REDISTRICTING LAWSUIT
House Republicans believe that voters should choose their elected officials and not the other way around. Unfortunately, Democrats’ latest political maps were gerrymandered so profoundly that it has silenced the voices of millions of Illinoisans.
That’s why we’ve filed a lawsuit against these unconstitutional maps with the Illinois Supreme Court and introduced legislation to take mapmaking out of the hands of incumbent politicians by creating an independent commission to draw legal congressional and legislative district maps. Home – Redo Remap
House Republicans ask state Supreme Court to toss out legislative map | 1470 & 100.3 WMBD
TAXES
Illinois will participate in the free IRS Direct File program this year, allowing eligible taxpayers to file their 2024 returns for free directly with the IRS.
Illinois taxpayers can use IRS’ Direct File program
PENSIONS
“Until lawmakers prove to taxpayers that something needs to be done to Tier 2, any increase in benefits would be political malpractice.”
Read more here from the Sun Times: Illinois taxpayers deserve answers before state pension costs rise – Chicago Sun-Times
AROUND THE DISTRICT
I was honored to attend the Court of Honor Ceremony to present Certificates of Achievement to two members of Eureka Scout Troop #57, who each earned the coveted distinction of becoming Eagle Scouts! Only six percent of scouts achieve this incredible award through hard work, leadership, and service to their communities.
Both Adrian Lee and Deacon Dingledine were able to celebrate with their families, Scoutmaster Chris Lee, and their communities. It was a great way to spend my Sunday honoring them!
Please join us again this year as we partner to provide comfort to kids this Valentine’s Day! Cuddles with Kindness provides comfort to children facing traumatic situations through cuddly stuffed animals while amplifying our goal to inspire kindness and compassion, no matter your age! Help us provide comfort and inspire kindness this Valentine’s Day by donating a new cuddly friend for OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois!
Bring a new stuffed animal to our District Offices in Pontiac, El Paso, or Metamora to bring joy to kids this Valentine’s Day. We will be collecting stuffed animals until February 6, 2025.
EUREKA RECOGNIZED
Congratulations to the City of Eureka, which has been nationally recognized as a dementia-friendly community. Eureka is the 37th community in Illinois to be honored with this designation. Through a comprehensive action plan, Eureka achieves this honor by focusing on community education, business awareness, and supportive care.
HENNEPIN CANAL
The Capital Development Board has announced more than $60 million in funding for IDNR projects, with $10.2 million earmarked for Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park. The funding will repair Lock 33 near Rock Falls in Whiteside County, ensuring structural integrity and operational capacity while preserving its historical status.
TEACHER HONORED
Congratulations to Washington Grade School First Grade teacher Jessica Wentz, who has been awarded the prestigious Milken Educator Award! The award includes a $25,000 cash prize and recognizes a teacher’s instructional excellence, leadership, community engagement, and potential for future educational development.
Washington, Illinois, teacher wins Milken Educator Award in 2024-25
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
I am honored to have been appointed to serve on seven committees in the 104th General Assembly. I will continue to advocate and fight for common sense legislation that best serves my constituents in District 105 and throughout Illinois.:
- Police and Fire
- Mental Health
- Judiciary Criminal
- Insurance
- Immigration and Human Rights
- Public Safety
- Health Care Licenses
AGRICULTURE
Illinois soybean farmers set a new record last year and kept our state on top as the #1 soybean producer in the nation.
Illinois soybean farmers set new production record | Local News | advantagenews.com
Illinois shoppers will soon be able to quickly identify products grown in-state through the new Illinois Grown label. www.brownfieldagnews.com