104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
I was honored to be sworn into office for a second term in the Illinois House of Representatives earlier this week, along with all of the other members of the new 104th General Assembly. I am eager to continue to work for the residents in the 105th District as your Citizen Legislator with the right experience to advocate for common-sense policies.
The little-known rules that control the legislative process in Illinois were voted on Thursday in the Illinois House of Representatives. Adopting a set of procedural rules to govern the House for the next two years is one of the most important votes a legislator will cast.
The rules for the 104th General Assembly were drafted by the Democrat supermajority with no input from the Republican minority. These rules will govern the House of Representatives for the next two years. House Republicans did propose reasonable changes that would increase accountability and transparency, however, the proposal was rejected by the supermajority.
The Caucus Blog of the Illinois House Republicans: Madigan’s House Rules renewed for two more years
ENERGY
With the cost of living already placing a tremendous burden on many working families in the state, shelling out more to stay comfortable during these colder months can be challenging and leave some to question how they can cut back on their energy usage until the warm of Spring returns.
While there is no quick fix to drastically lower one’s energy costs, homeowners can get the most out of their heating system by implementing a few simple practices.
ECONOMY
Across the country, states are getting rid of their progressive tax system, but Illinois Democrats are still trying to push this on us. Governor Pritzker’s own projections show a $3.2 billion dollar budget deficit in the next fiscal year, and the Democrats’ solution is to raise taxes instead of cutting wasteful spending.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Law Enforcement Appreciation Day was celebrated earlier this week, and we paused to honor those individuals who dedicate their lives to serving others. I am honored to be one of three Illinois House Republicans who currently serve or have formerly served in Law Enforcement. Read more from the Caucus Blog.
AROUND THE DISTRICT
Feeding Illinois’ Grain for Good Program is helping fight hunger in our local communities in District 105, and last week its pilot program delivered 3,000 pounds of ground pork to the Open Arms Food Pantry in Metamora. This donation was sourced from local grain and hog farmers and processed at Bittner’s Eureka Meat Locker.
Several organizations supported this effort, including Grainland Farmers, Eastern Illinois Foodbank, Illinois Association of Meta Processors, and the Illinois Pork Producers Association.
I am thrilled to have the opportunity to support this wonderful program. From local farmers to local processors and pantries, everything stays within our community, ensuring that the benefits are felt right here at home.
Grain for Good | Feeding Illinois
Thank you to Senator Tom Bennett for your service to the 53rd District! It was an honor to learn from you and serve with you, and I am excited to work with newly-elected Senator Chris Balkema!