “correcting some drafting errors as well as assuring we protect the allocation of associate judges across counties.”’

 

Lawmakers set to send Pritzker ‘ghost gun’ registry bill

The Center Square

Greg Bishop

04/11/2022

“State Sen. Neil Anderson, R-Andalusia, opposed the measure.”

 

Illinois lawmakers pass a bill they say will help prevent wage theft

The Center Square

Andrew Hensel

04/11/2022

“Some lawmakers are concerned the legislation would add costs and complications to the contracting process. State Sen. Jason Plummer, R-Edwardsville, said the bill would drive up costs for Illinois.”

 

'Very disappointing': Effort stalls to remove Illinois elected officials charged with crimes

Rockford Register Star

Chris Green

04/12/2022

“State Sen. Dave Syverson blasted House Democrats Sunday for "killing" a proposed bipartisan bill that would temporarily remove local elected officials from office when they are charged with crimes.”

 

Session Recap: Illinois lawmakers pass bill to combat organized retail theft

Capitol News Illinois

GRACE KINNICUTT

04/12/2022

“Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, noted concerns during a committee hearing that removing language pertaining to the 1970 organized crime-related Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, or RICO, would weaken the bill.”

 

Editorial: No one should have to die alone

Chicago Tribune

The Editorial Board

04/07/2022

“So we hail the bipartisan passage of Senate Bill 1405 on Wednesday, as sponsored in the Illinois House by state Rep. Chris Bos, R-Lake Zurich, and the Senate by Minority Leader Dan McConchie, R-Hawthorn Woods, ensuring that what happened throughout Illinois (and beyond) in the spring of 2020 (and beyond) does not happen here again.”

 

Editorial | Legislature repeats decades of pension sins

The News-Gazette

The Editorial Board

04/13/2022

“Republican members of the Legislature rightly criticized the tax cuts as “election-year gimmicks.” And then they almost unanimously voted for them anyway. (Republican state Sen. Craig Wilcox of McHenry was the only lawmaker with the fortitude to vote “no.”)”

 

Illinois ‘kicking the can’ on unemployment debt amid concerns of possible recession

The Center Square

Greg Bishop

04/12/2022

“State Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, said it’s unacceptable that the debt lingers, especially since the state received $16 billion from federal taxpayers over the past two years.”

 

“State Sen. Win Stoller, R-Germantown Hills, said with record levels of inflation, it’s likely there will be a “painful recession” that Illinois will struggle with, especially with the unemployment fund in the red.”

 

Unemployment insurance trust fund negotiations stalled, labor and business groups say

The Daily Line

Ben Szalinski

04/12/2022

‘“We’re facing the possibility of trying to borrow our way out of this problem with additional bonding debt,” Sen. Win Stoller (R-Germantown Hills) said during a debate in the Senate last month.’

 

Session Recap: Union-backed wage theft measure will head to Pritzker

Capitol News Illinois

JERRY NOWICKI

04/14/2022

“Sen. Jason Plummer, a Republican from Edwardsville, was among those calling for the measures that were not included in either of the final bills.”

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

4-12-22

WCSJ Radio (Morris)

Issue: Legislative session report

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

4-13-22

Southern Illinoisan

Issue: 2022 Spring Session @ Paul Simon Institute

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

4-14-22

Champaign News-Gazette (24 other sources)

Issue: Wage theft legislation

MISC.

Coal City School District Reacts To Passing of New State Law

WSPY News

Staff

04/11/2022

“State Senator Sue Rezin and others did not support the bill.”

 

GEDC Hosts Annual Legislative Breakfast

WCSJ News

Justin Ritz

04/13/2022

“State Senators Patrick Joyce and Sue Rezin along with State Representatives Jackie Haas & David Welter were at the event answering questions about state and federal government issues.”

 

Landlords eye Section 8 mandate in bill

The Center Square, The Telegraph

Kevin Bessler

04/11/2022

“State Sen. Jason Barickman, R-Bloomington, said the bill will harm the state.”

 

Chapin Rose sets traveling office hours

Piatt County Journal-Republican

Chapin Rose

04/13/2022

“State Senator Chapin Rose’s (R-Mahomet) office will be holding local traveling office hours in multiple Piatt County locations on Thursday, April 21.”

 

BIPARTISAN PUSH TO MAKE LONGMEADOW BRIDGE TOLL-FREE GETS FUNDING ALLOCATION IN STATE’S FY23 BUDGET

Kane County Connects

Staff

04/11/2022

“According to a news release from state Sen. Donald DeWitte (R-St. Charles), Kane County’s Department of Transportation expects the project to be completed in 2023.”

 

State Senator Stoller, Princeton Mayor Quiram, Oversee Dedication of New Sgt Lincoln Hollinsaid Bridge

Illinois News Now

Sean Kernan

04/12/2022

“On Tuesday morning, State Senator Win Stoller and Princeton Mayor Joel Quiram helped to pay tribute to Sgt. Lincoln ‘Linc’ Hollinsaid, a Bureau County native who was killed while on Duty in Iraq in 2003. In a ceremony including Sgt Hollinsaid’s parents, the Main Street I-80 Flags of Freedom Bridge, home of four of the largest American flags in the State of Illinois, was officially christened for Sgt Hollinsaid.”

 

Senator Fowler meets with local leaders to address truck driver shortage

WSIL TV 3

Madeline Parker

04/13/2022

“Senator Dale Fowler is working on how to address the truck driver shortage.”

 

This Is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

Taylorville Daily News

Leroy M Kleimola

04/15/2022

“State Senator Neil Anderson says that too many dispatchers don’t get credit for the work they do.”

 

IL Route 125 to Receive Repairs After Local Rancor Over Potholes, Damaged Vehicles

WLDS/WEAI

Benjamin Cox

04/15/2022

“State Senator Jil Tracy commented on her Facebook Page last Friday that after hearing from local residents and businesses and working with IDOT officials, she was pleased to announce that the roadwork will begin.”

 

Sen. Dale Fowler

4-11-22

Southern Illinoisan

Issue: Pictures taken at food pantry in Union County

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

4-12-22

Associated Press (26 other sources)

Issue: Protecting family nursing home visits

 

Sen. Dave Syverson

4-11-22

WMBD Radio (Peoria)

Issue: School days off for civic events

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

4-12-22

Jacksonville Journal-Courier (1 other source)

Issue: Forcing rental property owners to participate in Section 8 housing program

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

4-11-22

WMBD Radio (Peoria)

Issue: Ban on DIY kit guns

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

4-11-22

DeWitt Daily News

Issue: Ban on DIY kit guns

 

Sen. Brian Stewart

4-12-22

The Journal-Standard (Freeport)

Issue: Blood drive

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

4-12-22

WXEF Radio (Effingham)

Issue: I-72 named in honor of Officer Chris Oberheim

 

Sen. Don DeWitte

4-12-22

Chicago Tribune

Issue: Local bridge project

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

4-12-22

WTTW-TV (Chicago)

Issue: Unserialized/kit gun ban

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

4-12-22

Decatur Herald & Review

Issue: Visit to ADM

 

Sen. Win Stoller

4-12-22

OurQuadCities.com

Issue: I-80 bridge named in memory of Sgt. Lincoln Hollinsaid

 

Sen. Win Stoller

4-12-22

Ogle County Newspapers

Issue: I-80 bridge named in memory of Sgt. Lincoln Hollinsaid

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

4-14-22

DeWitt Daily News

Issue: I-72 named after Officer Oberheim

 

Sen. Jil Tracy

4-13-22

Quincy Herald-Whig

Issue: Park district grant

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

4-13-22

Jacksonville Journal-Courier

Issue: Unserialized guns/kit guns

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

4-13-22

Ogle County Newspapers

Issue: Speech before the Grundy Economic Development Council

 

Sen. John Curran

4-13-22

WFLD-TV (Chicago)

Issue: React to Danny Solis bribery

 

Sen. Dale Fowler

4-14-22

WSIL-TV (Harrisburg) (multiple newscasts)

Issue: Addressing the shortage of truck drivers

 

Sen. Jil Tracy

4-16-22

Muddy River News (Quincy)

Issue: Grocery tax

 

Sen. Jil Tracy

4-15-22

WLDS/WEAI Radio (Jacksonville)

Issue: Emergency road word near Beardstown

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

4-16-22

Champaign News-Gazette

Issue: (Picture/caption) - Honoring Firefighter Ross Booker of the St. Joseph-Stanton Fire Protection District with a Senate proclamation

 

Sen. Jil Tracy

4-14-22

Muddy River News (Quincy)

Issue: Riverfront park improvements

 

Sen. Dale Fowler

4-14-22

WSIL-TV (Harrisburg)

Issue: Truck driver shortage

Budget/Taxes

Sen. Brian Stewart

4-9-22

Ogle County Newspapers

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

4-10-22

Edwardsville Intelligencer (36 other sources)

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

4-9-22

WICD-TV (Champaign) (1 other source)

Issue: Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

4-9-22

WIFR-TV (Rockford) (3 other sources)

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

4-9-22

WTTW-TV (Chicago)

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

4-9-22

Southern Illinoisan (1 other source)

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

4-9-22

WJBD Radio (Salem)

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

4-9-22

WMBD Radio (Peoria)

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

4-4-22

Chronicle Media (Cook County) (1 other source)

Issue: Senate Dem tax relief plan

 

Sen. Dave Syverson

4-6-22

WTVO-TV (Rockford)

Issue: Capping the sales tax on motor fuel

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

4-9-22

WAND-TV (Decatur) (1 other source)

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

4-8-22

KHQA-TV (Hannibal/Quincy) (2 other sources)

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

4-8-22

Edwardsville (Intellingencer) (2 other sources)

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

4-10-22

Edwardsville Intelligencer (31 other sources)

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

4-9-22

KHQA-TV (Hannibal/Quincy) (2 other sources)

Issue: Budget/Tax relief plan

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

4-9-22

KHQA-TV (Hannibal/Quincy)

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

4-9-22

Muddy River News (Quincy)(2 other sources)

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

4-9-22

WTTW-TV (Chicago)

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

4-9-22

Southern Illinoisan (1 other source)

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

4-9-22

WMAY Radio (Springfield) (3 other sources)

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

4-9-22

WBEZ Radio (Chicago)

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

4-8-22

State Journal Register

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

4-8-22

Edwardsville Intelligencer (2 other sources)

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

4-8-22

WIFR-TV (Rockford)

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

4-8-22

WSPY Radio (Plano/Aurora)

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Darren Bailey

4-9-22

WBEZ Radio (Chicago)

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Dave Syverson

4-11-22

Rockford Register Star

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Don DeWitte

4-9-22

WIFR-TV (Rockford) (3 other sources)

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

4-9-22

WPRW Radio (Bloomington)

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Steve McClure

4-9-22

WICD-TV (Champaign) (1 other source)

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Steve McClure

4-9-22

Ogle County Newspapers

Issue: New State budget

 

Sen. Steve McClure

4-9-22

Starvedrock media (Regional radio station group)

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Win Stoller

4-9-22

Ogle County Newspapers

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Win Stoller

4-9-22

WMBD Radio (Peoria)

Issue: New state budget

 

Sen. Win Stoller

4-8-22

WYZZ-TV (Peoria)

Issue: New state budget

 

Democrats agree on election-year state budget with $1.8 billion in largely temporary tax relief

Chicago Tribune

DAN PETRELLA, CLARE SPAULDING and JEREMY GORNER

04/07/2022

‘Senate Republican leader Dan McConchie of Hawthorn Woods issued a statement condemning increased government spending as Democratic leadership telling Illinoisans “they think they know how to better spend your money.”’

 

‘“We can even do the earned income tax credit increase that the governor proposed on a permanent basis,” said Republican Sen. Chapin Rose of Mahomet, “not election-year gimmicks, not designed to go away after the election is over, but on a permanent basis for the people of Illinois.”’

 

“GOP Sen. Jason Barickman of Bloomington said that while he supports this proposal, carjacking victims can likely already solve those issues through municipalities. He also said the majority party hasn’t done an effective enough job in passing legislation to hold criminals accountable.”

 

Senate Republic leader reacts to Democrats budget agreement

KHQA 7

KHQA Staff

04/07/2022

“Following Pritzker's news conference announcing the budget deal, Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie issued a statement that said the budget doesn't provide Illinoisans with permanent tax relief while at the same time increases government spending.”

 

Grundy Co. Lawmakers Share Reaction To Passing of State Budget

WSPY News

Staff

04/09/2022

“The budget also doubles the property tax rebate up to $300 dollars and sends a one-time payment of at least $50 to most individuals and $100 per kid. State Senator Sue Rezin voted in favor of the tax relief portion of the plan, despite calling for permanent tax relief, but voted against the state spending plan.”

 

Senators Barickman and Rose Talk About The State Budget on Saturday Morning

Cities 92.9

Tom Davis

04/09/2022

‘State Senator Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) released the following statement after the Illinois Senate adjourned in the early morning hours of April 9th: “There was a great opportunity this year to provide substantial and permanent tax relief to Illinois families while still passing a balanced, responsible budget. Unfortunately, what we ended up with was Democrats trying to buy votes with tax gimmicks that end as soon as the election is over. Worse yet, with crime out of control across the state, we were able to secure some much-needed help for police, but nothing that actually holds criminals accountable.”’

 

“Sen. Rose debate remarks about the $46 billion state budget plan.”

 

Illinois lawmakers approve crime package, $46.5 billion budget in marathon final day of session

Chicago Tribune

JEREMY GORNER, DAN PETRELLA and CLARE SPAULDING

04/09/2022

“Loathe to vote against tax breaks before facing voters later this year, however, Republicans nearly all voted in favor the proposal. Only GOP state Sen. Craig Wilcox of McHenry voted in opposition.”

 

Illinois Republicans criticize FY 2023 budget

News Channel

Marcella Baietto

04/09/2022

“State Senator Steve McClure, R-Springfield, released this statement: This was a unique legislative session, from beginning to end. I’m proud that I was able to advance some good legislation, including a bill to help frontline DCFS workers to protect themselves. We were able to get some additional funding for our struggling police departments, and some minor tax relief for the people of Illinois. It was extremely disappointing, however, that the super majority party refused to advance any kind of permanent tax relief, opting instead for short-term gimmicks that expire after the next election. Worse yet, they blocked any and all legislation that would actually hold violent criminals accountable and keep them behind bars.”

 

“State Senator Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, also provided his perspective on the budget plan: The Democrats who control Springfield emptied out their bag of election year tricks- let’s start with tax breaks that expire, conveniently for them, after the election. But it’s what they didn’t do that is the real story. They aren’t providing permanent tax relief by eliminating the tax on food and drugs. They aren’t doubling the tax credit for property taxes. They aren’t even suspending the sales tax on gasoline to help working Illinoisans – all of which we proposed. Well, you’ve come to expect this from the tax-us-into-oblivion crowd that makes up JB Pritzker’s Democrat party.”

 

Area Lawmakers Mixed Over Budget, Tax Relief

Vermilion County First

Bill Pickett

04/09/2022

“Senator Jason Barickman, Republican of Bloomington, says lawmakers missed an opportunity to provide taxpayers some permanent relief….”

 

“Senator Chapin Rose says he is also disappointed a tax relief plan that was approved does not offer permanent relief….”

 

Pritzker, Democratic leaders agree to $1.8B temporary tax relief plan and budget

The Daily Line

Ben Szalinski

04/08/2022

‘“If the Democrats don’t want to do permanent tax relief to the tune of $2.2 billion on a plan that still provides a surplus, then what are they doing with that extra money? They’re spending it,” Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) said.’

 

Democrats finalize state budget, focus on crime bills

Andrew Adams

State Journal-Register

04/07/2022

‘“What is most unfortunate about the Democrats’ budget plan is we have an opportunity right now to provide permanent tax relief for the people of Illinois," said Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie, R-Hawthorn Woods. "Yet instead, the Democrats are choosing to provide one-time checks and other temporary relief just before the election which expires right after the election. Additionally, we are significantly increasing government spending."’

 

Tax cuts expected in Illinois budget, but likely temporary despite calls for permanent relief

The Center Square

Greg Bishop

04/07/2022

“State Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, said that’s doable and will still maintain the governor’s proposed spending with a surplus.”

Lawmakers wrap up session with early-morning passage of $46.5 billion budget

Capitol News Illinois

JERRY NOWICKI & PETER HANCOCK

04/09/2022

‘“Everybody in this room knows it's damn near impossible to know what's actually happening here without a bill being filed,” Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, said at the hearing that concluded after 10 p.m. “How do you possibly begin to ask questions about something that doesn't yet exist?”’

 

‘“Let’s call this budget what it really is—an attempt to buy your vote,” Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie, of Hawthorn Woods, said in a statement.’

 

Pay raises for lawmakers, temporary tax cuts part of largest spending plan in Illinois history

The Center Square

Greg Bishop

04/09/2022

“State Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, said the reality is the Democrats’ plan practically spends all the state is bringing in and at record levels.”

 

In All Night End of Session, Tensions Flare, Democrats Pass Budget

The Illinoize

Patrick Pfingsten

04/09/2022

‘"There was a deliberate choice made not to give people their money back, but to take it and spend it," said Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet). He called the plan "a missed opportunity."’

 

‘“Let’s call this budget what it really is—an attempt to buy your vote,” said Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) in a statement. “For months, Republicans have proposed permanent tax relief. Instead, Democrats chose a permanent expansion to spending handing out one-time checks right before the election and then abandoning taxpayers right after the election. While some tax relief is better than none-at-all, Illinoisans deserve real relief instead of bigger government.”’

 

A tale of two state budgets

1470 & 100.3 WMBD

Will Stevenson

04/07/2022

“State Senator Chapin Rose of Champaign County says the GOP proposal makes permanent some of the tax relief ideas Pritzker is proposing as temporary.”

 

Budget Reaction

93.9 WTAX

Staff

04/08/2022

“What we’re seeing at the price pump, a lot of that is baked into the sales tax that’s on top,” said Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) “What we’ve proposed doing is capping that at pre-pandemic levels in order to help provide relief.”

 

Democrats Reach Budget Deal

The Illinoize

Patrick Pfingsten

04/08/2022

“Republicans were critical of the Democratic plan. Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) said the plan relies too much on short term fixes instead of long term tax relief.”

 

Senate Democrats propose tax relief plan including $100 checks for nearly all taxpayers

The Daily Line

Ben Szalinski

04/04/2022

‘Across the aisle, Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) called the plan an election year “gimmick.”’

Education

Governor signs teacher paid leave act

WCSJ News 103.1

Staff

04/05/2022

“Republican Morris State Senator Sue Rezin says the bill is really a way for the governor to impose a vaccine mandate.”

 

Sen. Craig Wilcox

4-6-22

WDML Radio (Mt. Vernon) (8 other sources)

Issue: Paid leave only for vaccinated teachers

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

4-4-22

Chicago Tribune

Issue: Essay contest to honor teachers

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

4-6-22

WCSJ Radio (Morris) (1 other source)

Issue: Paid leave only for vaccinated teachers

 

Sen. Craig Wilcox

4-6-22

WIND Radio (Chicago)

Issue: Paid leave only for vaccinated teachers

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

4-6-22

Edwardsville Intelligencer (2 other sources)

Issue: Paid leave for Covid vaxxed teachers

 

Sen. Steve McClure

4-6-22

Edwardsville Intelligencer (2 other sources)

Issue: Paid leave for Covid vaxxed teachers

Healthcare

Sen. Sue Rezin

4-4-22

WCMY Radio (Ottawa)

Issue: Peru and Spring Valley hospitals share license

 

Sen. Win Stoller

4-4-22

WCMY Radio (Ottawa)

Issue: Peru and Spring Valley hospitals share license

 

Sen. Jil Tracy

4-7-22

KFVS-TV (Cape Girardeau, MO) (3 other sourcs)

Issue: Nursing home funding reform/Medicaid

 

Nursing home reform, two years in the making, passes IL Senate

WGEM

Lizzie Seils

04/06/2022

“Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) said she was made aware of about nine homes still at risk of being a “loser” under new legislation. Gillespie said she is not aware of those homes but will check with her staff.”

Prisoner Review Board

Sen. Jason Barickman

4-4-22

Quincy Herald-Whig

Issue: PRB appointees

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

4-4-22

Chicago Tribune

Issue: PRB appointees

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

4-5-22

Chicago Tribune

Issue: PRB appointees

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

4-10-22

Alton Telegraph (31 other sources)

Issue: PRB appointments

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

4-9-22

Southern Illinoisan (1 other source)

Issue: PRB appointments

 

Pritzker taps former Rauner chief of staff, former judge for PRB

Capitol News Illinois, Voice of Alexandria

BETH HUNDSDORFER

04/09/2022

“One of Pritzker’s most vocal critics on the PRB issue, Sen. Jason Plummer, R-Edwardsville, said in a statement released on Friday that the PRB is a critical to Illinois’ public safety and he’s glad to see the vacancies addressed.”

 

Gov. Pritzker taps two lawyers for Prisoner Review Board — one a former aide to past nemesis Bruce Rauner

Chicago Sun-Times

Tina Sfondeles

04/08/2022

‘Urging a no vote on the Senate floor nearly two weeks ago, state Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, said Wilson’s votes to release “cop-killers” send a “troubling message to the family members of these officers that their sacrifice ... is somehow insignificant.”’

 

‘Referring to the bipartisan rejection of Wilson, state Sen. Jason Plummer, R-Edwardsville, issued a statement Friday crediting Pritzker with taking steps to fill the vacancies after “allowing his controversial appointees to fulfill his agenda until even Democrats had enough of his gamesmanship.’

Public Safety

Bill allowing DCFS employees to carry pepper spray heads to governor

KHQA 7

KHQA Staff

04/06/2022

“The legislation was advanced by State Senator Steve McClure (R-Springfield), State Representative Sandy Hamilton (R-Springfield), and State Representative Tony McCombie (R-Savanna).”

 

Illinois lawmakers pass bill removing potential penalties for carjacking victims

The Center Square

Andrew Hensel

04/08/2022

“Illinois has seen a rise in carjackings in the city of Chicago and other areas of the state the past couple of years. State Sen. Jason Barickman, R-Bloomington, said not enough has been done to help the victims of these crimes.”

 

Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s battles over crime now being seen on state boards

Chicago Tribune

RAY LONG and JEREMY GORNER

04/07/2022

‘“Democrats as a whole are afraid of the crime issue,” said state Sen. Jason Plummer, an Edwardsville Republican who serves as minority spokesman on the Executive Appointments Committee.’

 

Sen. Darren Bailey

4-4-22

WBEZ Radio (Chicago)

Issue: Death penalty for cop killers

 

Sen. John Curran

4-4-22

Ogle County Newspapers

Issue: Combating retail theft

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

4-5-22

Champaign News Gazette

Issue: Local gun violence

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

4-5-22

WDML Radio (Mt. Vernon)

Issue: Newly-introduced Democrat crime legislation

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

4-5-22

Champaign News Gazette

Issue: Local gun violence

 

Sen. Jil Tracy

4-5-22

WIFR-TV (Rockford) (3 other sources)

Issue: Crime bill/witness protection

 

Sen. John Curran

4-5-22

Chicago Tribune (2 other sources)

Issue: Newly-introduced Democrat crime legislation

 

Sen. John Curran

4-5-22

WGN-TV (Chicago)

Issue: Newly-introduced Democrat crime legislation

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

4-5-22

WIFR-TV (Rockford) (3 other sources)

Issue: Crime bill/witness protection

 

Sen. John Curran

4-6-22

WGN-TV (Chicago) (multiple newscasts)

Issue: Newly-introduced Democrat crime legislation

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

4-7-22

Chicago Tribune

Issue: Democrat anti-crime proposals

 

Sen. John Curran

4-6-22

WGN-TV (Chicago)

Issue: Democrat carjacking proposal

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

4-6-22

Streeterville News (7 other sources)

Issue: Democrat anti-crime proposals

 

Sen. Steve McClure

4-6-22

WICD-TV (Champaign)

Issue: Allowing DCFS employees to carry pepper spray

 

Sen. Steve McClure

4-6-22

WAND-TV (Decatur)

Issue: Allowing DCFS employees to carry pepper spray

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

4-7-22

WIND Radio (Chicago)

Issue: Democrat anti-crime proposals

 

Sen. John Curran

4-6-22

WGN-TV (Chicago) (multiple newscasts)

Issue: Democrat carjacking proposal

 

Sen. Steve McClure

4-7-22

WICS-TV (Springfield) (multiple newscasts)

Issue: Allowing DCFS employees to carry pepper spray

Sen. Craig Wilcox

4-8-22

Ogle County Newspapers (15 other sources)

Issue: Child Abuse Prevention Month/Roar for AJ

 

Sen. Dave Syverson

4-10-22

WIFR-TV (Rockford)

Issue: County government crime bill

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

4-9-22

WCIA-TV (Champaign)

Issue: Democrat crime legislation

 

Sen. Jil Tracy

4-9-22

Peoria Journal Star (4 other sources)

Issue: Democrat crime legislation

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

4-9-22

Peoria Journal Star (5 other sources)

Issue: Democrat crime legislation

 

Sen. Steve McClure

4-9-22

Peoria Journal Star (28 other sources)

Issue: Democrat crime legislation

 

Sen. Steve McClure

4-10-22

Chicago Tribune

Issue: Democrat crime legislation

 

Crime was a big topic for lawmakers this spring. What did they accomplish in their last week?

State Journal-Register

Andrew Adams

04/09/2022

‘"This legislation is doing absolutely nothing," said Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield. "It's just the same old stuff with some different language in the statutes," he later added.’

 

“The bill, HB 4736, passed in the Senate on Thursday on a nearly party-line 40-17 vote, with Sen. Jil Tracy, R-Quincy voting for the measure. It passed with bipartisan support in the House on Friday in a 109-2 vote.”

 

“Sen. Neil Anderson, R-Andalusia, is an outspoken advocate for firearms owners. On Wednesday, he was a featured speaker at an event hosted by the Illinois State Rifle Association.”

 

‘I was terrified:’ Lightford, Senate Democrats present legislation to combat carjackings

The Daily Line

Ben Szalinski

04/06/2022

“The recent proposals introduced do very little to move the needle on this very serious issue,” Sen. John Curran (R-Downers Grove) said in a statement. “They simply just add bureaucracy and taxpayer dollars to this epidemic and do nothing to actually hold offenders accountable for their actions. If we really want to get serious on crime, we need to start having real conversations about ways to deter this kind of activity.”

MISC.

Witness protection program bill moves out of committee on partisan vote

WEEK 25, WGEM

Lizzie Seils

04/05/2022

“Republicans took issue with what they considered unequal representation in the task force since minority leaders could only appoint one person each to the task force. Additionally, Sen. Neil Anderson (R - Moline) argued rank-and-file police officers should be involved in the discussion.”

 

‘“I like the idea,” Sen. Jil Tracy (R - Quincy) said. “What I find disingenuous is the fact that we are unwilling to make this a bipartisan task force. It’s a poison pill and I think it solidifies the direction we’re going in locking out the minority party.”’

 

Lawmakers, ‘Roar for AJ’ group to hold rally in remembrance of AJ Freund at Illinois State Capitol

County Scanner

Sam Borcia

05/06/2022

“State Representative Steve Reick (R-Woodstock), State Senator Craig Wilcox (R-McHenry) and Rep. Tom Weber (R-Lake Villa) will attend the rally, according to a statement.”

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

4-5-22

WICD-TV (Champaign) (1 other source)

Issue: Picture with Fighting Illini-Big Ten Champions

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

4-5-22

Pontiac Daily Leader

Issue: DOC facilities in Pontiac and Vandalia

 

Sen. Craig Wilcox

4-6-22

Lake and McHenry County Scanner

Issue: Roar for AJ rally at the Capitol

 

Sen. Sally Turner

4-6-22

WLDS/WEAI Radio (Jacksonville)

Issue: Resolution urging college transfers for Illinois College students

 

Sen. Brian Stewart

4-9-22

Ogle County Newspapers

Issue: Hunting/Fishing licenses for veterans

 

Sen. Dale Fowler

4-10-22

Benton Evening News (2 other sources)

Issue: Shawneetown port project

 

Sen. Dale Fowler

4-10-22

Carbondale Times

Issue: State snake

 

Sen. Dale Fowler

4-8-22

Southern Illinoisan

Issue: Cape Girardeau air service/impact on region

 

Sen. Win Stoller

4-10-22

Starvedrock media (Regional radio station group)

Issue: Sgt. Lincoln Hollinsaid I-80 bridge

 

Sen. Bailey to host live Teletown Hall April 11

My Radio Link

04/06/2022

“State Senator Darren Bailey (R-Louisville) is inviting constituents across the 55th Senate District to his live Teletown Hall Monday, April 11, 2022.”

 

After partisan fight, lawmakers approve bill limiting donations in judicial elections

Andrew Adams

State Journal-Register

04/08/2022

“This was a point of contention during the Senate’s debate on Thursday. Sen. Jason Barickman, R-Bloomington, argued against the measure, saying that a wealthy candidate could fully fund their own campaign while their opponent, who may not be able to do the same, is left with fewer fundraising options.”

 

Illinois State Senator Steve McClure

93.9 WTAX News Radio

Joey M.

04/08/2022

“Joey McLaughlin discusses the end of session with Illinois State Senator Steve McClure.”

 

Statement from State Senator Jason Plummer on the end of the legislative session

Vandalia Radio

Todd Stapleton

04/09/2022

‘State Senator Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville) released the following statement after the Illinois Senate adjourned in the early morning hours of April 9th: “Families are across this state are struggling to pay their bills while inflation and taxes are out of control. I supported numerous measures to freeze the gas tax, permanently, increase property tax credits, permanently, and to remove the sales tax on groceries and prescriptions, again, permanently. But after years of fee increases and tax hikes, the only thing the super majority Democrats would allow to move forward were shameless election year gimmicks that expire immediately after the coming election.”’

 

Cook County sheriff, state lawmakers propose legislation to ban untraceable ghost guns

Chicago Tribune, Quad-City Times

Shanzeh Ahmad

04/09/2022

‘“The public safety of the people of Illinois is so important,” said Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet. “We want each legislator to be held accountable (to) the citizens of Illinois. Are they going to continue to coddle violent offenders?”’

 

Resolution to name Princeton bridge to Honor Staff Sergeant Lincoln Hollinsaid passes

WALLS 102

Staff

04/10/2022

“State Senator Win Stoller (R-Germantown Hills) announced the initiative after the General Assembly passed the resolution this week.”

 

Crypto Industry Helps Write, and Pass, Its Own Agenda in State Capitols

The New York Times

Eric Lipton and David Yaffe-Bellany

04/10/2022

“In January, Sue Rezin, a Republican state senator, introduced the bill — at the urging of the chamber, she said in an interview. She said she was not a crypto expert and hadn’t “heard too much” about mining’s environmental impact.”

Illinois Senate advances legislation despite pushback from housing providers

The Center Square

Andrew Hensel

04/04/2022

“Most of the debate has been about the forced implementation of the Section 8 housing program. State Sen. Jason Barickman, R-Bloomington, said the bill will harm the state.”

 

After partisan fight, lawmakers approve bill limiting donations in judicial elections

State Journal-Register

Andrew Adams

04/08/2022

“This was a point of contention during the Senate’s debate on Thursday. Sen. Jason Barickman, R-Bloomington, argued against the measure, saying that a wealthy candidate could fully fund their own campaign while their opponent, who may not be able to do the same, is left with fewer fundraising options.”

 

Illinois lawmakers working to pass inflation relief

Fox Illinois

Noelle Forde

04/08/2022

‘"It's kind of disingenuous to put something and it expires when the election is over, I mean people see right through that," said Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet.’

Concealed Carry Renewal

Illinois concealed carry renewal backlogs persist

The Center Square

Greg Bishop

03/28/2022

“During a Senate committee last week, state Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, told Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly that problems persist despite a clearing of FOID card backlogs.”

 

Concealed carry delays still plaguing Illinois gun owners

Bearing Arms

Cam Edwards

03/30/2022

“During a Senate committee last week, state Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysborow, told Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly that problems persist despite a clearing of FOID card backlogs.”

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

3-28-22

Effingham Daily News (9 other sources)

Issue: FOID card backlog persists

 

Illinois concealed carry renewal backlogs persist

The Center Square

Greg Bishop

03/28/2022

“During a Senate committee last week, state Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysborow, told Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly that problems persist despite a clearing of FOID card backlogs.”

Democrat Tax Plan

Senate Democrats offer tax cut plan to help Illinois families; Republicans say their relief plans ignored

The Center Square

Kevin Bessler

03/29/2022

“State Sen. Don DeWitte, R-St. Charles, said Republicans have been pushing for tax relief since day one.”

 

Republican senator reacts to Senate Democrats tax relief plan

KHQA 7

KHQA Staff

04/01/2022

“State Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) reacted Friday night to the tax relief plan announced earlier on Friday by Senate Democrats.”

 

Senate Democrats Unveil $1.8 Billion Election Year Tax Package

The Illinoize

Patrick Pfingsten

03/02/2022

‘Republicans were skeptical of the plan. Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) called the proposal a “disingenuous gimmick.”’

 

Illinois Democrats offer temporary tax relief proposal that Republicans say doesn’t go far enough

The Center Square

Greg Bishop

03/01/2022

“State Sen. Jason Plummer, R-Bloomington, said Illinois taxpayers deserve more.”

 

Plan would put some bus drivers back behind the wheel by tweaking child support license suspensions

My Journal Courier

David C.L. Bauer

03/01/2022

“With the help of Sen. Steve McClure, a Springfield Republican, Davidsmeyer's House Bill 4230 passed both legislative chambers and now is on its way to the governor.”

 

As Democrats continue budget talks, Republicans say millions of their constituents are being snubbed

The Center Square

Greg Bishop

03/30/2022

“Assistant Senate Minority Leader Don DeWitte, R-St. Charles, said not having Republicans included in the budget negotiations is a major disservice to large parts of the state.”

 

Republican senator reacts to Senate Democrats tax relief plan

KHQA Fox Illinois

KHQA Staff

04/01/2022

“State Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) reacted Friday night to the tax relief plan announced earlier on Friday by Senate Democrats.”

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

4-2-22

WGEM-TV (Quincy) (1 other sources)

Issue: Senate Dem tax relief plan

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

4-3-22

WMAY Radio (Springfield)

Issue: Senate Dem tax relief plan

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

4-3-22

Starvedrock Media

Issue: Senate Dem tax relief plan

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

4-2-22

Champaign News Gazette (26 other sources)

Issue: Senate Dem tax relief plan

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

4-2-22

DeWitt Observer (6 other sources)

Issue: Senate Dem tax relief plan

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

4-2-22

KHQA-TV (Hannibal/Quincy) (4 other sources)

Issue: Senate Dem tax relief plan

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

4-1-22

WGEM-TV (Quincy) (3 other sources)

Issue: Senate Dem tax relief plan

Sen. Dan McConchie

4-1-22

WTTW-TV (Chicago)

Issue: Senate Dem tax relief plan

Sen. Dan McConchie

4-1-22

Pure Oldies 107.5 (Springfield)

Issue: Senate Dem tax relief plan

Education

Public Schools May Be Required To Provide Vegan, Vegetarian Lunch Options Under New Legislation

WLDS/WEAI News

Benjamin Cox

03/31/2022

‘State Senator Jil Tracy of Quincy says that the bill is yet another unfunded state mandate for public schools: “Local control and allowing a school district to function to serve the constituency their students require is a much more reasoned way to go about this.”’

 

Bill would require schools to offer vegan, vegetarian options upon request

Capitol News Illinois, Mohomet Daily

PETER HANCOCK

03/29/2022

“Sen. Jason Barickman, R-Bloomington, said schools already have the authority to offer plant-based food options because there is nothing in state law prohibiting it.”

 

“Sen. Jil Tracy, R-Quincy, pointed out that earlier in the day, the Senate Education Committee held a hearing on Senate Bill 4147 that would require schools to offer halal food options. That’s food deemed permissible under Islamic law.”

 

Lincoln College in Illinois to close after 157 years due to COVID impact

Jean Ann Miller

Lincoln Courier

03/31/2022

“In a joint statement, state Sen. Sally Turner, R-Beason, and state Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield, said Lincoln College's closure was devastating news for the local community.”

 

College Closes After 157 Years

Inside Higher Ed

Scott Jaschik

04/01/2022

‘A statement from State Senator Sally Turner and State Representative Tim Butler said, “Today’s unexpected and sudden closure announcement is devastating news for our local community. We both have had close family and friends who attended and graduated from Lincoln College, so we know just how special Lincoln is to its students and alumni. For more than 150 years, the namesake college of our 16th president has served as a higher educational pillar for central Illinois. It is painful to think that this historic institution will no longer be a part of our region.”’

 

Ag breakfast returns to in person program and awards 5 agriculture scholarships

Lincoln Courier

Jean Ann Miller

03/31/2022

“Keynote speaker was 87th district Representative Tim Butler who currently covers Logan County and told the room he and Senator Sally Turner would be leaving early due to a scheduled meeting with the Illinois Board of Higher Education regarding the news of Lincoln College closing.”

 

Senator Rezin proposes legislation to help school districts

WSPY News

Justin Ritz

03/31/2022

“State Senator Sue Rezin is proposing legislation that will help area school districts save time. Rezin says she wants school administrators to spend less time on writing reports for state agencies. Rezin says there is also a similar house bill from Ottawa State Rep. Lance Yednock.”

 

Sen. Sally Turner

4-1-22

WCIA-TV (Champaign)

Issue: Helping Lincoln College students

 

Sen. Sally Turner

4-1-22

WMBD-TV (Peoria) (multiple newscasts)

Issue: The closing of Lincoln College

 

Sen. Sally Turner

4-1-22

WCIA-TV (Champaign) (multiple newscasts)

Issue: The closing of Lincoln College

 

Sen. Jil Tracy

3-31-22

WLDS/WEAI Radio (Jacksonville)

Issue: Vegan lunch options for schools

 

Sen. Jil Tracy

3-31-22

DeWitt Daily News

Issue: Vegan lunch options for schools

 

Sen. Sally Turner

3-31-22

Lincoln Courier

Issue: Local Ag breakfast

 

Sen. Sally Turner

3-31-22

Bloomington Pantagraph

Issue: The closing of Lincoln College

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-31-22

WSPY Radio (Plano/Aurora)

Issue: Required school reports

 

Sen. Jil Tracy

3-30-22

KMOX Radio (St. Louis)

Issue: Requiring schools to offer vegan lunch options

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

3-30-22

Southern Illinoisan

Issue: Requiring schools to offer vegan lunch options

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

3-31-22

Metropolis Planet (28 other sources)

Issue: Requiring schools to offer vegan lunch options

 

Sen. Jil Tracy

3-31-22

Metropolis Planet (28 other sources)

Issue: Requiring schools to offer vegan lunch options

 

Sen. Jil Tracy

3-30-22

Southern Illinoisan

Issue: Requiring schools to offer vegan lunch options

 

Sen. Sally Turner

3-31-22

Inside Higher Ed (industry media source)

Issue: Lincoln College closing

 

Sen. Sally Turner

3-30-22

Bloomington Pantagraph

Issue: Lincoln College closing

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

3-29-22

Effingham Daily News (6 other sources)

Issue: Requiring schools to offer vegan lunch options

 

Sen. Jil Tracy

3-29-22

Effingham Daily News (6 other sources)

Issue: Requiring schools to offer vegan lunch options

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-30-22

WCSJ Radio (Morris)

Issue: Mandate relief for schools

 

Bill to give vaccinated teachers paid sick leave from COVID-19 advances to Senate floor for final vote

The Daily Line

Ben Szalinski

03/31/2022

‘“I voted for this originally,” Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) said during the committee meeting Wednesday. “I’m concerned about this mandate and treating different groups within the collective bargaining agreement differently in regards to this.”’

Energy

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-31-22

Chronicle Media (Cook County) (28 other sources)

Issue: Energy grid reliability

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-31-22

Southern Illinoisan (1 other source)

Issue: Energy grid reliability

 

State Senate approves energy grid reliability task force

Capitol News Illinois

JERRY NOWICKI

03/31/2022

“Sen. Sue Rezin, a Republican from Morris who voted for CEJA, praised the task force bill.”

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

4-1-22

Alton Telegraph

Issue: Energy Grid Reality Task Force

Health

Bill securing sick leave for vaccinated teachers heads to Pritzker’s desk

23 WIFR

Mike Miletich

03/31/2022

‘“It seemed like this was a requirement by the governor’s office,” said Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy). “And it seemed to put some people in an unfair position.”’

 

“Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie also stressed concerns about the legislation. He noted that Pritzker has consistently tried to put a vaccine mandate in schools. McConchie noted that some courts tossed out that executive order. The Hawthorn Woods Republican argued this is another attempt for Pritzker to have the mandate in law.”

 

MEASURE BENEFITING ONLY VACCINATED SCHOOL STAFF CUED UP FOR GOVERNOR

WMIX 94

Staff

03/31/2022

‘“We are going to allow pay concessions for sick days for those teachers who have been vaccinated only,” said state Sen. Jil Tracy, R-Quincy. “This only applies to vaccinated individuals.”’

 

Stoller keeps heat on Democrats regarding COVID-19 debt repayment plan

1470 & 100.3 WMBD

Will Stevenson

03/28/2022

“State Senator Win Stoller (R-Germantown Hills) says not enough of the American Recovery Plan money given to the state was used to pay down the debt in the UI Trust Fund.”

 

“Stoller held a press conference this afternoon at Widmer Interiors in Peoria, where he is the CEO. He was joined by State Senator Sue Rezin (R-Morris), Senate Deputy Minority Leader.”

 

COVID-19 leave for vaccinated teachers clears Illinois General Assembly

Capitol News Illinois

PETER HANCOCK

03/31/2022

“Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie, R-Hawthorn Woods, pointed to a hypothetical example of two teachers, one vaccinated and one not, who have to stay home to take care of a sick child. He said one of those would receive paid leave to do so but the other would not.”

 

‘Fertility fraud’ exposes doctors’ crimes in new bill

Week 25 News

Jon Schoenheider

03/30/2022

“Koehler, a Democrat, adds there’s bipartisan support for the bill. State senator and Republican Jason Barickman is acting as chief co-sponsor.”

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

4-1-22

Champaign News Gazette (3 other sources)

Issue: COVID-19 time off for vaccinated teachers

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

4-1-22

DeWitt Daily News

Issue: COVID-19 time off for vaccinated teachers

 

Sen. Jil Tracy

3-31-22

Chicago Tribune (2 other sources)

Issue: Covid-19 sick leave for teachers

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

3-31-22

Chronicle Media (Cook County) (29 other sources)

Issue: Covid-19 leave for teachers

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

3-31-22

WHOI-TV (Peoria) (1 other source)

Issue: Covid-19 leave for teachers

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

3-31-22

Chicago Tribune (2 other sources)

Issue: Covid-19 sick leave for teachers

 

Sen. Jil Tracy

3-31-22

WHOI-TV (Peoria) (1 other source)

Issue: Covid-19 sick leave for teachers

 

COVID-19 leave for vaccinated teachers clears General Assembly

Capitol News Illinois

PETER HANCOCK

03/31/2022

“Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie, R-Hawthorn Woods, pointed to a hypothetical example of two teachers, one vaccinated and one not, who have to stay home to take care of a sick child. He said one of those would receive paid leave to do so but the other would not.”

Legal Cannabis Regulation 

Issues of trust surround aspects of Illinois’ legal cannabis regulation

The Center Square

Greg Bishop

03/28/2022

“During a Senate committee hearing last week, state Sen. Jason Plummer, R-Edwardsville, raised another issue of trust surrounding the state’s regulation of the industry.”

 

Illinois Senate Committee Abruptly Halts Debate On Bill To Protect Workers Who Test Positive For Cannabis

Marijuana Moment

Ben Adlin

03/31/2022

“Sen. Jil Tracy (R) questioned the boundaries of the bill’s exemptions, noting that it leaves the term “heavy machinery” undefined and appears to exempt workers in retail settings from the privacy protections but not workers in otherwise similar wholesale settings.”

 

“Republican Sen. Sue Rezin asked how the process for companies declaring safety-sensitive positions would work. She said businesses in what she described as her “chemical corridor” district had told her they have difficulty finding enough workers who test negative for THC.”

 

“A few on the panel, including Sen. Donald P. DeWitte (R), said the state’s cannabis legalization law had explicitly granted employers the ability to preserve zero-tolerance drug policies.”

 

Issues of trust surround aspects of Illinois’ legal cannabis regulation

The Center Square

Greg Bishop

03/28/2022

“During a Senate committee hearing last week, state Sen. Jason Plummer, R-Edwardsville, raised another issue of trust surrounding the state’s regulation of the industry.”

Prisoner Review Board

Sen. Jason Plummer

3-28-22

Chronicle Media (Cook County) (1 other source)

Issue: PRB Appointees/5 people await confirmation process

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

3-28-22

Jacksonville Journal-Courier (16 other sources)

Issue: PRB appointees

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

3-28-22

Effingham Daily News (1 other source)

Issue: PRB Appointees

 

Illinois Prisoner Review Board Down Two More Members

Vandalia Radio

Todd Stapleton

03/29/2022

“State Senator Jason Plummer, who is the Republican spokesperson on the Executive Appointments Committee, says he wishes everyone could sit in committee.”

 

Rejections, resignations from Prisoner Review Board spark concerns

News Channel ABC 20

Jordan Elder

03/29/2022

“Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield, sits on the Executive Appointments committee and spoke out against the rejected nominee Monday.”

 

Political battle stalls IL Prisoner Review Board

WIBQ

Cole Henke

03/30/2022

“Any appointee the governor puts forward now will be willingly walking into a battlefield for the upcoming election. Senate Republican Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) said the board is better off not taking votes at all instead of the ones that Pritzker’s appointees were making.”

 

Illinois Prisoner Review Board Down Two More Members

Effingham Radio

03/29/2022

“The state Senate voted yesterday against Governor Pritzker’s nomination of Eleanor Wilson to the board.  She had served on the board in an interim capacity since March of last year.  State Senator Jason Plummer, who is the Republican spokesperson on the Executive Appointments Committee, says he wishes everyone could sit in committee.”

 

Two More Members Out at IL Prison Review Board on Monday, Pritzker Defends Nominations

WLDS/WEAI

Benjamin Cox

03/31/2022

‘During floor debate, 50th District Republican Senator Steve McClure criticized Wilson for her votes in releasing a number of violent criminals who re-offended upon their release on parole: “These are serious cases. When a judge looks at the evidence and decides that you need to go serve 100 to 300 years in prison because your crime was so horrific – that needs to be taken very seriously.”’

 

‘Republican Senator Jason Plummer in a press release for the Senate GOP Caucus also had a swift reaction to the governor calling state Republicans members of the QAnon conspiracy theory group: “In the spirit of Margaret Thatcher, when one’s opponents resort to low grade personal attacks, it shows that they have no legitimate political arguments left. I am embarrassed for the Governor.”’

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

3-31-22

Chicago Tribune

Issue: PRB appointees

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

3-31-22

WLDS/WEAI Radio (Jacksonville)

Issue: PRB appointees

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

4-2-22

Ogle County Newspapers

Issue: PRB appointees

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

4-3-22

Southern Illinoisan (16 other sources)

Issue: PRB appointees

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

3-30-22

WWVR Radio (Paris) (3 other sources)

Issue: PRB appointees

 

Sen. Steve McClure

3-31-22

WLDS/WEAI Radio (Jacksonville)

Issue: PRB appointees

 

Sen. Steve McClure

3-30-22

KHQA-TV (Hannibal-Quincy)

Issue: PRB appointees

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

3-30-22

State Journal Register

Issue: PRB Appointees

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

3-30-22

WDML Radio (Mt. Vernon) (4 other sources)

Issue: PRB Appointees

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

3-30-22

WCIA-TV (Champaign) (multiple newscasts)

Issue: PRB appointees

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

3-29-22

WHBF-TV (Davenport, IA)

Issue: PRB appointees

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

3-29-22

WMBD-TV (Peoria)

Issue: PRB appointees

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

3-29-22

WBBM Radio (Chicago)

Issue: PRB appointees

 

Sen. Steve McClure

3-29-22

WBBM Radio (Chicago) (multiple newscasts)

Issue: PRB appointees

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

3-30-22

WEHT-TV (Evansville, IN)

Issue: PRB appointees

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

3-30-22

WCIA-TV (Champaign)

Issue: PRB appointees

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

3-29-22

WFLD-TV (Chicago)

Issue: PRB appointees

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

3-29-22

Ogle County Newspapers (27 other sources)

Issue: PRB Appointees

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

3-29-22

Southern Illinoisan (1 other source)

Issue: PRB appointees

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

3-29-22

WFLD-TV (Chicago)

Issue: PRB appointees

 

Senate rejects Prisoner Review Board nominee after another resigns, leaving board short of quorum

The Daily Line

Ben Szalinski

03/29/2022

“Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) called Wilson’s nomination “more troubling than any of the individuals” Pritzker has nominated. Republicans who spoke out against Wilson cited seven cases in which she voted to release people convicted of murdering police officers as well as others who committed brutal murders and were sentenced to multiple centuries behind bars.”  

 

‘“This person does not deserve to stay on this board where they can do more harm and terrorize more victims in this state,” Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) said.’ 

 

“Sen. Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville) said he believes people should be given second chances, but Wilson let out people who were too high of a risk to commit more crimes.”

 

UPDATED: One Prisoner Review Board member resigns; Senate rejects another

Capitol News Illinois

BETH HUNDSDORFER

03/28/2022

‘“Miss Wilson voted multiple times to release cop killers, release those who are putting their jobs on the line for us,” said Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro.’

 

Pritzker blames GOP, not majority Democrats, for prisoner review board appointees being rejected

The Center Square

Greg Bishop

03/29/2022

“But state Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, said the governor is promoting a false narrative.”

 

Eye On Illinois: Are lawmakers more upset with PRB’s makeup or its powers?

Shaw Media

Scott T. Holland

03/31/2022

“On Jan. 21, state Sen. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia, filed Senate Bill 3899, which would reinstate the death penalty in Illinois as a possible punishment for killing a police officer. It has two GOP cosponsors and sits in the Assignments Committee. Three days later state Rep. Dave Severin, R-Benton, filed the substantially similar House Bill 4746, which has six GOP cosponsors and sits in the Rules Committee.”

Public Safety

Illinois Senate bill to crack down on smash-and-grab thefts has bipartisan support

Chicago Journal

JOHN O'CONNOR

03/30/2022

‘“This will lead to a more comprehensive prosecution that will capture more individuals that are involved in the network,” said Sen. John Curran, a Downers Grove Republican and co-sponsor of the legislation. “You’re talking about anyone involved in organizing, planning through the actual commission of the crime and on the back end with the proliferation of stolen goods.”’

 

Sen. John Curran

4-1-22

Daily Herald

Issue: Combating retail theft

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

3-31-22

WHOI-TV (Peoria) (1 other source)

Issue: Protecting DCFS employees/Aggravating battery

 

Sen. Jil Tracy

3-31-22

WHOI-TV (Peoria) (1 other source)

Issue: Protecting DCFS employees/Aggravating battery

 

Sen. John Curran

4-1-22

Daily Herald

Issue: Targeting retail theft

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

3-31-22

WAND-TV (Decatur)

Issue: Dispatchers are first responders

 

Sen. John Curran

3-31-22

Jacksonville Journal-Courier (108 other sources)

Issue: Retail theft legislation

 

Sen. John Curran

3-30-22

Freeburg Tribune (1 other source)

Issue: Retail theft legislation

 

Sen. John Curran

3-30-22

DeWitt Daily News

Issue: Retail theft legislation

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

3-29-22

Pontiac Daily Leader (publishing Cap Fax report)

Issue: Retail theft legislation

 

Sen. John Curran

3-29-22

WFLD-TV (Chicago)

Issue: Retail theft legislation

 

Sen. John Curran

3-29-22

Ogle County Newspapers (6 other sources)

Issue: Retail theft legislation

 

Sen. John Curran

3-29-22

Mattoon Journal Gazette & Charleston Times-Courier (4 other sources)

Issue: Retail theft legislation

 

Sen. John Curran

3-29-22

State Journal Register

Issue: Retail theft legislation

 

Sen. John Curran

3-29-22

Positively Naperville

Issue: Retail theft legislation

 

Sen. Steve McClure

3-29-22

KHQA-TV (Hannibal/Quincy) (1 other source)

Issue: Retail theft legislation

 

Watch now: Illinois lawmakers target 'smash-and-grab' retail crime

The Pantagraph

Kade Heather

03/29/2022

“The legislation has at least one bipartisan sponsor in State Sen. John Curran, R-Downers Grove, and Karr says he expects more bipartisan support in the House.”

 

Illinois lawmakers try to tackle 'organized retail crime' as legislative session wraps up

Andrew Adams

State Journal-Register

03/29/2022

“Glowiak Hilton's proposal has earned support from both sides of the aisle. In addition to herself and Turner, Sen. John Curran, R-Downer's Grove.”

 

Illinois lawmakers look to address organized retail crime

Capitol News Illinois

GRACE KINNICUTT

03/29/2022

‘“Make no mistake, these crimes are not random,” Sen. John Curran, R-Downers Grove, said. “They are sophisticated, orchestrated events that exploit gaps in our criminal statutes to help fund gang activity and crime rates.”’

 

Sen. Steve McClure

KHQA-TV (Hannibal-Quincy)

Issue: Allowing DCFS workers to carry pepper spray

UI Trust Fund

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-28-22

WYZZ-TV (Peoria) (multiple newscasts)

Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt (from press conference)

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-28-22

WMBD-TV (Peoria)

Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt (from press conference)

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

3-28-22

WXEF Radio (Effingham)

Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt

 

Sen. Win Stoller

3-28-22

KHQA-TV (Quincy)

Issue: Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt (from press conference)

 

Sen. Win Stoller

3-28-22

WYZZ-TV (Peoria)

Issue: Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt (from press conference)

Sen. Win Stoller

3-28-22

WAND-TV (Decatur)

Issue: Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt (from press conference)

 

Sen. Win Stoller

3-28-22

WMBD Radio (Peoria)

Issue: Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt (from press conference)

 

Sen. Win Stoller

3-28-22

WYZZ-TV (Peoria)

Issue: Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt (from press conference)

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-29-22

WMBD-TV (Peoria) (multiple newscasts)

Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt (from press conference)

 

Sen. Win Stoller

3-29-22

WMBD-TV (Peoria) (multiple newscasts) (2 other sources)

Issue: Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt (from press conference)

 

Republicans push to fully pay off state's unemployment debt

KHQA 7

WICS/WRSP Staff

03/28/2022

“Republican Senator Win Stoller, R-Peoria, said this whole situation could've been avoided just by using all of the federal money.”

 

State Senator Rezin critical of handling of Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund debt

WALLS 102
Staff

03/28/2022

“Illinois Senate Deputy Minority Leader Sue Rezin (R-Morris) has criticized Illinois Democrats for legislation that fell short of funding the $4.5 billion Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund debt, which she claimed could lead to one of the largest tax increases on Illinois employers in history.  Senate Bill 2803 appropriated only $2.7 billion of the $8.1 billion available from the federal American Rescue Plan Act to the UI Trust Fund.”

 

Illinois’ Trust-Fund Debt Paydown Earns Business Plaudits, and Republican Grumbling

The River Cities Reader

Rich Miller

03/28/2022

The appreciation from business groups was definitely not matched by the Republicans’ tone. They fretted that since all the debt wasn’t eliminated, the rest would have to come from employer tax-hikes and worker benefit-cuts. Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie issued a statement predicting that the bill will have a “devastating” impact on businesses — the same businesses whose industry representatives called the same bill a “positive step.”

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

3-30-22

Illinois Times (Springfield)

Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-29-22

WAND-TV (Decatur)

Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-29-22

WMBD-TV (Peoria)

Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-29-22

WYZZ-TV (Peoria)

Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt

 

Sen. Win Stoller

3-29-22

WAND-TV (Decatur)

Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt

 

Sen. Win Stoller

3-29-22

WMBD-TV (Peoria)

Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt

 

Sen. Win Stoller

3-29-22

WYZZ-TV (Peoria)

Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-29-22

WCMY Radio (Ottawa)

Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt

MISC.

Rental property owners remain opposed to bill requiring subsidized housing

The Center Square

Andrew Hensel

03/31/2022

“Committee member and Illinois state Sen. Donald DeWitte, R-St. Charles, said the bill still needs work.”

 

“Most of the debate has been about the forced implementation of the Section 8 housing program. Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie, R-Hawthorn Woods, said so far the two sides can't come together due to that issue.”

 

McConchie launches essay contest to honor teachers

Kane County Chronicle

Northwest Herald staff report

04/03/2022

“In an effort to honor teachers and educators across the 26th Senate District, state Sen. Dan McConchie is launching is a “My Inspirational Teacher” essay contest.”

 

11-year-old southern Ill. boy works with senators, representatives to establish official state snake

KFVS 12

Amber Ruch

03/31/2022

“Senator Dale Fowler passed legislation through the Senate, inspired by Carterville resident Gentry Heiple, to establish the eastern milksnake as the official state snake of Illinois.”

 

ILLINOIS MAY SOON HAVE AN OFFICIAL STATE SNAKE

WMIX 94

Staff

03/31/2022

“An 11-year-old from Williamson County recommended naming the Eastern Milksnake to the list of state symbols, so Senator Dale Fowler of Harrisburg did his research.”

Sen. Craig Wilcox

4-2-22

Ogle County Newspapers

Issue: Capping the sales tax on motor fuel

 

Sen. Dale Fowler

4-1-22

Randolph County Herald Tribune

Issue: State snake

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

4-3-22

Ogle County Newspapers

Issue: Essay contest to honor teachers

 

Sen. Dave Syverson

4-2-22

Ogle County Newspapers

Issue: Capping the sale tax on motor fuel

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

4-1-22

Carbondale Times (4 other sources)

Issue: Molly Young memorial

 

Sen. Dale Fowler

4-1-22

WSIL-TV (Harrisburg) (multiple newscasts)

Issue: State Snake designation

 

Sen. Dale Fowler

3-31-22

KBSI-TV (Cape Girardeau, MO)

Issue: State Snake designation

 

Sen. Dale Fowler

3-31-22

KFVS-TV (Cape Girardeau, MO)

Issue: State Snake designation

 

Sen. Dale Fowler

3-31-22

WMIX Radio (Mt. Vernon) (1 other source)

Issue: State Snake designation

 

Sen. Brian Stewart

3-31-22

Ogle County Newspapers

Issue: Freeport Blood Drive

 

Sen. Steve McClure

4-1-22

Jacksonville Journal-Courier

Issue: Child support drivers license suspensions

 

Sen. Steve McClure

3-31-22

Alton Telegraph

Issue: Child support drivers license suspensions

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

3-31-22

WEEK-TV (Peoria) (multiple newscasts)

Issue: Fertility fraud

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

3-31-22

WHOI-TV (Peoria) (multiple newscasts)

Issue: Fertility fraud

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

3-31-22

WRPW Radio (Bloomington/Normal)

Issue: Subsidized housing

 

Sen. Don DeWitte

3-31-22

KFVS-TV (Cape Girardeau, MO) (3 other sources)

Issue: Subsidized housing

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

3-30-22

WHOI-TV (Peoria) (1 other source)

Issue: Fertility fraud

Prisoner Review Board

Senate rejects former corrections officer-nominee to PRB; Confirmation vote comes three years into Pritzker term

Madison – St. Clair Record

Steve Korris

03/23/2022

“Pritzker withdrew Cerda after Sen. Steve McClure (R- Jacksonville) questioned the appointment at a hearing on the board’s appropriation.”

 

“Pritzker sent the letter to Murphy five days after she received a letter from Sen. Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville).”

 

“Sen. Terri Bryant (R- Murphysboro) asked Mears if he would parole a person who killed their children.”

 

Senators recommend 4 nominees to the Prisoner Review Board, but full Senate votes down 1 nominee as Republicans drill down on parole votes

The Daily Line

Ben Szalinski

03/23/2022

‘“I think you take this seriously and that’s good because you’re making very important decisions, as are other members of the PRB,” Sen. Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville) said. “My concern is people get confirmed and they can vote their conscience and do their job. But by dangling these positions out there and not allowing people to be confirmed to the position seems to allow an extra layer of influence form the governor’s office.”’

 

“The full Senate voted against confirming Mears Tuesday afternoon after Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) raised concerns about votes Mears has previously taken to release people convicted of violent crimes. Many Democrats did not vote on the nomination.” 

 

‘“I’m looking at serval of these horrific cases that you choose to parole people for,” Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield) said. “Your explanation for what you’re using to judge these folks and what you’re actually [voting on] directly contradicts each other.”’

 

Republicans fault Pritzker for not securing prisoner review board appointees

The Center Square

Greg Bishop

03/23/2022

“State Sen. Jason Plummer, R-Edwardsville, serves on the Executive Appointments Committee and said Republicans are not spreading fake news. They’re highlighting high leniency rates of the nominees serving on the board leading to convicted criminals being let free.”

 

IL Senate Rejects Pritzker Nominee to Prison Review Board

WLDS/WEAI

Benjamin Cox

03/25/2022

“Republican State Senator Terri Bryant also voiced concern over Mears’ vote to grant parole for Paula Sims, convicted in 1990 for killing her two daughters in Alton. Sims had been serving a life sentence for the crime. The board voted 12-1 to allow Sims’ release.”

 

Republicans tout ‘moral victory’ in blocking Pritzker Prisoner Review Board nomination

WCIA

Mark Maxwell

03/27/2022

“State Senator Steve McClure (R-Springfield), a former prosecutor, joined Capitol Connection to react to Senate Democrats blocking one of Governor J.B. Pritzker’s nominees to the Prisoner Review Board.”

 

Illinois Prisoner Review Board members with high leniency rates not recommended for re-appointment

The Center Square

Greg Bishop

03/22/2022

“State Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield, took PRB member Oreal James to task for his votes to grant leniency nearly 45% of the time since he’s been on the board.”

 

Senate rejects Prisoner Review Board appointee

Capitol News Illinois

BETH HUNDSDORFER

03/25/2022

“Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, pointed to the Sims case one of the more hot-button decisions.”

 

Are prisoner board appointments too hot to handle?

Jim Dey

03/22/2022

“Republican state Sen. Jason Plummer asked Senate appointments committee chairwoman Laura Murphy why the appointments were withdrawn. Murphy’s response did not constitute an answer.”

 

Republicans fault Pritzker for not securing prisoner review board appointees

The Center Square

Greg Bishop

03/23/2022

“State Sen. Jason Plummer, R-Edwardsville, serves on the Executive Appointments Committee and said Republicans are not spreading fake news. They’re highlighting high leniency rates of the nominees serving on the board leading to convicted criminals being let free.”

 

Gov. J.B. Pritzker vows to sign plan to use $2.7 billion in federal relief to reduce unemployment fund debt

Chicago Tribune

Dan Petrella

03/23/2022

‘“I think it’s incredibly disingenuous this afternoon and after last night’s action in the House for Democrats to be painting today’s action as a win or a success for fiscal responsibility,” said Sen. Donald DeWitte, a St. Charles Republican. “Employers who have been treated with absolute disregard throughout this pandemic will literally be left holding the bag and will be responsible for filling the remaining deficit in the unemployment insurance trust fund.”’

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

3-23-22

WJPF Radio (Herrin) (11 other sources)

Issue: PRB appointee

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

3-27-22

WIND Radio (Chicago) (multiple newscasts)

Issue: PRB appointees

 

Sen. Steve McClure

3-23-22

WIND Radio (Chicago)

Issue: PRB appointee

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

3-25-22

WLDS/WEAI Radio (Jacksonville)

Issue: PRB appointees

 

Sen. Steve McClure

3-27-22

WCIA-TV (Champaign) (5 other sources)

Issue: PRB appointees

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

3-26-22

HomeTownRegister (regional newspaper group in central and southern Illinois) (14 other sources)

Issue: PRB appointees

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

3-24-22

Chronicle Media (Cook County)

Issue: PRB appointments

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

3-24-22

Chronicle Media (Cook County)

Issue: PRB appointments

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

3-23-22

Illinois Business Journal (3 other sources)

Issue: PRB appointee

 

Sen. Steve McClure

3-23-22

Pure Oldies 107.5 (Springfield/Capitol Radio Group)

Issue: PRB appointee

 

Sen. Steve McClure

3-23-22

WUEZ Radio (Decatur) (11 other sources)

Issue: PRB appointee

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

3-23-22

Illinois Business Journal (2 other sources)

Issue: PRB appointee

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

3-22-22

Chicago Tribune (2 other sources)

Issue: PRB appointee

Tax Credits

Sen. Jil Tracy

3-25-22

Jacksonville Journal-Courier

Issue: Tax incentive for volunteer fire fighters

 

Sen. Jil Tracy

3-25-22

El Dia News Chicago

Issue: Tax credits for volunteer fire departments

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

3-25-22

Ford County Chronicle

Issue: Tax credits for volunteer fire departments

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

3-25-22

El Dia News Chicago

Issue: Tax credits for volunteer fire departments

 

Sen. Don DeWitte

3-25-22

El Dia News Chicago

Issue: Tax credits for volunteer fire departments

Unemployment Insurance Fund

Illinois Senate passes $4.1 billion bill partially paying off unemployment debt

WSIL TV 3

News 3

03/25/2022

“State Senator Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) called the bill's passage ill-advised and financially irresponsible.”

 

Pritzker Celebrates, GOP Slams Passage of SB2803 That Pays Down State Unemployment Insurance Fund

WLDS/WEAI

Benjamin Cox

03/25/2022

‘Republican State Senator Win Stoller of Peoria said in a press conference yesterday that the bill will have dire consequences: “We are facing the possibility of one of the largest tax increases on employers in Illinois history. We are facing the possibility of significant benefit cuts to people who need them most – unemployed workers. And, we are facing the possibility of trying to borrow our way out of this problem.”’

 

Area Lawmakers Weigh In On Hefty State Debt Legislation

WSPY News

Justin Ritz

03/25/2022

“Federal rules allow the state to deposit remaining American Rescue Plan money into the fund, by the end of this month. State Senator Sue Rezin recently shared her thoughts on the Senate floor.”

 

Local representatives and senator agree that COVID money should pay all trust fund debt

1430 WCMY

Steven Devine

03/25/2022

“St Sen. Sue Rezin of Morris says as Democrats have done this time and time again, they chose to raise taxes rather than pay off debt entirely. She says choosing to leave a $1.8 billion hole in the is critical social safety net program, with no plan to pay back the rest of the debt, leaves taxpayers on the hook for future increases.”

 

Senate Republicans criticize plan to pay down state's unemployment fund debt

WCBU

Maggie Strahan

03/24/2022

‘State Sen. Win Stoller, R-Germantown Hills, led the GOP charge against this bill on the Senate floor Thursday afternoon, where he repeatedly called the bill a “train wreck.”’

 

“Joining Stoller in voting against the plan were Republican state Sens. Sally Turner and Jason Barickman, who represent parts of Bloomington-Normal. Democratic state Sen. Dave Koehler of Peoria voted in favor.”

 

Amount of unemployment fraud not revealed as lawmakers evaluate paying debt

The Center Square

Greg Bishop

03/22/2022

“State Sen. Jason Plummer, R-Edwardsville, said taxpayers need an estimate for Illinois.”

 

Sen. Bailey responds to Democrats’ failure to pay back unemployment money

104.3 The Party

Staff

03/24/2022

‘State Senator Darren Bailey (R-Louisville) has released the following statement following the Senate passage of an incomplete plan to address the state’s multi-billion-dollar unemployment insurance trust fund deficit: “Our state is notorious for the way it manages money and today’s vote is proof that there is no change in sight.”’

 

Lawmakers send Pritzker bill partially paying unemployment insurance fund debt, paying other debts as Democrats claim ‘fiscal responsibility’

Ben Szalinski

03/25/2022

‘“We are facing the prospects of one of the largest tax increases on our employers in state history,” Sen. Win Stoller (R-Germantown Hills) said. “We’re also facing the possibility of cuts to employees who deserve these unemployment benefits, and we’re facing the possibility of trying to borrow our way out of this problem with additional bonding debt.”’

 

‘“Fiscal responsibility would have been a year ago, when we said let’s take the ARPA money and pay this off like so many other states did,” Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) said.’

 

House Votes to Spend ARPA Cash on Unemployment Fund, GOP says It's Not Enough

The Illinoize

Patrick Pfingsten

03/24/2022

‘Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) & Rep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria): “Illinois Democrats had a simple choice today, they could use ARPA funding to pay off the unemployment insurance trust fund debt, or they could impose a tax hike on jobs. As they have done time and time again, they chose the tax hike. The only way to avoid a tax increase on jobs and cuts to unemployment benefits is to fully pay off the debt our state owes to the federal government.”’

 

Democrats herald partially paying down unemployment debt; Republicans warn of tax increases, benefit cuts to come

The Center Square

Greg Bishop

03/24/2022

“State Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, said Republicans support paying down debt, but they want to pay down the whole debt. Not doing so could lead to tax increases on businesses, benefit cuts for the unemployed and continued interest payments that taxpayers would be responsible for.”

 

“State Sen. Win Stoller said if the balance isn’t paid by this summer, there'll be tax increases on job creators and benefit reductions for the unemployed.”

 

Financial stabilization or backdoor tax? Lawmakers tackle Illinois' unemployment debt

State-Journal Register

Andrew Adams

03/24/2022

‘"I wish to be recorded as a hell no," said Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, after a technical issue prevented her vote from being initially recorded.’

 

‘"Texas used almost half of their ARPA funds, 7.2 billion, to fix their unemployment trust fund deficit," said Sen. Win Stoller, R-Germantown Hills.’

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

3-23-22

WIND Radio (Chicago)

Issue: Unemployment Insurance fraud

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

3-23-22

WMIX Radio (Mt. Vernon) (4 other sources)

Issue: Unemployment Insurance fraud

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-24-22

WIFR-TV (Rockford) (4 other sources)

Issue: Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund debt

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

3-24-22

Effingham Daily News (5 other sources)

Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

3-25-22

KFVS-TV (Cape Girardeau, MO)

Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

3-24-22

WICD-TV (Champaign)

Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt

 

Sen. Don DeWitte

3-24-22

WTTW-TV (Chicago)

Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

3-24-22

WCBU Radio (NPR-Peoria)

Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt

 

Sen. Sally Turner

WCBU Radio (NPR-Peoria)

Issue: Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-25-22

WCMY Radio (Ottawa)

Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

3-25-22

KFS-TV (Cape Girardeau, MO)

Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt

 

Sen. Win Stoller

3-25-22

KFVS-TV (Cape Girardeau, MO) (3 other sources)

Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt

 

Sen. Win Stoller

3-24-22

WCBU Radio (NPR-Peoria)

Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt

 

Sen. Win Stoller

3-24-22

WMBD Radio (Peoria)

Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

3-25-22

WMBD-TV (Peoria) (2 other sources)

Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

3-25-22

WEEK-TV (Peoria) (multiple newscasts)

Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

3-24-22

WGEM-TV (Quincy)

Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

3-25-22

Jacksonville Journal-Courier (1 other source)

Issue: Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund debt

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

DeWitt Daily News

3-25-22

Issue: Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund debt

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

3-25-22

KMOV-TV (St. Louis) (139 other sources)

Issue: Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund debt

 

Sen. Don DeWitte

3-25-22

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Issue: Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund debt

 

Sen. Don DeWitte

3-25-22

Jacksonville Journal-Courier (1 other source)

Issue: Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund debt

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

3-25-22

Jacksonville Journal-Courier (1 other source)

Issue: Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund debt

 

Sen. Steve McClure

3-25-22

Jacksonville Journal-Courier (1 other source)

Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-25-22

WCSJ Radio (Morris) (1 other source)

Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

3-25-22

KMOV-TV (St. Louis)

Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt

 

Sen. Win Stoller

3-25-22

Jacksonville Journal-Courier (1 other source)

Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt

 

Sen. Win Stoller

3-25-22

KMOV-TV (St. Louis)

Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt

 

Sen. Win Stoller

3-25-22

WLDS/WEAI Radio (Jacksonville)

Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt

 

Sen. Win Stoller

3-25-22

DeWitt Daily News

Issue: Unemployment Trust Fund debt

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

3-25-22

WMBD-TV (Peoria)

Issue: Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund debt

MISC.

Shawneetown Port Project makes progress, hoping to open by January 2023

WSIL TV

Madeline Parker
03/21/2022

“Inside the Shawneetown Regional Port District, Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg), Illinois's Secretary of Transportation Omer Osman, and other community members came together to solidify plans for the revitalization of the Shawneetown Port.”

 

Family holds Justice for Molly memorial ten years into ongoing investigation

Joe Rehana

WSIL TV 3

03/27/2022

“State Senator Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) also spoke at the event Sunday. She sponsored two house bills signed by Governor Bruce Rauner in 2016, which are known as Molly's Laws.”

 

Community Forum: Jason Barickman Talks About Pontiac Prison, the State Budget and More

WJEZ Classic Hits 98.9

Staff

03/25/2022

“State Senator Jason Barickman talks about his understanding of the Pontiac prison situation, about the state budget, and gives his reaction to the indictment of former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan. The Community Forum on WJEZ is sponsored by K & S Ford in Fairbury.”

 

Illinois lawmakers could pass plan to diversify health care workforce

WGEM

Mike Miletich

03/22/2022

“Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Cherry Valley) asked Kirchoff if people would not be eligible for this program if they already received financial assistance from another loan repayment program. While Kirchoff couldn’t provide that information during committee, she noted that members will have that answer before the full Senate votes on the bill.”

 

Jelani Day Bill passes Illinois State Senate, awaits approval by House

Vidette Online

MARISSA HARVEY

03/23/2022

“Illinois State Sen. Craig Wilcox (R-McHenry) explained the controversy that occurred when Gabby Petito’s body was found by the FBI within days.”

 

Bill allowing DCFS workers to carry pepper spray meets opposition from advocates including ACLU

The Daily Line

Ben Szalinski

03/42/2022

“Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield) filed SB1486 in response to the murder of Sangamon County Deidre Silas, saying it would ensure investigators are able to protect themselves if a person becomes aggressive toward them. Rep. Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) defended the bill in the House Human Services Committee Wednesday against accusations that the bill lacks “guardrails” to ensure employees use pepper spray properly.”

 

Illinois lawmakers can help families fight inflation by putting cap on gasoline sales tax

Chicago Sun-Times

Dave Syverson and Donald DeWitte

03/21/2022

“State Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) represents the 35th District. State Sen. Donald DeWitte (R-St. Charles) represents the 33rd District.”

 

Keicher, Syverson propose sales tax cap on gasoline as prices surge in Illinois

The Shaw Local

Kelsey Rettke and Tom Collins

03/24/2022

“State Republican lawmakers Rep. Jeff Keicher and Sen. Dave Syverson are calling on Springfield to cap the statewide sales tax on motor fuel at 18-cents per gallon to provide relief for Illinoisans at the gas pump amid soaring prices and inflation.”

 

Dems celebrate, GOP castigates

93.9 WTAX News Radio

Staff

03/24/2022

“The $2.7 billion dollar payment – representing only half the fund’s shortage – passed both chambers on a partisan vote, and State Sen. Win Stoller (R-Germantown Hills) said they’re doing it wrong.”

 

“Speaking of labor and business, while Pritzker lauded their leadership and involvement, State Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) said Pritzker’s misleading you. She said labor and business actually oppose the bill as passed, but they wouldn’t say so, adding Democrats had a figurative gun to their heads.”

 

Sen. John Curran

3-24-22

Positively Naperville (Story about the major’s State of the City Address)

Issue: Tornado recovery

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

3-25-22

Pontiac Daily Leader

Issue: Downsizing of the Pontiac and Vandalia CC

 

Sen. John Curran

3-27-22

WFLD-TV (Chicago (5 other sources)

Issue: Ending cash bail

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

Southern Illinoisan

3-27-22

Issue: 10th anniversary of Molly Young’s death

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

3-23-22

KWQC-TV (Quad Cities) (4 other sources)

Issue: High school diploma for DOC inmates

 

Sen. Dale Fowler

3-24-22

KFVS-TV (Cape Girdeau, MO) (3 other sources)

Issue: Volunteer fire fighter shortage

 

Sen. Dave Syverson

3-24-22

Ogle County Newspapers

Issue: Capping the sales tax on motor fuel

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

3-24-22

FarmWeek

Issue: Inflation’s impact on lumber industry

 

Sen. Dale Fowler

3-24-22

Edwardsville Intelligencer

Issue: Covid tests for SIU-E students

 

Sen. Dave Syverson

3-23-22

WIRF-TV (Rockford)

Issue: Health care scholarships

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

3-21-22

WCMY Radio (Ottawa)

Issue: Downsizing the Pontiac Correctional Center

 

Sen. Steve McClure

3-21-22

WICD-TV/WICS-TV (Champaign/Springfield)

Issue: State budget

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-21-22

WSPY Radio (Aurora) (1 other source)

Issue: Capping the sales tax on motor fuel

 

Sen. Dale Fowler

3-21-22

WSIL-TV (Harrisburg) (1 other source) (multiple newscasts)

Issue: Shawneetown Port District

 

Sen. Steve McClure

3-21-22

WCCU-TV (Springfield)

Issue: Allowing DCFS workers to carry pepper spray

 

Sen. Dave Syverson

3-23-22

KFVS-TV (Cape Giradeau, MO) (3 other sources)

Issue: Health Care scholarships

Blue Cross/Blue Shield

Sen. Sally Turner

3-13-22

WCIA-TV (Champaign)

Issue: Blue Cross/Blue Shield investigation

 

Sen. Sally Turner

3-13-22

WYZZ-TV (Peoria)

Issue: Blue Cross/Blue Shield investigation

 

Sen. Steve McClure

3-13-22

WCIA-TV (Champaign)

Issue: Blue Cross/Blue Shield investigation

 

Sen. Sally Turner

3-14-22

WCIA-TV (Champaign) (4 other sources) (multiple newscasts)

Issue: Blue Cross/Blue Shield investigation

 

Sen. Sally Turner

3-13-22

WMBD-TV (Peoria) (5 other sources)

Issue: Blue Cross/Blue Shield investigation

 

Sen. Steve McClure

3-14-22

WCIA-TV (Champaign)

Issue: Blue Cross/Blue Shield investigation

 

Sen. Sally Turner

3-14-22

WEHT-TV (Evansville, Indiana)

Issue: Blue Cross/Blue Shield investigation

Gas Tax

Sen. Dan McConchie

3-11-22

State Journal-Register

Issue: Senate GOP gasoline sales tax proposal

 

Sen. Don DeWitte

3-14-22

Daily Herald

Issue: Senate GOP gasoline sales tax proposal 

 

Sen. Don DeWitte

3-12-22

WQRF-TV (Rockford)

Issue: Senate GOP gasoline sales tax proposal

 

Sen. Don DeWitte

3-11-22

State Journal-Register

Issue: Senate GOP gasoline sales tax proposal

 

Sen. Don DeWitte

3-11-22

WIRF-TV (Rockford)

Issue: Senate GOP gasoline sales tax proposal

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

WIRF-TV (Rockford)

Issue: Senate GOP gasoline sales tax proposal

 

Sen. Sally Turner

3-11-22

State Journal Register

Issue: Senate GOP gasoline sales tax proposal

 

Sen. Steve McClure

3-11-22

State Journal Register

Issue: Senate GOP gasoline sales tax proposal

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

3-12-22

WRSP-TV (Springfield) (1 other source)

Issue: Senate GOP gasoline sales tax proposal

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

3-11-22

WAND-TV (Decatur) (multiple newscasts) (1 other source)

Issue: Senate GOP gasoline sales tax proposal

 

Sen. Dave Syverson

3-11-22

WMBD-TV (Peoria)

Issue: Senate GOP gasoline sales tax proposal

 

Sen. Dave Syverson

3-11-22

WQRF-TV (Rockford)

Issue: Senate GOP gasoline sales tax proposal

 

Sen. Dave Syverson

3-14-22

WGN Radio (Chicago)

Issue: Capping the sales tax on motor fuel

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

3-14-22

WIND Radio (Chicago)

Issue: Senate GOP gasoline sales tax proposal

 

Sen. Dave Syverson says he has a potential solution to lowering gas prices

10 WGN Radio

Curtis Koch

03/14/2022

“Illinois State Senator Dave Syverson from the 35th District joined Chicago’s Afternoon News to discuss how Illinois Republicans are hoping to save drivers money on gas by cutting the sales tax.”

Interviews

NEWSRADIO WJPF INTERVIEW WITH DALE FOWLER

NewsRadio WJPF

Staff

03/16/2022

“Illinois State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) joins The Morning Newswatch.”

Prisoner Review Board

Sen. Jason Plummer

3-12-22

WIND Radio (Chicago)

Issue: Pritzker’s abuse of PRB appointment process

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

3-14-22

Chronicle Media (Cook County)

Issue: Pritzker abuse of the executive appointments process (PRB)

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

3-14-22

Quincy Herald Whig

Issue: Pritzker abuse of the executive appointments process (PRB)

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

3-16-22

Daily Herald (30 other sources)

Issue: Pritzker’s abuse of executive appointments process/PRB

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

3-18-22

Chicago Crusader

Issue: PRB Executive Appointments

 

Pritzker pulls another Prisoner Review Board appointment, calls for Senate action

Capitol News Illinois

BETH HUNDSDORFER

03/16/2022

“A copy of the letter addressed to Sen. Laura Murphy, D-Des Plaines, and Sen. Jason Plummer, R-Edwardsville, was obtained by Capitol News Illinois. The letter urged the Executive Appointments Committee, which Murphy chairs, to act on the appointments.”

 

Pritzker asks Senate to hold confirmation hearings on Prisoner Review Board nominees in limbo for more than a year

The Daily Line

Ben Szalinski

03/17/2022

“Pritzker wrote a letter to chair of the Senate Executive Appointments Committee Sen. Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) and the committee’s Republican leader Sen. Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville) Tuesday requesting six unconfirmed appointees receive a confirmation hearing before the deadline passes on the appointments in the next several weeks.”

Senior Citizen Care

Sen. Dan McConchie

3-11-22

WCIA-TV (Champaign)

Issue: Family visits to nursing homes

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

3-14-22

WOOZ Radio (Carterville/Carbondale)

Issue: Family visits to nursing homes

 

Sen. Dave Syverson

3-14-22

WOOZ Radio (Carterville/Carbondale) (2 other sources)

Issue: Family visits to nursing homes

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-14-22

Quincy Herald Whig

Issue: Standards of care at nursing homes

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

3-15-22

State Journal Register

Issue: Family visits to nursing homes

 

Bill requiring medical facilities to allow visitors during pandemic one step closer to passage

The Daily Line

Ben Szalinski

03/17/2022

“The initiative was brought to Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) by a constituent who was unable to visit her grandfather in the hospital last year during his final weeks.”

Veterans Affairs

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-11-22

Chronicle Illinois (Cook County)

Issue: LaSalle Veterans’ Home

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-14-22

Ogle County Newspapers

Issue: LaSalle Veterans’ Home lawsuit

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-14-22

Chicago Tribune (2 other sources)

Issue: LaSalle Veterans’ Home lawsuit

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-16-22

Patch.com

Issue: LaSalle Veterans’ Home lawsuit

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-16-22

WOOZ Radio (Carterville/Carbondale) (9 other sources)

Issue: LaSalle Veterans’ Home lawsuit

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-16-22

Mendota Reporter

Issue: LaSalle Veterans’ Home failures/Rezin reform legislation

 

Sen. Craig Wilcox

3-16-22

WIND Radio (Chicago)

Issue: LaSalle Veterans’ Home lawsuit/Covid deaths

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-19-22

Ogle County Newspapers

Issue: Reforms to address Covid-19 outbreak at LaSalle Veterans’ Home

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-19-22

Bloomington Pantagraph

Issue: Reforms to address Covid-19 outbreak at LaSalle Veterans’ Home

 

Families sue after deadly COVID-19 outbreak at LaSalle Veterans Home

The Center Square

Kevin Bessler

03/15/2022

“Republican State Sen. Sue Rezin of Morris has proposed legislation to avoid a similar event like the LaSalle outbreak in the future, including requiring an immediate on-site review by state health officials when an outbreak occurs at a veteran’s home. The Illinois Department of Public Health didn’t show up at the LaSalle home until 10 days after the outbreak.”

 

No Movement on Bills Meant to Protect Veterans Homes from Disease Outbreaks

WSPY News

Staff

03/17/2022

“Morris Republican State Senator Sue Rezin says she has yet to see any movement on three bills she proposed to prevent, and respond to, disease outbreaks at state-run veterans homes. The bills are in response to the deadly COVID-19 outbreak at the LaSalle Veterans home back in 2020.”

MISC.

Illinois lawmakers debate measure that would use federal funds to pay down unemployment debt

The Center Square

Andrew Hensel

03/14/2022

“Many Republicans in the Senate are opposed to the implementation of SB2803. State Sen. Win Stoller, R-Peoria, said that the $2 billion will not cover the state's debt.”

 

“Some U.S. states used their ARPA dollars to pay off all of their unemployment debt, Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, said, and Illinois needs to take the same approach.”

 

GOP Senator: "Unreal" State Paying $700,000 to Sponsor NASCAR Race

The Illinoize

Patrick Pfingsten

03/15/2022

“But Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet), the top Republican budget negotiator, says Pritzker should be using state funds to roll back the state motor fuel tax or the gasoline sales tax to provide consumers relief as gas prices continue to tick near $5 per gallon.”

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

3-13-22

Champaign News-Gazette

Issue: Singling out Champaign County when it comes to county executive appointments

 

Sen. Craig Wilcox

3-14-22

Daily Herald

Issue: Lake Michigan pollution

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

3-14-22

Daily Herald

Issue: Lake Michigan pollution

 

Sen. Don DeWitte

3-13-22

Ogle County Newspapers

Issue: Tri-City Health Partnership

 

Sen. Dave Syverson

3-14-22

WIRF-TV (Rockford)

Issue: “SPC. Brandon Rowe Memorial Highway”

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-11-22

WIFR-TV (Rockford)

Issue: Illinois unemployment insurance fund

 

Sen. Steve McClure

3-15-22

Illinois Business Journal

Issue: Renovations at Lewis and Clark College

 

Sen. Steve McClure

3-14-22

Alton Telegraph

Issue: Renovations at Lewis and Clark College

 

Sen. Steve McClure

3-14-22

EdGlen Today

Issue: Renovations at Lewis and Clark College

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-14-22

Starvedrock Media (6 other sources)

Issue: Illinois Unemployment Trust Fund debt

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

3-15-22

Illinois Business Journal

Issue: Hispanic American Construction Industry Association opposes union-backed wage theft legislation

 

Sen. Steve McClure

3-15-22

Edwardsville Intelligencer (1 other source)

Issue: Renovations at Lewis and Clark College

 

Sen. Steve McClure

3-15-22

State Journal Register

Issue: Allowing DCFS workers to carry pepper spray

 

Sen. Steve McClure

3-16-22

WLDS/WEAI Radio (Jacksonville)

Issue: Capital projects for Lewis and Clark Community College

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

3-15-22

Pontiac Daily Leader

Issue: Downsizing of Pontiac and Vandalia Correctional Centers

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

3-16-22

Southern Illinoisan

Issue: NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet

 

HEADLINES FOR WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16^TH

104.9 WFIW

03/16/2022

“More than 100 people attended the Second Amendment Town Hall Meeting in Carmi Monday. State Senator Darren Bailey spoke on several issues, including the FOID Card, which he continues to call unconstitutional. He called on people to be active in calling lawmakers and filling witness slips in support or opposition of bills in committee.”

 

Job market continues to recover from pandemic, IDES head tells lawmakers

The Daily Line

Ben Szalinski

03/16/2022

“While progress is being made to address the department’s staffing needs, Richards said they are still working to identify how many people were victims of unemployment fraud. When pressed by Sen. Craig Wilcox (R-McHenry), Richards declined to elaborate on how much of the pandemic fraud at IDES involved identity theft.”

 

Pension spiking costs continue to hit Illinois taxpayers

The Center Square

Brett Rowland

03/18/2022

“State Sen. Craig Wilcox, R-McHenry, said some local taxpayers probably aren't aware of how school districts are spending tax dollars. The majority of school district funding in Illinois comes from local property taxes. Most national analyses show Illinois residents pay, on average, the second highest property taxes in the U.S., behind only New Jersey.”

 

Sen. Dave Syverson

3-19-22

WIRF-TV (Rockford)

Issue: SPC Brandon Jacob Rowe Memorial Highway.

 

Sen. Steve McClure

3-18-22

WICD-TV (Champaign)

Issue: DCFS workers carrying pepper spray

 

Sen. Win Stoller

3-20-22

Champaign News-Gazette

Issue: Unemployment Insurance Fund debt

Emergency Powers

Turner Renews Call to Rein in Pritzker’s Abuse of Emergency Powers

Cities 92.9

Tom Davis

03/09/2022

“As the two-year anniversary approaches of Governor JB Pritzker’s first disaster declaration in response to COVID-19, State Senator Sally Turner (R-Beason) is renewing her call to rein in the Governor’s ability to impose sweeping emergency powers and require legislative input and oversight. Since the Governor’s first declaration on March 9, 2020, he has re-issued his disaster declaration approximately every 30 days as a “work around” to the 30-day limit on declared disasters imposed by the Emergency Management Agency Act.”

 

State Senator Calls For Lawmakers to Rein In Emergency Powers

WSPY NEWS

Staff

03/10/2022

“Morris State Senator Sue Rezin is calling for a bill that would impose limits on Governor J.B. Pritzker's emergency powers. Rezin says the governor has been using a work around to impose the emergency declaration since the COVID-19 disaster order was first declared on March 9 of 2020.”

 

Senator Rezin Trying To "Reign In" Governor Pritzker

103.9 WLPO News

Jeremy Aitken

03/09/2022

“Republican State Senator Sue Rezin thinks the Democrat governor has failed you and is aiming to rein in what she call's Pritzker's “abuse of emergency powers”. Rezin is co-sponsoring a proposed bill that would require the governor to get approval from the General Assembly before renewing emergency powers after the initial 30-day state of emergency declaration. Extending a state mask mandate would be a prime example.”

 

Sen. Sally Turner

3-9-22

WRPW Radio (Bloomington/Normal)

Issue: Pritzker abuse of emergency powers

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-9-22

Starvedrock Media (Regional radio station group in her district)

Issue: Pritzker abuse of emergency powers

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-9-22

WCMY Radio (Ottawa)

Issue: Governor’s emergency powers

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-9-22

Ogle County Newspapers

Issue: Governor’s emergency powers

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-9-22

WCSJ Radio (Morris) (2 other sources)

Issue: Governor’s emergency powers

Interviews/Op-eds

NEWSRADIO WJPF INTERVIEW WITH TERRI BRYANT | MARCH 7, 2022

WJPF Radio

Staff

03/07/2022

“Illinois State Senator Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) joins The Morning Newswatch.”

Gas Prices

Gas prices on the table as Illinois lawmakers discuss options for lowering costs

State Journal-Register

Andrew Adams

03/11/2022

“Syverson and Sen. Donald DeWitte, R-St. Charles, introduced a plan to limit the taxes charged on sales of gasoline.”

 

“So far, only Republicans and business groups have come out in support of the plan, though every Republican in the Senate has signed on as a co-sponsor, including Springfield Sens. Steve McClure and Sally Turner as well as Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie, R-Hawthorn Woods.”

 

Lawmakers want to cap Illinois sales tax on fuel

FOX Illinois

WICS/WRSP Staff

03/10/2022

‘“This plan will ensure that critically-needed projects are still properly funded while also providing relief for the people of our state who are currently experiencing generational high inflation,” said Senator Sally Turner, R-Beason. “Illinois lawmakers must act quickly to pass this legislation, so our constituents can have some level of reprieve before the situation gets too out of hand.”’

 

‘"If we do nothing consumers are going to be devastated by this increase in tax these increased revenues just become a windfall for politicians and the government we don't believe that that's fair," said Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Rockford.’

 

‘“The government shouldn’t gouge you at the same time the price at the pump goes through the roof,” said Senator Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet.’

 

Republicans look to save Illinois drivers $1 billion at the pump by capping sales tax

The Center Square

Greg Bishop

03/10/2022

“State Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Cherry Valley, said their measure differs from the governor’s proposal to freeze the annual gas tax in several ways. The governor’s plan could save taxpayers about $135 million while the GOP plan could save taxpayers around $1 billion.”

 

“State Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mohamet, said state government is already reaping increased revenue because of record inflation.”

 

“State Sen. Don DeWitte, R-St. Charles, said that’s unrealistic for families struggling to make ends meet now.”

 

Proposed legislation would cap state sales tax on fuel

WAND News

Staff

03/10/2022

“Senate Bill 4195, would cap the state's sales tax on motor fuel at last year's level, because gas prices rose. State Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) released a statement on Thursday that explained the bill could potentially save drivers $1 billion over the next fiscal year if gas prices reach $5.50 per gallon.”

 

Electric vehicles out of reach for some as mechanics, builders expect higher costs

The Center Square, The Fairfield Sun Times

Greg Bishop

03/11/2022

“State Sen. Neil Anderson, R-Andalusia, said the governor is out of touch with what’s happening on the ground.”

 

New Proposal For Helping Gas Prices

Taylorville Daily News

Leroy M Kleimola

03/12/2022

“State Senator Chapin Rose is sponsoring legislation to provide permanent tax relief to families at the gas pump. Senator Rose says gas prices are out of control and while he can’t control what barrel’s of oil sells for, he believes that politicians should stop trying to benefit off of price spikes.”

 

Republican lawmakers propose capping Illinois' fuel tax amid surging prices

13 WREX Newsroom

Staff

03/10/2022

“Senators Dave Syverson (R-Cherry Valley) and Donald DeWitte (R-St. Charles) held a news conference at the Capitol on Thursday to call on the General Assembly and the Pritzker Administration to immediately cap the state’s sales tax on motor fuel at 18 cents per gallon, which is what drivers were paying last fall before prices started to climb dramatically.”

 

Rose Sponsors Legislation To Provide Relief At The Pump

Effingham Radio

Staff

03/13/2022

“As gas prices continue to skyrocket out of control, State Senator Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) is sponsoring legislation to provide permanent tax relief to families at the pump.”

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

3-10-22

WICD-TV (Champaign)

Issue: Capping sales tax on motor fuel

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

3-10-22

WAND-TV (Decatur)

Issue: Capping sales tax on motor fuel

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

3-10-22

HomeTownRegister (regional newspaper/west central Illinois) (7 other sources)

Issue: Capping sales tax on motor fuel

 

Sen. Dave Syverson

3-11-22

KWQC-TV (Quad Cities) (3 other sources)

Issue: Capping sales tax on motor fuel

 

Sen. Dave Syverson

3-10-22

WFLD-TV (Chicago)

Issue: Capping sales tax on motor fuel

 

Sen. Dave Syverson

3-10-22

WTWO-TV (Rockford)

Issue: Capping sales tax on motor fuel

 

Sen. Dave Syverson

3-10-22

WICD-TV (Champaign)

Issue: Capping sales tax on motor fuel

 

Sen. Don DeWitte

3-11-22

KWQC-TV (Quad Cities) (3 other sources)

Issue: Capping sales tax on motor fuel

 

Sen. Don DeWitte

3-10-22

WFLD-TV (Chicago)

Issue: Capping sales tax on motor fuel

 

Sen. Don DeWitte

3-10-22

WTWO-TV (Rockford)

Issue: Capping sales tax on motor fuel

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

3-11-22

KWQC-TV (Quad Cities) (3 other sources)

Issue: Capping sales tax on motor fuel

 

Sen. Sally Turner

3-10-22

WICD-TV (Champaign)

Issue: Capping sales tax on motor fuel

 

Sen. Dave Syverson

3-11-22

WGEM-TV (Quincy) (multiple newscasts) (1 other source)

Issue: Capping sales tax on motor fuel

 

Sen. Dave Syverson

3-11-22

WFLD-TV (Chicago) (multiple newscasts) (1 other source)

Issue: Capping sales tax on motor fuel

 

Sen. Dave Syverson

3-11-22

WTVO-TV (Rockford) (multiple newscasts)

Issue: Capping sales tax on motor fuel

 

Sen. Dave Syverson

3-11-22

WREX-TV (Rockford)

Issue: Capping sales tax on motor fuel

 

Sen. Dave Syverson

3-11-22

WEEK-TV (Peoria)

Issue: Capping sales tax on motor fuel

 

Sen. Dave Syverson

3-11-22

WHOI-TV (Peoria) (multiple newscasts)

Issue: Capping sales tax on motor fuel

 

Sen. Dave Syverson

3-10-22

WQRF-TV (Rockford)

Issue: Capping sales tax on motor fuel

 

GOP senators push to freeze gas tax ‘windfall’ as alternative energy bills wind through legislature

The Daily Line

Alex Nitkin

03/11/2022

“Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) and Sen. Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles) led a news conference on Thursday to unveil a plan to permanently cap the state’s percentage-based sales tax on gasoline so that it can never pull in more than $0.18 per gallon on any purchase. They predicted the change would save Illinois drivers hundreds of millions of dollars, especially if prices keep climbing.”

 

‘“This is truly a windfall for the state of Illinois,” Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) said. “No one…expected this money. The state is gouging people at the pump on this. We need to give them their money back.”’

Prisoner Review Board

Appointments pulled for 2 members of Prisoner Review Board

Capitol News Illinois

BETH HUNDSDORFER

03/08/2022

‘“Between the two of them, I think they have served a combined six years on the Prisoner Review Board, raking in approximately a half-million dollars in taxpayer funded salary,” said Sen. Jason Plummer, R-Edwardsville.’

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

3-8-22

Effingham Daily News (4 other sources)

Issue: Abuse of the PRB appointment process

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

3-9-22

Southern Illinoisan

Issue: PRB appointees

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

3-9-22

Kankakee Daily Journal (1 other source)

Issue: PRB appointees

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

3-11-22

WIND Radio (Chicago)

Issue: Abuse of the Executive Appointments process

 

Republicans critical of Pritzker’s prisoner review board maneuvering

The Center Square

Greg Bishop

02/09/2022

“After the hearing, state Sen. Jason Plummer, R-Edwardsville, said that excuse doesn’t cut it with dozens of other people having gone through the process for other positions.”

Public Safety

Wives of fallen Illinois officers call for passage of public safety bills

Quad-City Times

TAYLOR VIDMAR

03/09/2022

“They were accompanied by state Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, who filed and sponsored all seven bills.”

 

Security is main issue with transfer of inmates to Lawrence

Pontiac Daily Leader

Erich Murphy

03/08/2022

“State Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, said that she didn't get the answers for the transfers that she was looking for when she, and other legislators, met with Jeffreys last week.”

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

3-8-22

Pontiac Daily Leader

Issue: Downsizing Pontiac and Vandalia CC

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

3-9-22

WAND-TV (Decatur)

Issue: Wives of fallen police officers

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

3-9-22

WIFR-TV (Rockford) (3 other sources)

Issue: Wives of fallen police officers

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

3-9-22

Southern Illinoisan (1 other source)

Issue: Wives of fallen police officers

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

3-10-22

WEEK-TV (Peoria)

Issue: Senate GOP Crime package

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

3-10-22

WGEM-TV (Quincy) (multiple newscasts) (1 other source)

Issue: Senate GOP Crime package

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

3-9-22

WRSP-TV (Springfield) (multiple newscasts)

Issue: Senate GOP Crime package

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

3-9-22

WEEK-TV (Peoria)

Issue: Wives of fallen police officers

Veterans Affairs

Rezin Again Pushes for Bills Meant to Prevent Outbreaks at State Veterans Home

WSPY News

Ethan Kruger

03/10/2022

“Morris State Senator Sue Rezin is again advocating for a set of bills meant to protect state run veterans homes from disease outbreaks.”

 

Rezin continues to push outbreak protections for vets homes

WGEM

Mike Miletich

03/10/2022

“Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) filed three proposals last year to hold the state accountable for the 36 deaths and help prepare for future outbreaks.”

 

Legislation would address outbreak protocol lapses senator says still exist at veterans homes

The Center Square

Kevin Bessler

03/10/2022

“State Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, said she does not want to see a repeat of the tragedy at the LaSalle Veterans Home where 36 residents died during a COVID-19 outbreak beginning in November 2020.”

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-10-22

Quincy Herald-Whig (22 other sources)

Issue: LaSalle Veterans’ Home failures/Rezin reform legislation

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-10-22

Quad-City Times

Issue: LaSalle Veterans’ Home failures/Rezin reform legislation

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-10-22

WFLD-TV (Chicago)

Issue: LaSalle Veterans’ Home failures/Rezin reform legislation

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-10-22

Starvedrock Media (regional radio station group)

Issue: LaSalle Veterans’ Home failures/Rezin reform legislation

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-10-22

Ogle County Newspapers

Issue: LaSalle Veterans’ Home failures/Rezin reform legislation

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-10-22

WYZZ-TV (Peoria)

Issue: LaSalle Veterans’ Home failures/Rezin reform legislation

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-10-22

WCMY Radio (Ottawa)

Issue: LaSalle Veterans’ Home failures/Rezin reform legislation

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-10-22

WSPY Radio (Aurora)

Issue: LaSalle Veterans’ Home failures/Rezin reform legislation

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-11-22

WGEM-TV (Quincy) (multiple newscasts) (1 other source)

Issue: LaSalle Veterans’ Home failures/Rezin reform legislation

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-10-22

WEEK-TV (Peoria)

Issue: LaSalle Veterans’ Home failures/Rezin reform legislation

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-10-22

WHOI-TV (Peoria) (2 other sources)

Issue: LaSalle Veterans’ Home failures/Rezin reform legislation

 

Eye On Illinois: Past time to get serious about public health crisis reforms

By Scott T. Holland

03/12/2022

“State Sen. Sue Rezin didn’t need to use that phrase to make her point crystal clear. During a press conference Thursday, the veteran Morris Republican again stressed the importance of examining exactly what went wrong at the La Salle Veterans Home in fall 2020, where a COVID-19 outbreak led to hundreds of positive tests and 36 resident fatalities.”

MISC.

News Release says Winnebago County Republican Executive Committee condemns no confidence letter against Chairman. Others on Executive Committee disagree.

23 WIFR

Mike Garrigan

03/09/2022

“The no confidence letter lists nine issues; ranging from not utilizing the committee headquarters for 12 months despite paying rent, to the mishandling of checks and deposits from the committee account. In the news release Nicolosi says he has the full support of the executive committee; and the anonymous no confidence letter wouldn’t have been written if he wasn’t running for the 35th District State Senate seat against longtime incumbant Dave Syverson. But executive committee member Jan Klaas disputes Nicolosi’s claims.”

 

Pritzker administration should investigate ghost networks, continuity of care disruptions, Sen. Turner says

My Stateline

Mark Maxwell

03/13/2022

“State Senator Sally Turner, a Republican from Lincoln, called on the Department of Insurance to investigate Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois after a Target 3 report revealed its customers were left with astronomical medical bills, or were left to navigate a ‘ghost network’ of doctors in a dead-end directory.”

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

3-9-22

Southern Illinoisan

Issue: React to Sen. Cullerton guilty plea for corruption

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

3-8-22

EdGlen Today (Edwardsville-Glen Carbon)

Issue: Judicial redistricting lawsuit

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

3-8-22

Chicago Tribune

Issue: React to Sen. Cullerton guilty plea for corruption

 

After two years of COVID executive orders, calls for oversight persist in Illinois

The Center Square

Greg Bishop

03/09/2022

“State Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, said the effects of the governor’s unilateral rule and lack of oversight over the past two years has been painful. Other states had fewer restrictions and are thriving, she said.”

 

Illinois lawmakers advance pension buyout extension fueled by $1B of bonding

The Bond Buyer

Yvette Shields

03/10/2022

“Rep. Win Stoller, R-Germantown Hills, who was the sole committee vote against the legislation, said ‘in a state that is not in the best financial condition taking on debt is not something I’m comfortable with.’”

 

Bill protecting family visits to nursing homes wins overwhelming support

The Center Square contributor

Zeta Cross

03/12/2022

“The visitation prohibitions frustrated relatives and friends who were kept away from loved ones at nursing homes and long-term care facilities for weeks and even months. To prevent future Illinois governors from ever enacting such a ban again, Illinois Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie, R-Hawthorn Woods, drafted Senate Bill 1405. The measure passed the Illinois Senate unanimously last month and is expected to pass the Illinois House this spring.”

 

“State Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Cherry Valley, a co-sponsor of the bill, said the ban defied common sense – even when the pandemic was raging and vaccines were not available.”

 

Republican senator urges bills preventing future health outbreaks get a proper hearing

Capitol News Illinois

GRACE KINNICUTT

03/10/2022

“Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, reintroduced legislation to improve and hasten the state’s response to the outbreak, but on Thursday called for more help from lawmakers to advance the bills which remain in the Assignments Committee.”

COVID-19

Sen. Dan McConchie

3-2-22

Mendota Reporter

Issue: Mask mandate – Supreme Court ruling

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

3-7-22

Quincy Herald-Whig

Issue: Mask mandates – Supreme Court ruling

 

Senator Rezin Shares Thoughts on When Pandemic Could Become Endemic

WSPY News

Staff

03/02/2022

“State Senator Sue Rezin was on WCSJ’s People are Talking this week providing her thoughts on the Covid-19 pandemic and its lasting impacts.”

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

2-28-22

Capitol News Illinois (32 other sources)

Issue: Mask mandate for schools

 

Sen. Don DeWitte

2-28-22

Washington Examiner (Center Square story) (2 other sources)

Issue: Mask mandate for schools

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-2-22

WSPY Radio (Aurora)

Issue: When will the Covid-19 pandemic end?

 

Sen. Win Stoller

3-2-22

WCSJ Radio (Morris) (1 other source)

Issue: When will the Covid-19 pandemic end?

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

3-1-22

DuQuoin Evening Call

Issue: Mask mandates – Supreme Court ruling

Education

How to solve Illinois' teacher shortage? Lawmakers push variety of ideas

The Pantagraph

TAYLOR VIDMAR

03/04/2022

“State Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, filed Senate Bill 4180, which would require five new elected — not governor-appointed — members of the Illinois State Board of Education.”

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

3-5-22

Galesburg Register-Mail

Issue: Education/Empowering parents

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

3-6-22

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Issue: Teacher shortage

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

3-4-22

Southern Illinoisan

Issue: Teacher shortage

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

3-3-22

WICD-TV (1 other source)

Issue: Education/Empowering parents

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

3-3-22

WICD-TV (Champaign) (1 other source)

Issue: Education/Empowering parents

Madigan Indictment

Rezin react to Madigan indictment

103.9 WLPO

John Small

03/02/2022

“State Senator Sue Rezin has released a statement after the U.S. Attorney's Office announced the indictment of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan on public corruption charges.”

 

Sen. Barickman Statement on Announcement of Madigan Indictment

Cities 92.9, KHQA 7

Tom Davis

03/03/2022

‘State Senator Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) released the following statement regarding the indictment of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan: “Today Madigan joins a long list of Illinois politicians who have been indicted by the federal government. This is another example of the need for stronger ethics standards and the continued need to root out corruption in Illinois government. It also shows why we need a strong two-party system that offer voters real choices, so that they can send corrupt politicians packing. People deserve the chance to have a government that they can trust.”’

 

Sen. Sally Turner Reacts to Indictment of Michael Madigan

Cities 92.9

Tom Davis

03/03/2022

‘State Senator Sally Turner (R-Beason) issued the following statement after the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the indictment of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan on public corruption charges: “Today’s indictment of former Speaker Madigan comes as no surprise to far too many people. Once again, the ethics laws of our state have failed the people of Illinois and has forced the federal government to step in to clean up Illinois’ corruption.”’

 

Local Lawmakers React To Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan's Indictment

WCSJ News

Staff

03/03/2022

“Meanwhile, State Senator Sue Rezin said with this indictment, I hope that my Democrat colleagues choose to take a tougher stance on public corruption and work with us to create stronger ethics reforms.”

 

Sen. Brian Stewart

3-2-22

WIFR-TV (Rockford)

Issue: Madigan indictment

 

Sen. Dale Fowler

3-2-22

WPSD-TV (Paducah, KY)

Issue:  Madigan indictment

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

3-2-22

News AKMI (online US-based news site) (8 other sources)

Issue:  Madigan indictment

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

3-2-22

State Journal Register (2 other sources)

Issue:  Madigan indictment

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

3-2-22

Daily Herald

Issue:  Madigan indictment

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

3-3-22

WRPW Radio (Bloomington/Normal)

Issue:  Madigan indictment

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

3-3-22

Ogle County Newspapers

Issue:  Madigan indictment

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

3-2-22

KHQA-TV (Quincy) (1 other source)

Issue:  Madigan indictment

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

3-2-22

WYZZ-TV (Peoria)

Issue:  Madigan indictment

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

3-2-22

WICD-TV (Champaign)

Issue:  Madigan indictment

 

Sen. Sally Turner

3-3-22

WRPW Radio (Bloomington/Normal)

Issue:  Madigan indictment

 

Sen. Sally Turner

3-2-22

WYZZ-TV (Peoria)

Issue:  Madigan indictment

 

Sen. Sally Turner

3-2-22

WICD-TV (Champaign)

Issue:  Madigan indictment

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-3-22

WCSJ Radio (Morris)

Issue:  Madigan indictment

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-3-22

Ogle County Newspapers

Issue:  Madigan indictment

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-2-22

Starvedrock Media (regional radio station group)

Issue:  Madigan indictment

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-2-22

Ogle County Newspapers

Issue:  Madigan indictment

 

Sen. Win Stoller

3-2-22

WYZZ-TV (Peoria)

Issue: Madigan indictment

 

Sen. Brian Stewart

3-3-22

WCMY Radio (Ottawa)

Issue: Madigan indictment

 

Sen. Don DeWitte

3-3-22

Daily Herald

Issue: Madigan indictment

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

3-3-22

WMBD Radio (Peoria)

Issue: Madigan indictment

 

Sen. John Curran

3-3-22

Positively Naperville

Issue: Madigan indictment

 

Sen. Sally Turner

3-3-22

WMBD Radio (Peoria)

Issue: Madigan indictment

 

Sen. Sally Turner

3-3-22

Kewanee Star-Courier (1 other source)

Issue: Madigan indictment

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-3-22

WCMY Radio (Ottawa)

Issue: Madigan indictment

 

Sen. Win Stoller

3-3-22

WMBD Radio (Peoria)

Issue: Madigan indictment

 

'I hope this signals a turning point': Suburban politicians react to Madigan's indictment

The Daily Herald

Jake Griffin

03/03/2022

“Republican Senate leader Dan McConchie of Hawthorn Woods praised federal investigators from the FBI and IRS who helped in the investigation that led to Madigan's indictment.”

 

How some lawmakers reacted to Michael Madigan's indictment on fraud, bribery charges

The State Journal-Register

Staff report

02/03/2022

Sen. Sally Turner, (R-Beason): ‘“Today’s indictment of former Speaker Madigan comes as no surprise to far too many people. Once again, the ethics laws of our state have failed the people of Illinois and has forced the federal government to step in to clean up Illinois’ corruption.”’

 

Prisons

Lawmakers concerned over Pontiac prison downsizing plan

WGLT

Charlie Schlenker

03/01/2022

‘“The department insists that there's not going to be a change in personnel. They've had some difficulty with overtime. And they think this might help alleviate that. They also think that some of the closure is a result of the deferred maintenance expenses that exist there,” said State Sen. Jason Barickman, R-Bloomington.’

 

Sen Plummer talks more on Vandalia Prison situation, says they will continue in talks with DOC

Vandalia Radio

Todd Stapleton

03/04/2022

“And, State Senator Jason Plummer says they continue dialogue with the DOC on this.  Senator Plummer says they want to make sure the Department of Corrections fully utilizes the assets they have at Vandalia.”

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

3-2-22

Pontiac Daily Leader

Issue: Pontiac Correctional Center – Transfers underway

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

3-1-22

Southern Illinoisan (3 other sources)

Issue: Downsizing Pontiac and Vandalia CC

 

Public Safety

New Bill To Recognize Dispatchers As First Responders

Taylorville Daily News

Leroy M Kleimola

02/28/2022

“A new bill that is being pushed through would classify officially emergency dispatchers as first responders under Illinois code. The proposal, from State Senator Neil Anderson and Representative Dan Swanson would go a long way towards recognizing the hard work that goes into being a dispatcher. State Senator Anderson says most people don’t even realize how much dispatchers go through.”

 

SAFE-T Act driving up spending by Law Enforcement Training Standards Board on training, body cameras

The Daily Line

Ben Szalinski

“I’ve been talking to a number of sheriffs [and] local law enforcement officials that are hiring people,” Sen. Win Stoller (R-Germantown Hills) said. “There’s a waitlist to get into the academy for the training that they’re telling me can be four, six, eight months or more just to get somebody in and then they need to have the on-the-job training. So it can be six months to a year just to get somebody hired.”

 

Illinois Senate approves bill to allow local officials charged with a felony to be placed on leave

Shaw Local

Northwest Herald

02/28/2022

“The legislation was sponsored by state Sens. Craig Wilcox, R-McHenry; Dave Syverson, R-Cherry Valley; Steve Stadelman, D-Rockford; and Brian Stewart, R-Freeport.”

 

General Assembly Works on Legislation to Remove Elected Officials Charged with Crimes Related to Official Duties

Center for Illinois Politics

Margaret Rock

03/05/2022

“State Senator Craig Wilcox (R-McHenry), one of the senate’s co-sponsors of the bill, explained that the legislation provides for the county board to review the alleged crimes involving a violation of an elected official’s oath to determine by a three-fifths vote of all members if they should be placed on administrative leave.”

 

‘Another supporter of the bill, Dave Syverson (R-Cherry Valley) concurred, pointing out, “There was zero mechanism for this (what happened in the case of the Winnebago County coroner), and it is clearly a problem we had to figure out.”’

 

Sen. Brian Stewart

2-28-22

Ogle County Newspapers

Issue: Removing elected officials charged with a crime

 

Sen. Craig Wilcox

2-28-22

Ogle County Newspapers

Issue: Removing elected officials charged with a crime

 

Sen. Dave Syverson

2-28-22

Ogle County Newspapers

Issue: Removing elected officials charged with a crime

 

Sen. Jil Tracy

2-28-22

Muddy River News (Quincy)

Issue: GOP legislative package/Addressing teacher shortage

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

2-28-22

Muddy River News (Quincy)

Issue: GOP legislative package/Addressing teacher shortage

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

2-28-22

DeWitt Daily News

Issue: Emergency dispatchers as First Responders

 

Sen. Steve McClure

2-28-22

DeWitt Daily News

Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

2-28-22

Muddy River News (Quincy)

Issue: GOP legislative package/Addressing teacher shortage

 

MISC.

10 years later: City of Harrisburg remembers lives lost during Leap Day tornado

WSIL TV 3

Paul Wilcoxen

02/28/2022

‘"We always pledged that we would never forget February 29, 2012," said Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg).’

 

Lincoln museum makes case for more state funding after cutting ties with fundraising arm

The Daily Line

Ben Szalinski

02/28/2022

‘“In my opinion, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library is one of the crown jewels of Illinois and I certainly appreciate where the library is and what it does for Illinois citizens and all our citizens in our country,” Sen. Brian Stewart (R-Freeport) said.’

 

State Legislators Discuss Issues at Vermilion County Farm Bureau

Vermilion County First

Steve Brandy

03/01/2022

“GOP 51st District State Senator Chapin Rose agreed.  He says with so many roads needed for farming still under township jurisdiction, downstate townships sometimes do not have enough people in office to get the job done.”

 

WGLT's the Leadoff is everything you need to know for Wednesday, March 2, 2022

WGLT's The Leadoff

Staff

03/02/2022

“Bloomington City Manager Tim Gleason says the city is changing the way it's managing Grossinger Motors Arena going forward. Plus, Republican State Senator Jason Barickman tells WGLT's Charlie Schlenker he has problems with the way the state went about transferring some medium security inmates out of the Pontiac Correctional Center.”

 

Turner and Butler host blood drive to help combat shortages

News Channel ABC 20

WICS/WRSP Staff

03/02/2022

“Senator Sally Turner and State Representative Tim Butler are hosting a blood drive to help combat the nationwide blood shortage.”

 

Sen. Dale Fowler

2-28-22

Southern Illinoisan

Issue: Honoring the victims of the 2012 Harrisburg tornado

 

Sen. Sally Turner

3-3-22

WICD-TV (Champaign)

Issue: Blood Drive in Lincoln

 

Sen. Sally Turner

3-3-22

WCCU-TV (Springfield)

Issue: Blood Drive in Lincoln

 

Sen. Dave Syverson

2-28-22

WIFR-TV (Rockford)

Issue:  Protecting visitation rights of senior citizens in healthcare facilities

 

Sen. Darren Bailey

2-28-22

WIND Radio (Chicago)

Issue: Electric rate hike

 

Sen. Dave Syverson

2-28-22

WREX-TV (Rockford)

Issue:  Protecting visitation rights of senior citizens in healthcare facilities

 

Sen. Craig Wilcox

3-1-22

Associated Press

Issue: National Natural Gas Safety Awareness

 

Sen. Dale Fowler

3-1-22

DuQuoin Evening Call

Issue: Incentivize Illinoisans to purchase vehicles manufactured in-state

 

Sen. Steve McClure

3-1-22

Edwardsville Intelligencer (2 other sources)

Issue: Driver’s license suspension for use of cell phone resulting in the traffic death of another person

 

Sen. Craig Wilcox

3-2-22

PR Newswire

Issue: National Natural Gas Safety Awareness Campaign

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

3-2-22

Ogle County Newspapers

Issue: LaSalle Veterans Home deaths

 

Sen. Sally Turner

3-2-22

WICS-TV (Springfield)

Issue: Blood drive in Lincoln

Education

Senate Republicans Push to Empower Parents in Their Children’s Education

Vermilion County First

Steve Brandy

02/24/2022

‘“The Illinois State Board of Education, whose members are hand-chosen by Governor Pritzker, sets rules and standards for all public schools. Unfortunately, this system minimizes the voices of families, doesn’t provide any sort of accountability to the public, and creates a situation where members are more beholden to the Governor than Illinois families. That’s not right,” said State Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro). “Parents of our state deserve to have a voice in the education of their children. One of the ways we can begin to give them back their voice is to allow for the public to choose the individuals that are making crucial educational decisions on behalf of our children.”’

 

‘“As parents, we ought to have the ability to see exactly what is being taught in the classroom, which can not only impact the educational success of students, but the people that they become,” said State Sen. Neil Anderson (R-Andalusia). “This legislation would bring much-needed transparency without forcing parents to jump through hoops to find out what their child is learning. By viewing the curriculum, parents will have the opportunity to better decide if it suits their child’s academic needs.”’

 

‘“Illinois’ Invest in Kids program provides tuition for a private education, giving low-income students in struggling schools an opportunity for a better educational outcome. Invest in Kids has already been the source of many success stories, but the program is set to expire. Extending the program will provide a real choice to families,” said State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy). “We are also looking to offer some stability for students, by creating a funding preference for those currently participating in the program, thus providing educational stability for them and their families.”’

 

‘“This program is making a difference for at-risk students every day. It’s vitally important that we protect it and help it to grow,” said State Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington). ‘“The changes we are proposing will help ensure a solid foundation for the scholarship program so that it can continue to provide better educational opportunities for students.”’

 

Illinois Senate GOP package aims to provide school curriculum to parents

FOX 32 News

Staff

02/24/2022

‘"What information is taught to students, as well as how it is taught, has an impact not only on the educational success of students but the people they become in everyday society," said State Senator Neil Anderson.’

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

2-25-22

Pure Oldies 107.5FM (Springfield)

Issue: Empowering parents’ voices in education

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

2-25-22

Champaign News Gazette (30 other sources)

Issue: Addressing the teacher shortage/increasing seats on the ISBE

 

Sen. Dave Syverson

2-25-22

WREX-TV (Rockford) (multiple newscasts)

Issue: Empowering parents’ voices in education

 

Sen. Jil Tracy

2-27-22

DeWitt Daily News

Issue: Empowering parents’ voices in education

 

Sen. Jil Tracy

2-26-22

WLDS/WEAI Radio (Jacksonville)

Issue: Empowering parents’ voices in education

 

Sen. Jil Tracy

2-25-22

Champaign News-Gazette (30 other sources)

Issue:  Invest in Kids” program

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

2-27-22

DeWitt Daily News

Issue: Empowering parents’ voices in education

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

2-25-22

Champaign News-Gazette (30 other sources)

Issue: Empowering parents’ voices in education

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

2-25-22

Kewanee Star-Courier

Issue: Empowering parents’ voices in education

 

Lawmakers unveil bills to address Illinois teacher shortage

Capitol News Illinois, KPVI 6, The Rock Island Dispatch-Argus

GRACE KINNICUTT

02/25/2022

“Sen. Neil Anderson, R-Andalusia, said he believes parents have a right to know what materials are being taught in schools in order to better understand what their child is learning.”

 

“Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, introduced Senate Bill 4180 that creates five new seats on the Illinois State Board of Education. One board member per judicial district would be elected by voters.”

 

“Under Senate Bill 4181, Sen. Jil Tracy, R-Quincy, said the program would become permanent and provide educational stability for students.”

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

2-24-22

WCBU Radio (Peoria)

Issue: Parental rights in education

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

2-24-22

WMBD Radio (Peoria)

Issue: Parental rights in education

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

2-24-22

WHOI-TV (Peoria) (2 other sources)

Issue: Parental rights in education

 

Sen. Jil Tracy

2-24-22

WHOI-TV (Peoria) (2 other sources)

Issue: Parental rights in education

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

2-24-22

WFLD-TV (Chicago)

Issue: Parental rights in education

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

2-24-22

WHOI-TV (Peoria) (2 other sources)

Issue: Parental rights in education

 

Sen. Dave Syverson

2-25-22

WREX-TV (Rockford) (multiple newscasts)

Issue: Parental rights in education

 

Sen. Jil Tracy

2-24-22

WGN Radio (Chicago)

Issue: Parental rights in education

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

2-24-22

WGN Radio (Chicago)

Issue: Parental rights in education

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

2-25-22

WIND Radio (Chicago)

Issue: Parental rights in education

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

2-24-22

WGEM-TV (Chicago)

Issue: Parental rights in education

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

2-25-22

Champaign News Gazette (30 other sources)

Issue: Addressing the teacher shortage/increasing seats on the ISBE

LIG

Sen. Dan McConchie

2-22-22

Daily Herald

Issue: React to appointment of LIG

 

Sen. Jil Tracy

2-21-22

Chronicle Media (Collar Counties)

Issue: Appointment of LIG

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

2-22-22

WCBU Radio (Peoria)

Issue: Appointment of LIG

 

Legislators from suburbs offer mixed reactions to new ethics watchdog in Springfield

The Daily Herald

Maria Gardner

02/22/2022

‘"Bypassing the citizen oversight process set in state law is contrary to even Judge McCuskey's stated desires and interpretation of the law," Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie of Hawthorn Woods, a Republican, said in a statement after the Senate vote. "This is not only uncalled for but feeds into the mistrust that many Illinoisans rightfully have of their state government."’

 

Retired judge McCuskey says he’s optimistic about new legislative watchdog role

Illinois Newsroom

Eric Stock

02/22/2022

“Republican State Sen. Jason Barickman of Bloomington voted “no” on McCuskey’s appointment. The two state representatives in McLean County, Republicans Dan Brady and Keith Sommer, both had excused absences.”

Mask Mandates

Mask mandates coming off in most indoor settings Monday

The Center Square

Greg Bishop

02/24/2022

“State Sen. Jason Barickman, R-Bloomington, said the Democratic controlled legislature has failed to address Pritzker’s unilateral rule.”

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

2-26-22

WCBU Radio (Peoria) (1 other source)

Issue: Mask mandate – Supreme Court ruling

 

Sen. Darren Bailey

2-26-22

WCBU Radio (Peorial) (1 other source)

Issue: The original mask mandate lawsuit

 

Eye On Illinois: Even if masking settled, clarity still needed on executive powers

Shaw Local

Scott T. Holland

02/22/2022

“In December, McConchie vowed to keep working toward changing the way political maps are drawn in Illinois. Last week, he wanted Pritzker to stop seeking a court to endorse his school-based COVID mitigation rules.”

 

Senate Republicans propose legislation to empower parents of schoolchildren

WJBC

Dave Dahl

02/25/2022

“It’s really, said State Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington), about empowerment.”

 

Senate passes bill Republicans say will increase Illinois energy fees by $80 million

The Center Square, KPVI 6

Greg Bishop

02/25/2022

“State Sen. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia, said the measure is a follow up to sweeping alternative energy legislation he said was “hastily” enacted last summer, and the timing of Friday’s legislation is poor.”

 

Sen. Rose Reacts to Gov. Pritzker's Fight Over Masks in School

DeWitt Daily News

Staff

02/26/2022

“State Senator Chapin Rose on the WHOW Morning Show Thursday told Regional Radio over 80-percent of Illinois school districts have chosen to walk away from the Governor's mask mandate after a Sangamon County judge ruled in favor of Illinois schools.”

 

State Senate Republicans Offer Education Reforms

WLDS/WEAI

Benjamin Cox

02/26/2022

‘47th District State Senator Jil Tracy of Quincy says another bill makes the “Invest in Kids” Scholarship program permanent to help low-income families pay for private school: “Extending the program will provide a real choice to students and their families whose future might be otherwise limited by educational resources that are not meeting their needs for whatever reasons.”’

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

2-21-22

WIND Radio (Chicago)

Issue: React to Governor appealing mask ruling to state Supreme Court

Prison Closures

Sen. Jason Barickman

2-22-22

Pontiac Daily Leader

Issue: Partial closure of the Pontiac and Vandalia CC

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

2-22-22

Pontiac Daily Leader

Issue: Partial closure of the Pontiac and Vandalia CC

Public Safety

Morris State Senator Backs Bill Package Meant to Combat Crime

WSPY News

Ethan Kruger

02/21/2022

“State Senator Sue Rezin is backing a package of bills meant to get tough on crime in Illinois. Rezin says the bill package addresses a spike of violent crimes across the state including carjackings and freeway shootings.”

 

Illinois bill would recognize 9-1-1 dispatchers as first responders

The Center Square

Kevin Bessler

02/25/2022

‘“Qualifying them, giving them the recognition as first responders, is pretty important not only for them but it's important for people to understand that they too are first responders and they deserve that recognition,” said the bill's sponsor, state Sen. Neil Anderson, R-Moline.’

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

2-24-22

WRSP-TV (Springfield) (1 other source)

Issue: Emergency Dispatchers as First Responders

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

2-23-22

Mendota Reporter

Issue: GOP Crime Package

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

2-24-22

WRSP-TV (Springfield) (multiple newscasts) (1 other source)

Issue: Emergency dispatchers as First Responders

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

2-24-22

WAND-TV (Decatur) (1 other source)

Issue: Emergency dispatchers as First Responders

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

2-21-22

WAND-TV (Decatur)

Issue: Emergency services dispatchers as first responders

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

2-25-22

Streeterville News

Issue: Emergency dispatches as First Responders

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

2-27-22

WRSP-TV (Springfield)

Issue: Emergency dispatches as First Responders

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

2-27-22

WAND-TV (Decatur)

Issue: Emergency dispatches as First Responders

 

Sen. Steve McClure

2-25-22

WGEM-TV (Quincy)

Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray

 

Sen. Steve McClure

2-25-22

WGN Radio (Chicago) (multiple newscasts)

Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

2-25-22

WMBD Radio (Peoria)

Issue: Emergency dispatches as First Responders

 

Sen. Steve McClure

2-26-22

WLDS Radio (Jacksonville)

Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray

 

Sen. Steve McClure

2-25-22

WAND-TV (Decatur)

Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray

 

Sen. Steve McClure

2-25-22

WHOI-TV (Peoria) (2 other sources)

Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray

 

GOP state senators file education proposals on eve of deadline

WGEM

Lizzie Seils

02/24/2022

“Additionally, Sen. Anderson (R-Moline) introduced a proposal requiring school districts to publicly post their curriculum and lesson plans. He argued it would keep parents in the loop for their children’s education.”

 

“Lastly, Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) and Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) proposed the continuation of the “Invest in Kids” scholarship funds. These funds are privately funded by donors using tax credits as incentives and are offered to low-income children. Tracy said children who receive a scholarship one year aren’t guaranteed one the next.”

 

“One of the proposals, by Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro), would add five members to the Illinois State Board of Education by election. Those positions are filled now by appointment.”

 

McClure Bill To Allow DCFS Workers to Carry Pepper Spray Passes IL Senate

WLDS/ WEAI

Benjamin Cox

02/26/2022

“State Senator Steve McClure drafted the bill after the slaying of DCFS worker Deidre Silas in Thayer last month while she was investigating a child endangerment call.”

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

2-22-22

WAND-TV (Decatur)

Issue: Emergency dispatchers classified as First Responders

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

2-23-22

Mendota Reporter

Issue: GOP Crime Package

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

2-24-22

Mendota Reporter

Issue: GOP Crime Package

 

Sen. Steve McClure

2-21-22

Quincy Herald-Whig (25 other sources)

Issue: Allowing DCFS workers to carry pepper spray/Increased penalties for assaults on DCFS workers

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

2-22-22

WRSP-TV (Springfield) (multiple newscasts) (3 other sources)

Issue: Emergency dispatchers should be classified as first responders

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

2-22-22

WAND-TV (Decatur) (2 other sources)

Issue: Emergency dispatchers should be classified as first responders

MISC.

Sen Plummer wants to block Gov Pritzker from paying staff with private dollars

Vandalia Radio

Todd Stapleton

02/21/2022

“State Sen. Jason Plummer’s bill provides that no state employee may receive compensation from any private party for their work for the state of Illinois.”

 

Sen. Dave Syverson

2-25-22

WQRF-TV (Rockford)

Issue: Removing elected officials charged with a crime

 

Sen. Darren Bailey

2-28-22

WIND Radio (Chicago)

Issue: Electric rate hike

 

Sen. Dave Syverson

2-25-22

WTVO-TV (Rockford)

Issue: Removing elected officials charged with a crime

 

Sen. Dave Syverson

2-25-22

WIFR-TV (Rockford)

Issue: Removing elected officials charged with a crime

 

Sen. Sally Turner

2-25-22

WMBD Radio (Peoria)

Issue: Jelani Day bill

 

Sen. Don DeWitte

2-27-22

Daily Herald

Issue: Fundraiser for local food pantries

 

New legislation aims to address mental health in Illinois schools

The Center Square

Andrew Hensel

02/22/2022

“The bill was met with little pushback during the committee hearing. State Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, said that she is surprised that this is not being done already at schools across the state.”

 

Sen. Craig Wilcox

2-25-22

Ogle County Newspapers

Issue: Jelani Day bill

 

Sen. Dale Fowler

2-25-22

DuQuoin Evening Call (2 other sources)

Issue: Stabilizing the DuQuoin State Fair

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

2-22-22

Muddy River News (Quincy)

Issue: Prohibiting the Governor from using his private funds to pay staff salaries

 

Sen. Dale Fowler

2-21-22

WSIL-TV (Harrisburg) (multiple newscasts)

Issue: Illinois entrepreneurship assistance center legislation

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

2-22-22

Ogle County Newspapers

Issue: Expansion Illinois’ LIHEAP

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

2-25-22

Ogle County Newspapers

Issue: Jelani Day bill

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

2-25-22

WCMY Radio (Ottawa)

Issue: Jelani Day bill

 

Sen. Don DeWitte

2-21-22

WCIA-TV (Champaign) (1 other source)

Issue: Local governments benefitting from federal COVID funds

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

2-21-22

Streeterville News (Cook County)

Issue: Governor using his personal wealth to pay staff salaries

 

Sen. Don DeWitte

2-21-22

Daily Herald

Issue: Food pantries fundraiser

 

State lawmakers push Russia divestment, refugee funding boost amid Ukraine invasion

The Daily Line

Ben Szalinski

02/25/2022

“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is also personal for Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods). McConchie’s wife is an immigrant from Bulgaria, which fell behind the Soviet Union’s Iron Curtain.”

 

Lawmaker wants to block Pritzker from paying staff with private dollars

The Center Square

Kevin Bessler

02/21/2022

“Senate Bill 2213 introduced by state Sen. Jason Plummer, R-Edwardsville, provides that no state employee may receive compensation from any private party for their work within the scope of his or her employment by a state agency.”

 

Lawmakers throw $2,800 in groceries into carts in race to benefit Fox Valley food pantries

Daily Herald

Alicia Fabbre

02/21/2022

“State Sen. Don DeWitte and state Rep. Suzanne Ness hit the Batavia Jewel-Osco Monday morning for a friendly grocery store race benefiting two area food pantries and hundreds of families in Kane County.”

 

Sen. Steve McClure

2-24-22

Illinois Times

Issue: Texting while driving/fatality

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

2-24-22

Day By Day Live (Online – Looks to be a reprint of Sun-Times article) (1 other source)

Issue: Prisoner Review Board/Lack of Senate confirmation

 

Sen. Don DeWitte

2-24-22

WICD-TV (Champaign)

Issue: Senate Bill 1815 - Civil engineer/affidavit/Infrastructure

 

Sen. Don DeWitte

2-21-22

Ogle County Newspapers

Issue: Food pantries fundraiser

 

Sen. Fowler Co-Sponsoring Bill to Provide Financial Stability for Du Quoin State Fair

92.7 ALT 2K

Staff

02/21/2022

“State Senator Dale Fowler announced Friday that he is serving as a Chief Co-Sponsor on legislation that would ensure income from the Du Quoin State Fair to be placed into the appropriate fund to ensure financial stability for years ahead.”

 

Rockford area lawmakers express doubt, opposition to proposed 'raise-the-age' legislation

Rockford Register Star

Chris Green

02/23/2022

“State Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Cherry Valley, said he would "strongly oppose" any bill that raises the juvenile age.”

 

Illinois statehouse responds to Ukraine invasion, world conflict

23 WIFR

Lizzie Seils

02/24/2022

‘“I think the best thing we can do in our society when we see governments of this sort who are performing these kinds of actions overseas, is to reinforce the goodness and the quality that we have here in America with our democracy.” -- Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie (R - Lake Zurich)’

 

Sen. Jason Plummer, R-Edwardsville Wants to Block Gov. Pritzker From Paying Staff With Private Dollars

Cardinal News

Staff

02/25/2022

“Senate Bill 2213 introduced by state Sen. Jason Plummer, R-Edwardsville, provides that no state employee may receive compensation from any private party for their work within the scope of his or her employment by a state agency.”

 

Illinois bill would recognize 9-1-1 dispatchers as first responders

The Center Square

Kevin Bessler

02/25/2022

‘“Qualifying them, giving them the recognition as first responders, is pretty important not only for them but it's important for people to understand that they too are first responders and they deserve that recognition,” said the bill's sponsor, state Sen. Neil Anderson, R-Moline.’

 

COVID-19

Illinois legislative committee blocks emergency school mask mandate

WSIL TV 3

Staff

02/15/2022

“The Illinois Joint Committee on Administrative Rules objected to an emergency rule filed Monday night by the Illinois Department of Public Health, according to committee member Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Peru).”

 

“Senator Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) welcomed the vote.”

 

‘Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie said, “In his quest for power at all costs, the Governor attempted to go above the judicial system to continue to require masks in schools, a move that even his Democrat allies in the legislature wouldn’t support. Even they agree he has gone too far. Today, the Governor was willing to add to the confusion and chaos that has overwhelmed our schools and parents in the last several days. Fortunately for the people of Illinois, he was stopped. Enough is enough. Let’s start governing this state through the rightful democratic process, not under one man’s rule and ego."’

 

State mask mandate ending

Republic-Times

Staff

02/16/2022

“State Senator Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) applauded JCAR’s decision.”

 

State Senator Reacts to Committee Vote Blocking Reinstatement of School Mask Mandate

WSPY NEWS

Staff

02/16/2022

“Morris State Senator Sue Rezin says the JCAR decision makes it clear that lawmakers will not accept Governor J.B. Pritzker's attempts to go above a court ruling suspending mandatory masks in some school districts. Rezin calls the governor's attempt to reinstate the masking rules bad government and dangerous to the rule of law.”

 

State Senator says appellate court ruling should be a wake up call to governor

1430 WCMY

Steven Devine

02/18/2022

“Republican St Sen. Sue Rezin of Morris says the ruling from the Fourth District Appellate Court rightfully provides schools with local control. The court dismissed the appeal Thursday that was filed by Gov. Pritzker as “moot” after the vote from the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules.”

 

Illinois lawmakers vote against renewing Pritzker's mask mandate for schools

Fox 32 Chicago

Mike Flannery

02/15/2022

‘Senate Republican Deputy Leader Sue Rezin (R-Morris) issued the following statement after the vote. "Today, the Joint Committee of Administrative Rules made it clear that we would not accept the Governor’s attempts to go above a court ruling made by a co-equal branch of government.”’

 

Legislative Committee Blocks Reissue of Pritzker School Mask Mandate

The Illinoize

Patrick Pfingsten

02/16/2022

‘“In his quest for power at all costs, the governor attempted to go above the judicial system to continue to require masks in schools, a move that even his Democrat allies in the legislature wouldn’t support,” Senate Republican leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) said in a statement. “Even they agree he has gone too far.”’

 

“Sen. John Curran (R-Downers Grove) says the interpretation lawmakers received is that the Governor’s proposed rule is “suspended” and not currently in effect.”

 

Morris State Senator supports vote from Joint Committee on Administrative Rules

1430 WCMY News

Steven Devine

02/16/2022

“Morris Republican St Sen. Sue Rezin says she supports the vote made by the Illinois Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. The committee voted 9-0 to block emergency rules that would have required school’s to enforce the governor’s mask mandate.”

 

Pritzker insists school masks still mandated despite judge and legislators blocking rule

The Center Square

Greg Bishop

02/16/2022

“JCAR member state Sen. Don DeWitte, R-St. Charles, said from his perspective, the mandate is over and decisions are up to local districts and parents.”

 

Bipartisan legislative committee blocks Pritzker's emergency mask rule for schools

The Center Square

Greg Bishop

02/15/2022

‘“Today, the Joint Committee of Administrative Rules made it clear that we would not accept the Governor’s attempts to go above a court ruling made by a co-equal branch of government,” state Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, said in a statement.’

 

Face rule slapped down — Panel rejects Pritzker’s attempt to reintroduce emergency mask mandate for schools

Chicago Sun -Time

Taylor Avery

02/15/2022

‘“In his quest for power at all costs, the Governor attempted to go above the judicial system to continue to require masks in schools, a move that even his Democrat allies in the legislature wouldn’t support,” state Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie said in a statement.’

 

STATE LEADERS BLOCK PRITZKER FROM REIMPOSING SCHOOL MASK MANDATE

Illinois Policy

Joe Tabor

02/15/2022

‘“Today, the Joint Committee of Administrative Rules made it clear that we would not accept the governor’s attempts to go above a court ruling made by a co-equal branch of government,” said state Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris. “In his quest for power and control, Pritzker and his administration was willing to further the chaos and confusion for schools throughout the state. With this bipartisan vote, I hope that the Governor finally recognizes that his go-it-alone tactic is not in the best interest of our state or its people.”’

 

GOP LAWMAKERS RESPOND TO PRITZKER'S LOSS IN 4TH APPELLATE COURT

Illinois Review

Staff

02/18/2022

‘State Senator Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) has been vocal in his opposition to Governor Pritkzer's Emergency Orders after they passed the first 30-day limit provided in Illinois state law: "This ruling is another victory for freedom that confirms what we already knew and have been fighting for since the beginning. Pritzker is a failure and I will continue fighting against his tyrannical mandates and empty threats while standing up for the rights of parents, students, small businesses, and every Illinoisan who has suffered under his unconstitutional and unilateral mandates. It’s time to restore common sense to Springfield and freedom and opportunities to every Illinoisan."’

 

‘State Senator Sue Rezin (R-Morris) said, “Thanks to members of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules who took a bipartisan stand to stop the Prtizker Administration’s misguided attempt to reinstate the same rules and mandates that a judge voided, the Appellate Court has moved to dismiss the Governor’s appeal as ‘moot,’ which has rightfully provided schools with local control.”’

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

2-16-22

KWMU Radio (St. Louis) (58 other sources)

Issue: Mask mandates – JCAR vote

 

Sen. John Curran

2-15-22

WHOI-TV (Peoria)

Issue: Mask mandates – JCAR vote

 

Sen. John Curran

2-15-22

WGEM-TV (Quincy)

Issue: Mask mandates – JCAR vote

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

2-16-22

WCMY Radio (Ottawa)

Issue: Mask mandates – JCAR vote

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

2-15-22

Galesburg Register-Mail (3 other sources)

Issue: Mask mandates – JCAR vote

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

2-15-22

WFLD-TV (Chicago

Issue: Mask mandates – JCAR vote

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

2-15-22

Ogle County Newspapers

Issue: Mask mandates – JCAR vote

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

2-15-22

KHQA-TV (Quincy)

Issue: Mask mandates – JCAR vote

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

2-15-22

EdGlenToday.com (Edwardsville-Glen Carbon)

Issue: Mask mandates – JCAR vote

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

2-15-22

Lake and McHenry County Scanner (Reposted Center Square article)

Issue: Mask mandates – JCAR vote

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

2-15-22

WQRF-TV (Rockford)

Issue: Mask mandates – JCAR vote

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

2-15-22

Illinois Policy Institute

Issue: Mask mandates – JCAR vote

 

Sen. John Curran

2-15-22

Southern Illinoisan (5 other sources)

Issue: Mask mandate – JCAR vote

 

Sen. John Curran

2-15-22

WIRF-TV (Rockford)

Issue: Mask mandate – JCAR vote

 

Sen. Neil Anderson

2-15-22

Southern Illinoisan (4 other sources)

Issue: Mask mandate – JCAR vote

 

Sen. John Curran

2-19-22

WRSP-TV (Springfield) (multiple newscasts) (1 other source)

Issue: Mask mandate – JCAR vote

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

2-15-22

WAND-TV (Decatur)

Issue: Mask mandates

 

Sen. Chapin Rose

2-15-22

Effingham Daily News

Issue: Mask mandates

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

2-16-22

News Net Daily (Unknown) (3 other sources)

Issue: Mask mandates

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

2-16-22

WLS-TV (Chicago)

Issue: Mask mandates

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

2-16-22

KWMU Radio (St. Louis) (57 other sources)

Issue: Mask mandates

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

2-15-22

Southern Illinoisan

Issue: Mask mandate – JCAR vote

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

2-15-22

EdGlenToday (Edwardsville-Glen Carbon)

Issue: Mask mandate – JCAR vote

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

2-15-22

WMAQ-TV (Chicago)

Issue: Mask mandate – JCAR vote

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

2-15-22

WKRC-TV (Cincinnati)

Issue: Mask mandate – JCAR vote

 

Sen. Darren Bailey

2-16-22

Canton Daily Ledger

Issue: Mask mandate

 

Sen. Darren Bailey

2-15-22

WFLD-TV (Chicago)

Issue: Mask mandate – JCAR vote

 

Sen. Darren Bailey

2-15-22

Effingham Dailey News

Issue: Mask mandate – JCAR vote

 

Sen. Don DeWitte

2-15-22

Galesburg Register-Mail

Issue: Mask mandate – JCAR vote

 

Sen. Don DeWitte

2-15-22

KHQA-TV (Quincy)

Issue: Mask mandate – JCAR vote

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

2-16-22

Times News Express (Unknown) (2 other sources)

Issue: Mask mandate – JCAR vote

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

2-16-22

Illinois Business Journal

Issue: Mask mandate – JCAR vote

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

2-16-22

Illinois Business Journal (5 other sources)

Issue: Mask mandates – JCAR vote

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

2-16-22

Starvedrock Media

Issue: Mask mandates – JCAR vote

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

2-16-22

WFLD-TV (Chicago)

Issue: Mask mandates – JCAR vote

 

Sen. John Curran

2-16-22

WICD-TV (Champaign) (1 other source)

Issue: Mask mandates – JCAR vote

 

Sen. John Curran

2-16-22

WGN-TV (Chicago) (12 other sources)

Issue: Mask mandates – JCAR vote

 

Sen. Darren Bailey

2-17-22

Peoria Journal Star (4 other sources)

Issue: House members removed from chamber for not wearing masks

 

Sen. Don DeWitte

2-17-22

The Heartlander (Midwest) (2 other sources)

Issue: Mask mandates – JCAR vote

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

2-20-22

WMAY Radio (Springfield)

Issue: React to Governor’s appeal of court mask ruling

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

2-18-22

WIRF-TV (Rockford) (3 other sources)

Issue: React to Governor’s appeal of court mask ruling

 

Sen. Darren Bailey

2-19-22

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

Issue: React to Governor’s appeal of court mask ruling

 

Sen. Darren Bailey

2-18-22

WXEF Radio (Effingham)

Issue: React to Governor’s appeal of court mask ruling

 

Sen. Don DeWitte

2-20-22

Randolph County Herald Tribune (40 other sources)

Issue: React to Governor’s appeal of court mask ruling

 

Sen. Don DeWitte

2-20-22

WCIA-TV (Champaign)

Issue: Mask mandates – JCAR vote

 

Sen. Don DeWitte

2-18-22

KHQA-TV (Quincy) (1 other source

Issue: React to Governor’s appeal of court mask ruling

 

Sen. Darren Bailey

2-17-22

Journal Gazette & Times Courier (12 other sources)

Issue: Mask mandates

 

Sen. Darren Bailey

2-16-22

WXEF Radio (Effingham)

Issue: Mask mandate – JCAR vote

 

Sen. Don DeWitte

2-16-22

Marietta Daily Journal (Georgia) (6 other sources)

Issue: Mask mandate – JCAR vote

 

Sen. Don DeWitte

2-18-22

DeWitt Observer

Issue: React to Governor’s appeal of court mask ruling

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

2-18-22

News Nation

Issue: React to Governor’s appeal of court mask ruling

 

Bailey: JCAR ruling shows Pritzker mask mandate has no merit

My Radio Link, Premier Broadcasting

Staff

02/16/2022

‘State Senator Darren Bailey released the following statement after a bipartisan vote from the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules to override new emergency rules from Governor Pritzker’s IDPH that would have reinstated the K-12 mask mandate for most schools: “Today’s decision by JCAR solidifies what I have been saying for the last two years, that the Pritzker Administration severely overstepped their authority by placing mask mandates on schools.”’

 

STATE COMMITTEE VOTES TO BLOCK REISSUANCE OF GOVERNOR’S EMERGENCY RULES IN SCHOOLS

Kane County Connects

Staff

02/16/2022

“According to a news release issued Tuesday (Feb. 15, 2022) by state Sen. Don DeWitte of St. Charles, the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules voted 9-0-2 to block the Illinois Department of Public Health’s effort to shore up its rule, which was intended to provide guidelines on implementing the governor’s order.”

 

4TH DISTRICT APPELLATE COURT RULING AFFECTS MASKS IN SCHOOLS

Kane County Connects

Staff

02/18/2022

“According to a news release from state Sen. Don DeWitte’s Office as well as multiple media reports, Attorney General Kwame Raoul had appealed a temporary restraining order that a Sangamon County judge issued Feb. 4, blocking the state from enforcing emergency rules requiring face masks, tests of unvaccinated individuals and brief exclusion from school buildings.”

DCFS

Republican lawmakers want to give DCFS workers pepper spray to protect themselves

WCBU

Maggie Strahan

02/15/2022

“State Sens. Steve McClure, R-Springfield, and Sally Turner, R-Lincoln, say they hope the use of pepper spray can provide an option if an investigator is in a dangerous situation like the lethal home visits that resulted in the deaths of investigators Pam Knight, who was attacked in 2017 and died in early 2018, and Deidre Silas, who was killed this past January.”

 

New legislation filed proposed to help DCFS workers protect themselves

WAND News

Staff

02/15/2022

“State Senator Steve McClure (R-Springfield) and State Representative Sandy Hamilton have filed new legislation designed to help Department of Children and Family Services employees protect themselves, after another murder of a DCFS employee.”

 

Bills to Help DCFS Workers Protect Themselves Introduced

WLDS/WEAI News

Jeremy Coumbes

02/15/2022

“50th District Senator Steve McClure and 99th District Representative Sandy Hamilton have filed new legislation designed to help increase protection for Department of Children and Family Services employees following the murders of two employees in recent years.”

 

GOP lawmakers back effort to give DCFS workers pepper spray

Capitol News Illinois

BETH HUNDSDORFER

02/15/2022

‘“It is legal for people to carry pepper spray for their own protection, as many do all over this state. Yet, DCFS workers who have to walk into abusive homes are not allowed that same protection,” Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield, the sponsor of Senate Bill 4165, said at a news conference. “This is a commonsense step to help them stay safe while performing what is an incredibly important job.”’

 

New legislation would arm child welfare workers with mace

The Center Square

Kevin Bessler

02/15/2022

‘“The goal with this bill is to give that person that is going to encounter this in the future the opportunity to potentially escape because right now they are totally defenseless,” the bill’s chief sponsor, state Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield, said.’

 

Sen. Sally Turner

2-18-22

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier (2 other sources)

Issue: Allowing DCFS workers to carry pepper spray

 

Sen. Steve McClure

2-18-22

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier (3 other sources)

Issue: Allowing DCFS workers to carry pepper spray/Increased penalties for assaults on DCFS workers

 

Sen. Sally Turner

2-16-22

WAND-TV (Decatur)

Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray

 

Sen. Steve McClure

2-16-22

WIND Radio (Chicago)

Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray

 

Sen. Steve McClure

2-16-22

WAND-TV (Decatur)

Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray

 

Sen. Steve McClure

2-16-22

WREX-TV (Rockford)

Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray

 

Sen. Sally Turner

2-15-22

State Journal Register

Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray

 

Sen. Sally Turner

2-16-22

WRSP-TV (Springfield) (multiple newscasts) (3 other sources)

Issue: DCFS workers – pepper spray

 

Sen. Steve McClure

2-16-22

WRSP-TV (Springfield) (multiple newscasts) (3 other sources)

Issue: DCFS workers – pepper spray

 

Sen. Steve McClure

2-16-22

WREX-TV (Rockford) (multiple newscasts)

Issue: DCFS workers – pepper spray

 

Sen. Steve McClure

2-15-22

WBBM Radio (Chicago) (multiple newscasts)

Issue: DCFS workers – pepper spray

 

Sen. Steve McClure

2-15-22

WGEM-TV (Quincy)

Issue: DCFS workers – pepper spray

 

Sen. Steve McClure

2-15-22

WRSP-TV (Springfield) (1 other source)

Issue: DCFS workers – pepper spray

 

Sen. Steve McClure

2-16-22

DeWitt Daily News

Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray

 

Sen. Steve McClure

2-16-22

KFVS-TV (Cape Girardeau, MO)

Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray

 

Sen. Steve McClure

2-16-22

Jacksonville Journal-Courier

Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray

 

Sen. Steve McClure

2-15-22

Southernminn.com (Minnesota) (37 other sources)

Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray

 

Sen. Steve McClure

2-15-22

WICD-TV (Champaign)

Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray

 

Sen. Steve McClure

2-15-22

WLDS Radio (Jacksonville) (2 other sources)

Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray

 

Sen. Steve McClure

2-15-22

WAND-TV (Rockford)

Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray

 

Sen. Steve McClure

2-15-22

WMAY Radio (Springfield) (1 other source)

Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray

 

Sen. Steve McClure

2-15-22

Marietta Daily Journal (Georgia) (7 other sources)

Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray

 

Sen. Steve McClure

2-15-22

State Journal Register

Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray

 

Sen. Steve McClure

2-15-22

WAND-TV (Decatur)

Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray

 

Sen. Steve McClure

2-16-22

WBBM Radio (Chicago)

Issue: DCFS workers can carry pepper spray

 

Illinois State Senator Steve McClure

93.9 fm WTAX

Joey M.

02/16/2022

“Joey McLaughlin talks with Illinois State Senator Steve McClure about new legislation to protect DCFS workers.”

LIG

Democrats approve new statehouse watchdog Republicans say wasn’t properly vetted

The Center Square, KPVI 6

Greg Bishop

02/17/2022

‘“During the late afternoon of Monday, February 14, Democrat members of the LEC called an emergency meeting for 8:30 a.m. the next morning, Tuesday, February 15, to interview a candidate for the vacant LIG position, failing to comply with the 24-hour posting rule,” a Tuesday statement from state Sen. Jil Tracy, the chairwoman of the LEC, said. “Additionally, they would not provide the name or resume of the candidate to Republican members.”’

 

“Before a party line vote in the Senate, state Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield, asked whether there’s been a full background check and what kinds of campaign donations McCuskey has made to lawmakers.”

 

Senate approves new ethics watchdog over objections of ethics commission chair

State Journal-Register

Andrew Adams

02/17/2022

“The Senate voted 37-17 on Wednesday for McCuskey's appointment with Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, voting "present." The resolution moved to the House.”

 

“Republican Sen. Jil Tracy, of Quincy, chaired the commission that has worked with a search committee to find a replacement for Pope. She strongly objected to McCuskey's nomination.”

 

‘"The person responsible for investigating lawmaker misconduct and corruption is about to be hand chosen by the very people he's supposed to be watching," said Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie, R-Hawthorn Woods.’

 

Illinois state senators approved a new legislative inspector general over complaints by the Legislative Ethics Commission chair that the process and vetting were ignored for the new watchdog. House members vote next.

Illinois Policy

Patrick Andriesen

02/17/2022

“The senators defended McCusky’s appointment, saying he was a virtuous jurist with a proven history. Republican Sen. Jil Tracy, who chairs the recently deadlocked Legislative Ethics Commission, said her objection to McCusky was not about candidate credentials, but about bypassing the process.”

 

Democrats approve new statehouse watchdog Republicans say wasn’t properly vetted

The Center Square

Greg Bishop

02/17/2022

‘“During the late afternoon of Monday, February 14, Democrat members of the LEC called an emergency meeting for 8:30 a.m. the next morning, Tuesday, February 15, to interview a candidate for the vacant LIG position, failing to comply with the 24-hour posting rule,” a Tuesday statement from state Sen. Jil Tracy, the chairwoman of the LEC, said. “Additionally, they would not provide the name or resume of the candidate to Republican members.”’

 

Sen. Steve McClure

2-19-22

WIND Radio (Chicago)

Issue: Appointment of LIG

 

Harmon jams through inspector general nomination as Republican scold him for ‘dumbfounding’ maneuver

The Daily Line

Ben Szalinski

02/17/2022

“McCuskey’s nomination passed the Senate with a 37-17 vote, with Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) voting “present.” It now heads to the House, where it needs the support of three-fifths of the chamber.”

 

“Ethics commission Chair Rep. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) said McCuskey spoke with members of the ethics commission Wednesday. He was offered the opportunity to become acting inspector general while his nomination was vetted, but according to Tracy, he declined because he believed he should go through the same process as the other candidates who applied for the position.”  

 

‘“It is dumbfounding to me that this chamber would fast-forward through that process putting their very candidate in a circumstance that he insists he shouldn’t be involved in,” said Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods).’  

 

‘“I know Mr. McCuskey,” Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) said. “This isn’t about me. It’s about the people of this state who deserve from this office confidence that the individual appointed by this body can do its job to hold us accountable.”’ 

 

“Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield) raised concerns about McCuskey’s campaign contributions to state lawmakers and how much trust the public would have in him should he have to investigate one of the lawmakers he donated to.”

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

2-15-22

WBEZ Radio (Chicago) (multiple newscasts)

Issue: Legislative Inspector General

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

2-17-22

State Journal Register

Issue: Legislative inspector general

 

Sen. Dan McConchie

2-17-22

KFVS-TV (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) (3 other sources)

Issue: Legislative inspector general

 

Senate Democrats Skip Deadlocked Legislative Ethics Commission to Name Inspector General

The Illinoize

Patrick Pfingsten

02/17/2022

‘"By bypassing the process outlined in law that calls for a citizen search committee to review, vet, investigate, and interview candidates for Legislative Inspector General, the [Democrats] put at risk the public's perception of impartiality of this very important office that investigates impropriety by members of the legislature,” Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) said in a statement. “Bypassing the citizen oversight process set in state law is contrary to even Judge McCuskey's stated desires and interpretation of the law. This is not only uncalled for, but feeds into the mistrust that many Illinoisans rightfully have of their state government.”’

 

“Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy), who chairs the Ethics Commission, said McCuskey was interviewed by the commission earlier Wednesday, and said McCuskey claimed he should be named “interim” LIG while he goes through the traditional vetting process.”

 

Democrats appoint former federal judge as legislative watchdog over GOP objections

Chicago Tribune, The Pantagraph

Jeremy Gorner

02/18/2022

“Republican Sen. Jil Tracy of Quincy, who chairs the ethics commission, said McCuskey indicated he would have been willing to serve in an interim role to allow the commission to reopen the search process outlined in state law so that he could be vetted along with other candidates.”

 

Sen. Jil Tracy

2-17-22

WEEK-TV (Peoria) (1 other source)

Issue: Legislative IG

 

Sen. Jil Tracy

2-17-22

State Journal-Register

Issue: Legislative IG

 

Sen. Jil Tracy

2-17-22

KFVS-TV (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) (3 other sources)

Issue: Legislative IG

 

Sen. Jil Tracy

2-16-22

WGEM-TV (Quincy) (multiple newscasts) (2 other sources)

Issue: Legislative IG

 

Sen. Jil Tracy

2-16-22

WBEZ Radio (Chicago)

Issue: Legislative IG

 

Sen. Jil Tracy

2-19-22

WIND Radio (Chicago)

Issue: Appointment of Legislative Inspector General

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

2-18-22

Edwardsville Intelligencer (2 other sources)

Issue: Appointment of LIG

 

Sen. Jil Tracy

2-19-22

Alton Telegraph

Issue: Appointment of LIG

 

Sen. Jil Tracy

2-18-22

Edwardsville Intelligencer (2 other sources)

Issue: Appointment of LIG

 

Sen. Jil Tracy

2-18-22

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

Issue: Appointment of LIG

 

Prison Closures

Sen Plummer sends letter to Gov & DOC Director in regards to Vandalia and Pontiac Prisons

Vandalia Radio

Todd Stapleton

02/14/2022

“State Senator Jason Plummer has sent a letter to the Governor and the Director of the Illinois Department of Corrections looking for some answers to several questions about the Vandalia and Pontiac Correctional Centers.”

 

IDOC makes plan to close units at Vandalia, Pontiac prisons

Capitol News Illinois

BETH HUNDSDORFER

02/16/2022

“In a letter to Pritzker and IDOC Director Rob Jeffreys, Reps. Thomas Bennett, R-Gibson City, Charlie Meier, R-Okawville, Paul Jacobs, R-Pomona, Patrick Windhorst, R-Metropolis, Blaine Wilhour, R-Beecher City, and Sens. Jason Plummer, R-Edwardsville, Jason Barickman, R-Bloomington, and Terri Bryant, R- Murphysboro, asked about the transfers from Pontiac and Vandalia.”

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

2-18-22

Alton Telegraph

Issue: Partial closure of the Pontiac and Vandalia CC

 

Lawmakers raise concerns about inmate transfers from prisons in Pontiac and Vandalia

WGLT

Charlie Schlenker

02/14/2022

“Other signers of the letter include state Sens. Jason Barickman, Terri Bryant, and Jason Plummer, and state Reps. Paul Jacobs, Charlie Meier, Patrick Windhorst, and Blaine Wilhour.”

 

State lawmakers requesting information about the status of the Pontiac and Vandalia Correctional Centers

WJBC
Neil Doyle

02/15/2022

“State Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) says he’s concerned about the administration’s plans for the future of these facilities. He spoke with WJBC’s Scott Miller.”

 

IDOC report details possible partial closure of Pontiac Prison

ABC Heart of Illinois

Alex Gaul

02/15/2022

‘“We’re led to believe they moved prisoners out so they can make certain repairs,” State Senator Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) said. “But we don’t know if they’ll make those repairs, when they’ll make these repairs or if they have the money to make those repairs.”’

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

2-18-22

Alton Telegraph

Issue: Partial closure of Pontiac and Vandalia CC

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

2-15-22

Starvedrock Media (regional radio stations)

Issue: Partial closing of Pontiac/Vandalia CC

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

2-15-22

WHOI-TV (Peoria) (1 other source)

Issue: Partial closing of Pontiac/Vandalia CC

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

2-16-22

Pontiac Daily Leader

Issue: Partial closing of Pontiac/Vandalia CC

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

2-15-22

WHOI-TV (Peoria) (multiple newscasts)

Issue: Partial closing of Pontiac/Vandalia CC

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

2-16-22

WEEK-TV (Peoria) (multiple newscasts)

Issue: Partial closing of Pontiac/Vandalia CC

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

2-15-22

Southern Illinoisan (3 other sources)

Issue: Partial closing of Pontiac/Vandalia CC

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

2-18-22

Pontiac Daily Leader

Issue: Partial closing of Vandalia and Pontiac CC

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

2-16-22

Ogle County Newspapers

Issue: Partial closures of Vandalia and Pontiac CC

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

2-16-22

KPVI-TV (Idaho)

Issue: Partial closures of Vandalia and Pontiac CC

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

2-16-22

KPVI-TV (Idaho) (30 other sources)

(I have no idea why they would post on their website, but they did)

Issue: Partial closures of Vandalia and Pontiac CC

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

2-16-22

KPVI-TV (Idaho) (29 other sources)

Issue: Partial closures of Vandalia and Pontiac CC

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

2-17-22

Chronicle Media (Lombard)

Issue: Partial closing of Vandalia and Pontiac CC

 

Sen. Jason Barickman

2-17-22

Chronicle Media (Lombard)

Issue: Partial closing of Vandalia and Pontiac CC

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

2-17-22

WGEL Radio (Greenville)

Issue: Partial closing of Vandalia and Pontiac CC

 

Sen. Jason Plummer

2-17-22

Chronicle Media (Lombard)

Issue: Partial closing of Vandalia and Pontiac CC

 

Public Safety

Lawmakers mull restoring death penalty to deter crime, but critics call it a ‘proven failure’

The Daily Line

Ben Szalinski

02/14/2022

“Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) is proposing legislation (SB3899) that would instate the death penalty for people who kill police officers.”

 

Sen. Anderson & Rep. Swanson legislation to classify dispatchers as first responders makes its way through Senate committee (IL)

All Things EEC

Staff

02/14/2022

“State Senator Neil Anderson (R-Moline) and Representative Dan Swanson (R-Alpha) are pushing a new bill through the legislative process that would classify emergency dispatchers as first responders under Illinois code.”

 

Bailey: Cop killer released on ‘medical’ conditions following a denial in parole hearing

My Radio Link

Staff

02/15/2022

“State Senator Darren Bailey says he’s appalled by actions taken by the Pritzker Administration to release an inmate who abducted a southern Illinois woman and killed an Illinois State Trooper in 1976.”

 

MISC.

Victims privacy protections legislation passes through the Senate

WAND

Staff

02/17/2022

‘State Senator Sally Turner’s (R-Beason) announced on Feb. 16, “this legislation will empower judges to grant additional privacy to victims of child sex crimes who chose to testify by allowing the judge to use their discretion to remove non-interested parties from the courtroom.”’

 

A New Tax In Illinois, But One That Isn’t About Raising Revenue

Forbes

Patrick Gleason

02/15/2022

“While that historic tax hike in California is off the table for now, another Democratic-controlled state, Illinois, also has state legislators pursuing tax increases in 2022. On January 11, Illinois Senator Brian Stewart (R) introduced Senate Bill 3119, legislation that would impose a 10% excise tax on the book value of assets or liabilities, whichever is greater, of a bank that has been purchased by a credit union.”

 

State and local lawmakers working to fix teacher shortage in Illinois

WSIU Public Radio

Benjy Jeffords

02/17/2022

“Senator Dale Fowler says he’ll work with the General Assembly to help build up incentives for students studying education.”

 

SENATOR FOWLER SPONSORS BILL TO ENSURE FINANCIAL STABILITY FOR THE DUQUOIN STATE FAIR

Magic 95.1, WUEZ Radio (Carterville) (2 other sources)

Nora Inman

02/19/2022

“State Senator Dale Fowler will serve as a Chief Co-Sponsor on legislation that ensures income from the DuQuoin State Fair will be placed into the appropriate fund to ensure financial stability for years ahead.”

 

Sen. Dale Fowler

2-18

WSIL-TV (Harrisburg) (multiple newscasts)

Issue: Illinois entrepreneurship assistance center legislation

 

Sen. Darren Bailey

2-20-22

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

Issue: Farmer-politicians in the Illinois G.A.

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

OLT News (3 other sources)

Issue: Tax incentives for Bitcoin miners

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

2-18-22

NASDAQ

Issue: Tax incentives for Bitcoin miners

 

Sen. Craig Wilcox

2-17-22

Ogle County Newspapers

Issue: CUB event

 

Sen. Dave Syverson

2-17-22

Ogle County Newspapers

Issue: CUB event

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

2-17-22

Ogle County Newspapers

Issue: Man leaves threatening message on Sen. Rezin’s district office phone

 

Sen. Sue Rezin

2-17-22

The Block (National publication about digital assets)

Issue: Tax incentives for data centers

 

Sen. Darren Bailey

2-17-22

AgUpdate

Issue: One of the few farmer-politicians

 

Sen. Terri Bryant

2-16-22

DuQuoin Evening Call

Issue: First Responders Backstoppers organization