McHenry Times

After a hiatus due to the tax season, I am back to provide you with updates on legislative matters. As we approach the end of the legislative session, the political atmosphere is charged, partly due to this being an election year. This year, there is a notable effort by the Speaker to prevent any potentially embarrassing bills from emerging from the majority caucus. For instance, H.B. 4876 from a DuPage County representative that defines “abused child” as one who is denied access to gender-affirming care has been put on hold.

I recently had a conversation with a member from the opposing party who revealed that during Democratic caucus meetings, more radical members are often told why they cannot have all their proposed bills passed. This is interesting considering that this information comes from a member who leans heavily towards the left politically but is treated within her own caucus as if she were a Republican.

This does not mean that we haven't seen legislation that appears to be nothing more than an exercise of raw political power. Senate Bill 2412 serves as an example of this. Initially introduced as a "shell bill", it was rapidly amended and transferred between chambers within 36 hours. The bill eliminates the "slating" option which allows candidates to be added to the ballot after primary elections if no major party candidate ran in the primary. This change only applies to General Assembly races and seems designed to reduce challenges and limit voter options.

The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (CGFA), a bipartisan legislative commission tasked with providing nonpartisan analysis on Illinois' economic outlook, spending and revenue, recently released a report highlighting Illinois' spending problem. The report outlines three potential future spending scenarios and concludes that our current spending trajectory is unsustainable.

On a lighter note, congratulations are in order for Cary-Grove for winning its IHSA Class 6A State Football Championship! In November, I had the pleasure of watching them clinch their second title in three years. On April 10, I hosted Athletic Director Ryan Ludwig, Head Coach Brad Seaburg, Assistant Coach Dean Schlueter and Senior Quarterback Brady Seaburg on the House floor to commemorate their achievement.

Lastly, I will be hosting a mobile DMV event at the Cary Village Hall on Wednesday, June 5 from 10 am- 2 pm. If you require any services from the Secretary of State's office, please register at the link provided and join us at the Village Hall with a mobile team from the Secretary of State's office.