AROUND THE DISTRICT
Congratulations, Dr. Fogarty!
Congratulations to Livingston County Health Department Public Health Administrator Dr. Erin Fogarty, who was one of the featured presenters in last week’s national webinar titled Identifying Trusted Public Health Information for Your Communications!
During the session, Dr. Fogarty spoke about the importance of finding credible, accessible data and how clear, locally grounded communication can build community trust – especially during fast‑moving public health events.
ATTACK ON SECOND AMENDMENT
Our Second Amendment rights are once again under attack in Springfield. Democrats have introduced legislation targeting responsible gun owners and hunters. HB 4414 would add an ammunition tax, requiring firearms owners to pay a five cent tax per round of ammunition. It also mandates that all handgun ammunition sold or possessed in Illinois must be serialized and traceable by the Illinois State Police, among other excessive regulations. Democrats continue to find ways to raise taxes and make even the simplest of purchases more expensive and burdensome.
Also, HB 4471 would outlaw certain types of handguns used by law-abiding citizens. It’s clear that Illinois Democrats are trying to take guns out of the hands of law-abiding citizens in Illinois, while also making it extremely difficult for firearms companies to do business in Illinois. Although this bill or similar legislation has been around for several years, we all know this is Springfield, and with the super majority status of the drafting party, they could pass it at any time. More importantly, this is a look into the flagrant disregard for our Second Amendment by the majority party. All law-abiding citizens should be appalled simply by the introduction of this legislation. It is clear that the overwhelming goal is to decimate our Second Amendment.
Committee hearings on these two bills are scheduled next week in Springfield. Your voices can make a difference. Please consider filing witness slips in opposition to these bills. Please refer to the links below and the graphic above for instructions on how to file a witness slip.
Illinois General Assembly – Home Page
Illinois General Assembly – Bill Status of HB4414
Illinois General Assembly – Bill Status of HB4471
SCOTT’S LAW
The Illinois State Police experienced three Scott’s Law-related crashes while responding to emergency incidents across Illinois earlier this week. An additional squad car was struck by a passing motorist in a weather-related crash. Serious, but non-life-threatening, injuries were reported.
Please remember to MOVE OVER and SLOW DOWN for emergency vehicles! Scott’s Law requires drivers to change lanes and slow down whenever approaching emergency vehicles with their lights activated, or civilian vehicles with their hazard lights activated.
INCOME TAXES
The Illinois Department of Revenue urges Illinoisans to mail tax returns early this year. Here’s what you should know.
AMERICA 250
The Illinois State Museum is inviting residents from across the state to share their family stories as part of a statewide effort to commemorate the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Illinois Democrats had to know that “transit ambassadors” would not be enough to protect CTA passengers and workers from violent crime. Now, the federal government is stepping in to improve transit safety and the Governor calls it a “sham” — When will Governor Pritzker and Illinois Democrats take public safety seriously?
ENERGY
It would be irresponsible to phase out natural gas plants now, when we are on the brink of an energy crisis in Illinois. Recent studies found that Illinois will face an energy shortfall in the coming years. We need a comprehensive approach to energy to ensure our residents have access to affordable and reliable power across the state.
SNAP UPDATE
Changes to SNAP benefits have been made at the federal level, and some customers will lose benefits on May 1, 2026, if they aren’t meeting new work requirements. Please utilize the links below to find out the latest information on screening and requirements.