LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
I was so honored this week to welcome two incredible leaders from District 105 to the Illinois House Republican Annual Women to Watch Leadership Conference. They joined a number of impressive female leaders from across the state that were recognized for their hard work and for the difference they make in each of our communities.
Ali Gibbs and Misty Bell are truly “Difference-Makers” in their communities and beyond! Please join me in congratulating both Ali and Misty on this honorable achievement to celebrate their great work!
WELCOME TO SPRINGFIELD
I was honored earlier this week to welcome my page for a day, Sincere Faith, to the House Floor. Sincere is a senior Homeschool student from Eureka. She is the founder of the Peoria High School Republicans and President of the Woodford County Homeschool Republicans.
Sincere plans to pursue a career in law or criminal justice. Thank you for visiting your State Capitol, Sincere!
ETHICS INVESTIGATION
More state agency dysfunction under the Pritzker administration. The Office of Executive Inspector General (OEIG) has uncovered a massive conflict of interest at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). The investigation involves the now-former Deputy Director of the Tourism Office, Daniel Thomas, and his relationship with a business he once owned that is also a DCEO vendor.
From the OEIG:
“The OEIG determined that DCEO committed mismanagement by placing Mr. Thomas in charge of the Tourism Office, despite knowing about his prior relationship with TimeZoneOne, but not taking reasonable steps to determine if there was an actual or perceived conflict, as well, allowing contractual payments to be made with state funds without ensuring reconciliations were performed to support such payments. In addition, it was clear to DCEO management that TimeZoneOne was paying for at least some of Mr. Thomas’s and his subordinates’ travel, yet no action was taken to ensure such payments were appropriate and that the travel rules were followed.”
If the Governor and supermajority Democrats won’t take ethics seriously, we are only going to see more mismanagement and bad behavior at our agencies.
Learn more about the investigation: https://oeig.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/oeig/publications/documents/Newsletter_April_21_2025.pdf
Read the full report: https://oeig.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/oeig/investigations/documents/investigative-reports/24-00353-thomas-d–summary-report-redacted-final.pdf
JOB FAIR
Over 20 employers have registered for a Job Fair to be held in Pontiac next week. Learn more here: Job Fair 2025 – Livingston Workforce Services – Pontiac, IL
FARMERS MARKETS
Illinois has a long, proud farming tradition, and farmers markets are one of the best ways to experience that first-hand. Here are some of the best farmers markets in Illinois. The Caucus Blog of the Illinois House Republicans: Discover Local Illinois Products at Your Neighborhood Farmers Market
DISTRACTED DRIVING
Police patrols around the state are being stepped up as part of an expanded initiative to crack down on distracted driving in Illinois. Illinois rolls out new anti-distracted driving campaign – NBC Chicago
SENIOR DRIVERS
Testing requirements for senior drivers may soon change in Illinois. Here’s what you should know. Does IL have age limitations on driving & licenses? See law | Belleville News-Democrat
AGRICULTURE
Agriculture impacts every corner of our state, with agricultural products generating more than $50 billion annually. Even more impressive, 96 percent of farms in Illinois are family-owned. We want to support our farm families and secure the future of agriculture in Illinois.
The Caucus Blog of the Illinois House Republicans: Illinois House Republicans Fight for Family Farms
Illinois farmers are experiencing a mixed start to the 2025 planting season, with corn planting behind historical pace while soybean progress is slightly ahead of schedule.
During this busy time for farmers, we encourage all to keep an eye out for large equipment on the roadways. Remember to give farmers plenty of room and be patient so we can all get home safely at the end of the day.