AROUND THE DISTRICT
Congratulations to the city of Lexington and Group Tool, Inc. on their expansion plans and commitment to the local community! Group Tool, Inc. has announced plans for a new 100,000 square foot facility. Construction is expected to begin soon at the new location on Wirtz Way. This expansion supports growing demand, strengthens advanced manufacturing, and brings new skilled jobs to our area.
Metamora Secures Federal Funding
Congratulations to the Village of Metamora, which has secured a $4 million grant from the federal government to help build a new public safety building. The new structure, which is projected to cost around $11 million, will house the volunteer fire department, police department, and emergency medical services.
I was honored to provide a formal Letter of Support for this project. Learn more here: Metamora secures funding for a new public safety building
Mosaic
Mosaic, located in Pontiac, recognizes that people with intellectual disabilities desire and deserve greater independence and closer ties to the community. By developing and expanding community connections, they create new social, volunteer, and employment opportunities. Learn more about Mosaic’s mission and the services they provide at the links below.
Language Shapes Attitudes Around Disabilities
TAX RATES
According to a recent study by WalletHub, Illinoisans pay the HIGHEST tax rates in the nation. Our residents are paying 53% more in taxes than the U.S. average. This is not sustainable. Years of irresponsible state spending have driven up costs for Illinois families, and Democrats show no signs of slowing down. Illinoisans need relief today. States with the Highest & Lowest Tax Rates
PROFESSIONAL LICENSING
Licensing delays are causing physicians assistants to look to other states for work. We’ve come a long way in improving our state’s professional licensing system these last few years, but Illinois is still lagging behind other states. If we want to keep skilled professionals in Illinois and stay competitive, it’s clear we need to streamline licensing services. Physicians assistants leave for Iowa due to licensing wait times in Illinois | Local News | advantagenews.com
OUTDOORS
Illinois fishing licenses are now on sale for the 2026 season. 🎣Springtime is fishing time: Get your Illinois 2026 fishing license now | South Central Illinois’ News, Sports and Weather Station
BAG TAX
You can hardly do anything in Illinois without getting hit with a tax or fee. Now, Democrats want to charge you to carry your groceries out of the store. Illinoisans already pay the highest tax rates in the nation.
How about we focus on policies that make our state more affordable instead of sticking hardworking Illinoisans with another bill? Illinois lawmakers considering statewide bag tax
LOCAL FUNDING
Governor Pritzker’s proposed budget will short local governments $60 million. This reduction will cause municipalities to find new ways to balance their budgets, likely meaning higher property taxes or even a reduction in essential services for Illinois residents.
This is unacceptable, and just another example of how Illinois families are suffering under the poor policies and rampant out-of-control spending of the Pritzker era. Learn more here: Illinois mayors call on Pritzker to rethink flat local government funding | Capitol News Illinois