DAR CONFERENCE
I was honored to have the opportunity to speak at the 130th Illinois State DAR Conference this morning in Bloomington. DAR commits to promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism. DAR members are stewards of unrelenting community service outreach.
As we celebrate American’s 250th birthday this year, we are not just honoring a date. We are recognizing a living story – one shaped by courage, sacrifice, innovation, and an unyielding belief in freedom. I encourage everyone to support their local DAR chapter in any way you can, and to please also honor and support the America 250 celebrations and events.
AROUND THE DISTRICT
Severe storms hit our local communities last week, including in McLean County. State Farm is reporting over 50 auto claims and 260 fire claims from the storms on April 17. They have set up a catastrophe customer care site at their Bloomington headquarters, and it will be operational April 20 – April 25, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. The address is Lot J, on the corner of Veterans Parkway and E. Oakland Avenue in Bloomington. Auto and Fire Claims personnel will be available to assist.
Local Volunteer Honored
Congratulations to Master Gardener Terry Lueders for being recognized on National Volunteer Week! I would also like to recognize all of the great volunteers in District 105 that make meaningful and lasting impacts in their local communities every day! Facebook
IEMA Lobby Day
I was proud to welcome Woodford County EMA Director Kent McCanless to the State Capitol last week during IEMA Lobby Day. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to the residents of Woodford County, Kent!
Washington Bypass (U.S. 24) Construction
IDOT has announced that construction on U.S. 24 (Boyd Parkway) between Grosenbach Road and Cummings Lane in Washington is underway. The project involves pavement patching and resurfacing, guardrail upgrades, and traffic signal improvements. The work will require lane closures through the end of October.
MEGAPROJECTS BILL
The Illinois House finally moved forward on the controversial megaprojects bill this week, but the legislation faces more hurdles in the coming weeks. The bill raises more questions than answers, and there is no guarantee that all of these complex agreements will fully replace lost property tax revenue. It is within reason to create a competitive option for the Chicago Bears to stay in Illinois, but this bill is not a finished product and needs more work and refinements.
REDISTRICTING AMENDMENT
House Democrats rammed through a constitutional amendment designed to further rig Illinois’ legislative maps in their favor this week. Democrats are once again putting politics before people in their relentless pursuit of absolute power. Illinois’ maps were already ranked among the worst in the nation, and this amendment would lessen the importance of compactness and contiguity and replace it with race-based priorities.
MILLIONAIRE’S TAX
Legislation involving a so-called ‘millionaire’s tax’ did not advance in the House this week, making it very unlikely the measure can be included on this November’s ballot. The proposed constitutional amendment would impose an additional 3 percent income tax on individuals with income over $1 million.
While ‘taxing the rich’ may sound like a good idea to Democrats, the reality is this increased tax would affect thousands of job creators and small business owners. It would also increase outmigration, lessen investment all across the state, and leave hardworking families with a higher tax burden. Instead of continuing to increase taxes, Democrats need to rein in their outrageous spending habits.