EDUCATION
The Homeschool Act was not called on the House floor this week! The 130,000 witness slips and counting signed in opposition by homeschoolers and parental rights advocates from all across our state made a big impact!
Your message was received! This bill is NOT dead, but this is a HUGE win that it was not called on deadline week. Please stay tuned for updates, and thank you to everyone who has helped us with this initiative.
CAPITOL
I had the privilege to meet Illinois native Justin Allgaier, the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion, on the House Floor this week. Justin has 27 wins in his illustrious 16-year NASCAR racing career. Thank you for stopping by your State Capitol, Justin!
REAL ID DEADLINE
The Real ID Deadline is just a month away, but don’t panic, you may not need one right away. Here’s what you should know. 1 month until Real ID deadline: How to check if you have or need one – NBC Chicago
TAXES
Still waiting for your tax refund? Here’s how to check the status of your state and federal returns. Where’s my refund? Illinois officials offer details on tax returns – NBC Chicago
STATE BUDGET
The Governor told his Democrat colleagues that if they wanted any new projects in this year’s budget, they would need to identify some areas to cut spending. When asked if anyone had brought him suggestions, he said, “People aren’t showing up at my door with proposed cuts.” — Shocking.
Illinoisans already pay the highest effective tax rates in the nation. Our residents can’t afford to continue to foot the bill for supermajority Democrats’ unchecked spending.
OUTDOORS
Waterfowl hunters are encouraged to attend one of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ 2025 public open houses to contribute feedback on issues related to waterfowl hunting, including waterfowl hunting zones and future waterfowl season dates. Illinois announced the schedule of waterfowl hunting open houses – Chicago Sun-Times
Illinois youth turkey hunters set a new harvest record this year! 🦃
Illinois Youth Turkey Hunters Set New Harvest Record | WMIX
ROUTE 66
Route 66 turns 100 years old next year. Have you traveled the Mother Road?
Route 66 turns 100: Illinois gears up for 2026 centennial celebration | FOX 32 Chicago
AROUND THE DISTRICT
Congratulations to Metamora senior Matthew Zobrist, who has been named by the Illinois Media to the Class 3A All-State Boys Basketball Team. Zobrist, who is headed to Bradley University, was named the inaugural Class 3A Steve Tappa player of the year. The Redbirds and Zobrist had an outstanding season, winning the Mid-Illini Conference title and advancing to the Sweet Sixteen!
Peoria-area boys basketball players named all-state by Illinois media
Thank you to all of the FFA students from Pontiac, Midland, and other District 105 schools, along with advisor Jesse Faber, for visiting the State Capitol this week! These emerging leaders give me great hope for a better tomorrow.
IMA CONTEST
After weeks of competition, the Aerial Firefighting Helicopter Refill Pump has been named the Coolest Thing Made in Illinois!