tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4884304428817794272024-03-27T09:22:50.648-05:00The Caucus Blog of the Illinois House RepublicansThe Caucus Blog - Dispatches from the Illinois House Republican CaucusIllinois House Republicanshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10430720121727888101noreply@blogger.comBlogger2219125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488430442881779427.post-22498668880812904112024-03-27T07:00:00.039-05:002024-03-27T09:20:40.204-05:00Springfield’s “Horseshoe Trail” Puts Downstate Delicacy On The Map<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtpsFRMvADzhBE41-cTFtqs0qfFE_X4yOCxKTt2ZHF5L5FqdjoQd5UmBfu57_4jcVAx6lJ_ZSELkBbNdaCxWFquv1qzGLSCc9vLxE1v4FrxQ53vIvdmBxu6L1_j-TbxSfFivu4wWDRP74uxPBw3XuAL0R9bBqAV9eqL4s2pwzdOsUDud6C-7f-H904tss/s280/Horseshoe%20trail.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="280" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtpsFRMvADzhBE41-cTFtqs0qfFE_X4yOCxKTt2ZHF5L5FqdjoQd5UmBfu57_4jcVAx6lJ_ZSELkBbNdaCxWFquv1qzGLSCc9vLxE1v4FrxQ53vIvdmBxu6L1_j-TbxSfFivu4wWDRP74uxPBw3XuAL0R9bBqAV9eqL4s2pwzdOsUDud6C-7f-H904tss/w400-h257/Horseshoe%20trail.png" width="400" /></a></div>Visit Springfield has introduced a new food tour focusing on Springfield’s most iconic dish: the horseshoe. Horseshoe Trail is a digitally based tour that takes hungry Illinoisans to 24 of the Capitol’s best restaurants, all serving up the legendary horseshoe sandwich.<br /><br />Horseshoe Trail is free and easy to use. To begin their journey, users must simply enter their phone number or email address and will immediately receive their very own Horseshoe Trail “passport” on their mobile device. With each new location visited, the user’s phone will automatically detect their arrival and will add points to their passport, which can be redeemed for prizes along the way. In addition to the comprehensive list of Springfield’s best horseshoes, the passport grants users access to exclusive discounts they can use at their stops along the way. <div><br /></div><div><span><a name='more'></a></span>The horseshoe is a dish that is as simple as it is tasty. The <a href="https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/142040/horseshoe/" target="_blank">most popular version</a> of the open-faced sandwich starts with two thick pieces of white toast, each topped with a hamburger patty. The sandwich is then topped with a hefty portion of French fries and a creamy cheese sauce. Thanks to the popularity of the horseshoe amongst foodies in Springfield, restaurants across town have created their own unique twists on the Midwestern delicacy such as the <a href="https://mealplanningmommies.com/breakfast-horseshoe/" target="_blank">breakfast horseshoe</a>, which swaps out the patties and fries for eggs, hashbrowns, and bacon or sausage. No matter what kind of horseshoe you choose, you’re in for a treat. </div><div><br /></div><div>The <a href="https://visitspringfieldillinois.com/Landing/SignatureHorseshoe.aspx#:~:text=History%20Behind%20the%20Recipe,for%20the%20Leland%20Hotel%20Restaurant." target="_blank">history of the horseshoe</a> is almost as rich as the sandwich itself. First created in 1928 at the Leland Hotel, Chef Joe Schweska wanted to create a new item to include on the hotel’s lunch menu. His wife, who was inspired by a Welsh Rarebit recipe she had recently seen, suggested they serve an open-faced sandwich covered in the sauce. Just like that, the horseshoe was born. While most horseshoes today consist of the same four ingredients, the original recipe found at the Leland Hotel used potato wedges instead of French fries and a piece of ham cut in the shape of a horseshoe instead of hamburger patties, hence the name of the infamous sandwich.<br /><br />The horseshoe has remained a fan favorite among Springfieldians ever since it first began being served nearly a century ago and is the official sandwich of Illinois. The horseshoe’s downright deliciousness and proximity to our state’s lawmakers have earned it the praises of State Legislators too. “I used to enjoy the horseshoes at Wayne’s Red Coach on North Grand during my flying career with the Illinois Air National Guard,” said State Representative and retired General Wayne Rosenthal.<br /><br />While a horseshoe is delicious regardless of where it is enjoyed, <a href="https://www.visitspringfieldillinois.com/Landing/SpringfieldHorseshoeTrail.aspx" target="_blank">Horseshoe Trail</a> aims to shed light on Springfield’s rich history and traditions. The tour was created to offer a unique experience that blends digital content with the physical world, also known as "phygital" as described by Amy Beadle, the marketing manager of Visit Springfield. This type of tour enables users to discover the city's culinary heritage at their convenience and in their own time. To learn more about Springfield’s history, and enjoy Illinois’ favorite sandwich, go to <a href="https://www.visitspringfieldillinois.com/Landing/SpringfieldHorseshoeTrail.aspx?fbclid=IwAR2pDdU_6ECeMnQm1agY55NsG7uLqNi_fy6qgLNHEsIkhvtT-g3agKzJmLo" target="_blank">VisitSpringfieldIllinois.com</a></div>ilhousegophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918100572802423486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488430442881779427.post-350139138744402232024-03-26T07:00:00.025-05:002024-03-26T07:00:00.225-05:00March 26 marks end of Battle of Iwo Jima; Illinois service members' role in victory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FRj6w0-VIgi-0u2s8vJkEC_91YrieOPpiulQ4s4ke7YkEDD_DCiGsiZ44ifP6ss_ToUmQVuGmdnxJTysiYz-3dE2gsfIhWafmnm7tjDKmegTgwF9V1khY1xY5mS1s3OxtXhm999ymraVnzrikFUGmsYUyOkrRM3NvyxPOI8qFd6fYPGK7sRsuFNydok/s1280/Battle%20of%20Iwo%20Jima.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="1280" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FRj6w0-VIgi-0u2s8vJkEC_91YrieOPpiulQ4s4ke7YkEDD_DCiGsiZ44ifP6ss_ToUmQVuGmdnxJTysiYz-3dE2gsfIhWafmnm7tjDKmegTgwF9V1khY1xY5mS1s3OxtXhm999ymraVnzrikFUGmsYUyOkrRM3NvyxPOI8qFd6fYPGK7sRsuFNydok/w400-h284/Battle%20of%20Iwo%20Jima.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>March 26th serves as a day of remembrance for the thousands of American service members who risked and lost their lives fighting at the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II. The Battle of Iwo Jima, which lasted from February 19th to March 26th, 1945, stands as one of the largest and most important battles of the Pacific War. During the Second World War, the Allied forces found the need for more airports near mainland Japan in order to carry out long-range bombing missions and identified the island of Iwo Jima as an ideal location. Over the course of 5 weeks, <a href="https://www.usmcmuseum.com/battle-of-iwo-jima.html" target="_blank">more than 80,000 American service members</a> carried out numerous missions in order to gain complete control over the island, many of whom were Illinoisans.<br /><br /><span><a name='more'></a></span>The Allied victory at Iwo Jima was a result of contributions made by service members from all 50 states. However, the impact that Illinoisans had on the outcome of Iwo Jima and World War II on the whole cannot be overstated, both on the battlefield and at home. Of the roughly 16 million Americans who served in the Second World War, <a href="https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/archives/teaching_packages/illinois_at_war/home.html#:~:text=By%20the%20end%20of%201945,entering%20the%20services%20to%20957%2C854." target="_blank">nearly 1 million were from Illinois</a>. Of these 1 million service members, <a href="https://dnrhistoric.illinois.gov/experience/sites/site.illinois-state-memorials.html" target="_blank">22,000</a> never returned home.<br /><br />Though the exact number of Illinoisans who fought at the Battle of Iwo Jima is unknown, the stories of many Illinoisans at the battle give a glimpse of just how large of an impact they had. On February 19th, 1945, <a href="https://www.marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/554755/remembering-greeley-the-marine-who-carried-his-flag-to-iwo-jima/" target="_blank">1st Lieutenant George Greeley Wells</a>, who hailed from Lake Forest, Illinois, landed on the shore of Iwo Jima alongside his fellow Marines. Wells and the rest of the 5th Marine Division were met with heavy machine gun fire from the entrenched Japanese troops who were positioned inland. Despite heavy resistance, the Marines were able to traverse the beach and begin their task: to gain control of Mt. Suribachi. Over the next four days, Wells and his fellow Marines, despite many casualties, eventually gained control over the strategic position, which became known as a turning point in the battle.<br /><br />While Wells was an infantryman, he was also an adjutant, meaning he had the special task of carrying the American flag. Once U.S. forces had taken control over Mt. Suribachi, Lieutenant Colonel Chandler Johnson asked Wells for the flag so that it could be placed atop the newly occupied mountain. The flag raised by Lieutenant Colonel Johnson and his men was the first American flag raised on Japanese soil during the war and flew as a beacon of hope for all of those who served in the battle.<br /><br />The bravery demonstrated by 1st Lieutenant Wells and countless other Illinoisans during the Battle of Iwo Jima ultimately helped turn the tide of the war in the Pacific. Many lost their lives abroad so that we may enjoy our freedoms at home. At the <a href="https://ww2il.com/" target="_blank">World War II Veterans Memorial</a> in Springfield, the lives of these service members are remembered. Join us in honoring the brave service members who paid the ultimate price.<div><br /></div><div>________________________________</div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Credit:<br />Photo by Marine Pvt. Bob Campbell. National Archives identifier: 100310761</span>ilhousegophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918100572802423486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488430442881779427.post-34505483710742395802024-03-25T07:00:00.007-05:002024-03-25T07:00:00.349-05:00Illinois’ Leading Role in the Creation and Success of Israel Bonds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVXyOnUQPNvHOAJw38xYaHTGDApP3eSmplGZn5O1oNpzIXtEV2K3IFiIy5gY-bP90yrVZoSO2fBsUCmM22sKQqkjqhp7-evV7eR0DtkkfwcYjGOoHuMUAyQrapZ5crifNsgW9g7Be3SC3i-mtaFhixBjyEQsCqFY95TjG8JEIes_kEXN4wirPQF_-cKw/s4240/stand%20with%20Israel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2832" data-original-width="4240" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVXyOnUQPNvHOAJw38xYaHTGDApP3eSmplGZn5O1oNpzIXtEV2K3IFiIy5gY-bP90yrVZoSO2fBsUCmM22sKQqkjqhp7-evV7eR0DtkkfwcYjGOoHuMUAyQrapZ5crifNsgW9g7Be3SC3i-mtaFhixBjyEQsCqFY95TjG8JEIes_kEXN4wirPQF_-cKw/w400-h268/stand%20with%20Israel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>In response to the unprovoked and deadly attacks by Hamas-led terrorist groups on Israel last October, several U.S. state governments stepped up to lend a helping hand financially to the Israelis.<br /><br />The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office pledged to buy an additional $10 million in Israel Bonds at the onset of the attacks. The Prairie State has been joined by at least 13 other state governments, four municipal governments, and one public pension fund in investing or committing to invest in <a href="https://littlesis.org/news/u-s-state-and-local-treasuries-hold-at-least-1-6-billion-in-israel-bonds/#:~:text=When%20an%20investor%20purchases%20bonds,fund%20the%20State%20of%20Israel." target="_blank">Israeli bonds</a> to the tune of $564 million. <br /><br /><span><a name='more'></a></span>Peoria’s <a href="https://www.peoriamagazine.com/article/never-forget/" target="_blank">Sam Rothberg</a>, the founder of the Israel Bonds program, facilitated the first sales of those bonds in 1951. This program helped raise billions for Israel’s development. Rothberg, a successful business executive, saw first-hand on a visit to Israel the victims of the Holocaust. From 1941-1945, the Nazi Germany regime murdered six million Jews across Europe. Many of these Jewish people were orphans, had no family, and were left stranded in camps. Rothberg’s emotions were stirred, and he vowed to help these Holocaust victims in any way he could. <br /><br />Rothberg visited Israel often but always came back home to Peoria. After he died at age 96 in 2007, the Jerusalem Post published an editorial calling Rothberg a “giant of a man” and added that “there is not an inch of Israel that has not been touched by Sam Rothberg…Israel has lost a founding father…an inimitable and indomitable leader. There was none like Sam.”<br /><br />Governments and other investors of Israel Bonds are essentially loaning money to Israel for their government to use at its discretion. Bonds function like an ‘IOU,’ and borrowers are eventually paid back in full once the bond reaches maturity. <br /><br />Investing in Israel Bonds has proved <a href="https://www.peoplesworld.org/article/state-treasuries-send-money-to-fund-the-israeli-war-on-gaza/" target="_blank">profitable</a> for U.S. governments, as Israel offers competitive interest rates and a strong record of reliable payments. Private credit agencies Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard and Poor’s have all issued consistently high credit ratings to Israel. <div><br />The latest $10 million investment continues the longstanding relationship between Illinois and Israel that dates back to the Middle Eastern country’s creation in 1948. Illinois now has over <a href="https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/local-news/illinois-buys-10m-in-israel-bonds-to-support-the-nation-due-to-unprovoked-attack/" target="_blank">$100 million</a> in total Israel bond holdings.</div>ilhousegophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918100572802423486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488430442881779427.post-88181776221506797702024-03-22T13:03:00.002-05:002024-03-22T13:03:16.011-05:00Week in Review: Public safety, jobs, taxes and more<span style="font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DMRdwYNAsEZlT3c3YZA_DmrUuiY1z7NLdNsNXJcgvIlznQGqyczva_p0hLMvjjGlj_ULOziTsBa7kmvBt1JJ0P9tdvsibgQ-qCaz8RdfX5sJxQRx237g6My25YZq5lUaSa-AT6PFkiuiFVMI6CyUGNAqHIprlLuEQCDFZJQIwfelYuGoIATPBzxIlMY/s398/Week%20in%20Review%202023-01.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="398" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DMRdwYNAsEZlT3c3YZA_DmrUuiY1z7NLdNsNXJcgvIlznQGqyczva_p0hLMvjjGlj_ULOziTsBa7kmvBt1JJ0P9tdvsibgQ-qCaz8RdfX5sJxQRx237g6My25YZq5lUaSa-AT6PFkiuiFVMI6CyUGNAqHIprlLuEQCDFZJQIwfelYuGoIATPBzxIlMY/w400-h268/Week%20in%20Review%202023-01.png" width="400" /></a></div>PUBLIC SAFETY </span><br /><b>House Republicans make public safety concerns a priority in new legislative package. </b> At a <a href="https://youtu.be/f6UN4AU_gR4?si=MgOmZeHjAa0iIOff">Capitol press conference</a> on Thursday, House Republican State Representatives Patrick Windhorst, John Cabello, David Friess, Dan Ugaste, and Amy Grant laid out a bold legislative package aimed at improving public safety, recruiting and retaining police officers and other law enforcement officials, and providing assistance to victims of violent crime.<br /> <br /> <span><a name='more'></a></span>“The Truth in Public Safety working group was formed at the beginning of this General Assembly. We got to work right away to put together a strong and meaningful package of legislative reforms,” said <a href="https://repwindhorst.com/2024/03/21/rep-windhorst-leads-house-republican-public-safety-working-group/">Rep. Windhorst</a>, who leads the TIPS working group. “The bills we are highlighting today will improve public safety, hold criminals accountable, and provide needed support to our police officers and law enforcement.” <br /><br />Since the inception of the Truth in Public Safety working group in 2023, the group has met with law enforcement groups, retired judges, state’s attorneys, and other stakeholders to develop the legislative package. Last year, many legislators on the Republican side held roundtables with law enforcement officers and prosecutors. Windhorst says the package unveiled in Springfield on Thursday proves that Republican lawmakers took the concerns of law enforcement seriously and crafted legislation to address continuing issues.<br /><br />“There is a concerning trend we see here in Illinois where criminals are treated better than law-abiding citizens and as leaders, we cannot continue to jeopardize the safety of our communities,” said <a href="https://repcabello.com/2024/03/21/rep-cabello-highlights-the-community-protection-act/">Rep. Cabello</a>.<br /><br />“I’m honored to work with my colleagues in the working group as we strive toward a common goal,” said <a href="https://repfriess.com/2024/03/21/illinois-house-republicans-unveil-truth-in-public-safety-legislative-package-w-video/">Rep. Friess</a>. “Our communities deserve to be safe, and our law-abiding citizens deserve to feel secure. The legislative package put forth is a crucial step towards achieving these goals.” <br /><br /><a href="https://www.thecaucusblog.com/2024/03/house-republicans-make-public-safety.html">The TIPS legislative package</a> focuses on supporting and protecting crime victims, giving judges wider discretion to detain people charged with felonies, and recruiting and retaining law enforcement while ensuring they are able to do their jobs. <br /><br /> Legislation introduced by House Republicans serving on the Truth in Public Safety working group include:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=5120&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=153164&SessionID=112">HB 5120 </a>- Widens the possible detention net to all felonies and also establishes the burden of proof at a detention hearing to preponderance of the evidence.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=5121&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=153165&SessionID=112">HB 5121</a> - Calls for the revocation of pre-trial release when the defendant is charged with an offense while on release.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=5126&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=153170&SessionID=112">HB 5126</a> - Restores the process for a court to issue a warrant for a defendant’s failure to appear in court.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=5131&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=153175&SessionID=112">HB 5131</a> - Sets up a timeline for the Department of Human Services to remove someone from county jail within 20 days if they have been found unfit to stand trial, and requires reimbursement to the county if the person is held past the 20 days. The bill is aimed at providing necessary mental health services to those individuals who have been found mentally unfit to stand trial.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=5133&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=153177&SessionID=112">HB 5133</a> – Allows for the creation of a county co-responder model to work with social workers to assist victims in need of mental or behavioral health services. The bill would ensure that police officers are responding to emergency calls and that social workers or behavioral health services workers would act as a partner with law enforcement, not a replacement.</li></ul>“We stand ready to assist the House and Senate Democrat supermajorities in restoring law and order and safe communities throughout Illinois through these changes,” Windhorst said. “We do not have to accept the status quo of rising crime, violence in our communities, and the loss of our police officers. We can get to work together today to make important changes to protect our communities, stop crime, and save lives.”<br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">PUBLIC CORRUPTION </span><br /><b>McCombie Calls for Support on Ethics Reform Measure.</b> House Minority Leader Tony McCombie presented an <a href="https://www.thecaucusblog.com/2024/03/mccombie-calls-for-support-on-ethics.html">ethics reform proposal</a> during a subject matter hearing this week in the House Ethics and Elections Committee. McCombie’s legislation, <a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=4119&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=150343&SessionID=112">House Bill 4119</a>, would prohibit elected officials from using political campaign donations to pay for criminal defense. Leader McCombie stressed the importance of the measure, an unfortunate reminder of just how much progress the State of Illinois must make amid Ethics Awareness Month.<br /> <br /> The bill would close a loophole that has enabled bad actors, including former Speaker Mike Madigan, to use millions of dollars in funds from his campaign coffer, ‘<a href="https://www.elections.il.gov/campaigndisclosure/CommitteeDetail.aspx?ID=0MT8om4FDNo%3d">Friends of Michael J. Madigan</a>,’ to pay for legal fees as he fights federal corruption and racketeering charges. During the committee hearing, McCombie called HB 4119 a commonsense measure.<br /> <br /> “We have not passed any ethics legislation this General Assembly and I would argue any significant ethics reform since I was elected in 2017,” said McCombie. “This is not acceptable, and it is our responsibility that a lack of action does not continue.”<br /> <br /> In light of the ongoing parade of corruption trials of elected officials and continued lack of movement on any number of House Republican ethics reform proposals, including HB 4119, McCombie urged action this spring.<br /> <br /> “We have watched investigations, arrests, trials, and convictions come and go for decades, and this chamber has an opportunity to be the leaders on this topic,” concluded McCombie.<br /> <br /> HB 4119 is targeted at criminal offenses and civil misconduct, discrimination, and harassment. <br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">JOBS </span><br /><b>Illinois’ unemployment rate rose to 4.8% in February. </b> The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) reports that the preliminary <a href="https://ides.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/ides/labor_market_information/local_area_unemploymentstatisticslaus/state_feb24.pdf">Illinois unemployment rate rose from 4.7% in January to 4.8% in February</a>. While nonfarm Illinois payroll numbers rose by 23,100 jobs in February, this increase was overmatched by the entry of “new” jobless people into the labor market. Some of these “net new” workers are persons who left the labor force at earlier points, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, and are now returning. <br /><br />As in previous months, Illinois’ job creation was concentrated in the public sector and in non-production-oriented services. The Government sector created 6,700 net new Illinois jobs in February 2024, which the Leisure and Hospitality super-sector was credited with 5,400 net new jobs. By contrast, the Manufacturing sector yielded 700 jobs. After many years of Manufacturing net job losses, less than 10 percent of the 6.1 million current nonfarm Illinois payroll workers are currently working in factories or other manufacturing plants. <br /><br /> The state’s unemployment rate was +0.9 percentage point higher than the national unemployment rate reported for February. The national unemployment rate was 3.9 percent in February, up +0.2 percentage point from the previous month. The Illinois unemployment rate was up +0.5 percentage point from a year ago when it was 4.3 percent. <br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">STATE GOVERNMENT </span><br /><b>CGFA monitors rising costs of State employee health benefits.</b> The State Employees’ Group Health Insurance Program provides health insurance coverage for State employees, State retirees, and their families. Healthcare costs are going up faster than most other segments of the U.S. economy. The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (CGFA), the nonpartisan office of economic analytics within the General Assembly, has investigated these trends and published a <a href="https://cgfa.ilga.gov/Upload/FY2025GroupInsuranceReport.pdf">March 2024 Group Insurance Report</a>. <br /><br />The CGFA analysts report that the State’s medical cost liabilities, which are ultimately borne by Illinois taxpayers, are expected to continue to grow in Fiscal Year 2025 at a rate much higher than U.S. consumer price index (CPI) inflation. An increase of 16.5% over Fiscal Year 2024 is expected. This rate of increase is primarily attributed not to an increase in the number of persons enrolled in State employee health benefit programs, but to the fast-changing cost picture for best-practice health care. New treatments and medications continue to be added to the mix of care that practitioners are allowed to provide or prescribe. <br /><br />The impact of these changes is fiscally multiplied by the large number of people in the program. The Department of Central Management Services (CMS) and CGFA report that the Illinois Group Health Insurance Program has an estimated 359,188 participants in FY24. Approximately 40% of the participants, an estimate of 143,625, are State retirees and their dependents. Overall health care challenges mean that health care expenses are going to be concentrated among demographic groups that include retirees and their dependents. <br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">TAXES </span><br /><b>MoneyGeek names Illinois the least tax-friendly of the 50 states. </b> The warning label came from a database that indicates that <a href="https://wgntv.com/news/illinois/illinois-named-the-least-tax-friendly-state-in-the-country/">a median Illinois family must pay approximately 13% of its income in State and local taxes</a>. These taxes, which are separate from the federal income taxes that all Americans must also pay, are levies that are controlled by the local governments elected by the taxpayers. In particular, the average Illinois property tax bill of $9,000 per residence drove Illinois to the bottom of the tax-friendliness list. Illinois earned a “F” grade for tax unfriendliness at the bottom of the list. Other “F”-graded states included Connecticut and New Jersey. <br /><br />Several states adjacent to Illinois earned much higher grades because of lower government spending and comprehensive tax reform efforts. Indiana and Kentucky were graded “C,” and Missouri was graded “B.” Several states with no personal income tax, including fast-growing Florida and high-tech-oriented Washington, earned a coveted “A” grade.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">MARCH MADNESS </span><br /><b>U of I men’s basketball team wins Big Ten championship. </b> Appearing in the Big Ten Tournament after compiling a conference record of 14-6, the <a href="https://fightingillini.com/sports/mens-basketball">Fighting Illini</a> drew several byes and then faced Ohio State, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. Defeating all three, <a href="https://fightingillini.com/news/2024/3/17/mens-basketball-2-illinois-secures-2024-big-ten-tournament-title-with-win-over-5-wisconsin.aspx">the Fighting Illini hoisted the Big Ten men’s basketball 2024 tournament trophy</a>. Under coach Brad Underwood, the Fighting Illini repeated their Big Ten Tournament Championship from 2021. Fifth-year player Terrence Shannon Jr. was named the tourney’s Most Valuable Player (MVP). Shannon and his teammates then moved on to “March Madness,” the 2024 NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Illinois won its first-round game Thursday with an 85-69 victory over Morehead State. <br /><br /><a href="https://fightingillini.com/news/2024/3/21/womens-basketball-4-fighting-illini-complete-comeback-in-wbit-opener-against-missouri-state.aspx">The U of I women’s basketball team</a> overcame a double-digit second-half deficit to take down Missouri State, 74-69, in the first round of the Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament at State Farm Center on Thursday night. <br /><br />The Fighting Illini trailed by as many as 11 but fought back to secure their first postseason victory since March 28, 2013. <br /><br /><a href="https://pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-state/illinois-state-women-get-first-round-bye-in-wnit/article_b250f14a-e4cd-11ee-9323-d742164d465d.html">The Illinois State University (ISU) Redbirds women’s basketball team</a> was invited to the <a href="https://womensnit.com/tournaments/?id=8">Women’s National Invitational Tournament (WNIT)</a>, receiving a first-round bye. The Redbirds, who play in the Missouri Valley Conference, compiled a 21-11 overall record and a 13-7 conference record in 2023-2024. <br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">SOLAR ECLIPSE </span><br /><b>Solar eclipse to happen on April 8 in Southern Illinois.</b> The event will be up to four minutes of “totality,” the period of time during which the sun’s disk will be completely covered by the round bulk of the Earth’s Moon. <a href="https://www.nbcchicago.com/solar-eclipse-illinois-2024/solar-eclipse-2024-illinois-cities-path-of-totality/3372712/">The 2024 solar eclipse</a> will coincide with a section of the Moon’s orbit when the smaller body is closest to the Earth, and therefore largest in size, and so the dark minutes of “totality” will be especially long on April 8. The path of the solar eclipse is scheduled to move from southwest to northeast. The largest metro area in the path of “totality” is Carbondale-Marion, the home of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Mt. Vernon, Illinois, where Interstate 57 and Interstate 64 come together, will also see the sun disappear. <br /><br /><a href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/03/04/eclipse-chasers-illinois/">Eclipse chasers</a> have already made plans to travel to Southern Illinois to see the event. The Shawnee National Forest area will host many eclipse celebration events, but late planners are likely to find that many events and hotel rooms are already booked.ilhousegophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918100572802423486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488430442881779427.post-61967199117330620102024-03-22T09:17:00.006-05:002024-03-22T09:17:32.291-05:00 House Republicans make public safety concerns a priority in new legislative package<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho4NTfvu_yeNIbcRQ8BET64quPljFODqcsMkC30RMcPBhc1qa8aTPGu4kkiSshSkYKV2JFPmPBFk2y85y2C8-q57deNl2fG8oDJdinadZ6ScYvDOxn8baEJ3K2tyAs8M-19rUJ9YdyNNYQGQT1mBAiNIpkqmQaeUnVMIAN5nO-1VsG34T6DeZvlbFvBNE/s2048/Windhorst%20unveils%20public%20safety%20bills.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1638" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho4NTfvu_yeNIbcRQ8BET64quPljFODqcsMkC30RMcPBhc1qa8aTPGu4kkiSshSkYKV2JFPmPBFk2y85y2C8-q57deNl2fG8oDJdinadZ6ScYvDOxn8baEJ3K2tyAs8M-19rUJ9YdyNNYQGQT1mBAiNIpkqmQaeUnVMIAN5nO-1VsG34T6DeZvlbFvBNE/w400-h320/Windhorst%20unveils%20public%20safety%20bills.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>At a Capitol press conference on Thursday, House Republican State Representatives Patrick Windhorst, David Friess, Dan Ugaste, and John Cabello laid out a bold legislative package aimed at improving public safety, recruiting and retaining police officers and other law enforcement officials, and providing assistance to victims of violent crime.<div><br /></div><div><div>“There is a concerning trend we see here in Illinois where criminals are treated better than law-abiding citizens and as leaders, we cannot continue to jeopardize the safety of our communities,” said Cabello.<br /><br /><span><a name='more'></a></span>“The Truth in Public Safety working group was formed at the beginning of this General Assembly. We got to work right away to put together a strong and meaningful package of legislative reforms,” said Windhorst who leads the working group. “The bills we are highlighting today will improve public safety, hold criminals accountable, and provide needed support to our police officers and law enforcement.” </div><div><br /></div><div>Since the inception of the Truth in Public Safety Working group in 2023, the group has met with law enforcement groups, retired judges, state’s attorneys and other stakeholders to develop the legislative package. Last year, many legislators on the Republican side held roundtables with law enforcement officers and prosecutors. Windhorst says the package unveiled in Springfield on Thursday proves that Republican lawmakers took the concerns of law enforcement seriously and crafted legislation to address continuing issues.</div><div><br /></div><div>“I’m honored to work with my colleagues in the working group as we strive toward a common goal, said Friess. Our communities deserve to be safe, and our law-abiding citizens deserve to feel secure. The legislative package put forth is a crucial step towards achieving these goals.”<br /><br /></div><div>The legislative package focuses on supporting and protecting crime victims, giving judges wider discretion to detain people charged with felonies, and recruiting and retaining law enforcement while ensuring they are able to do their jobs.</div><div><br />Legislation introduced by House Republicans serving on the Truth in Public Safety working group include:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=5120&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=153164&SessionID=112" target="_blank">HB 5120 </a>- Widens the possible detention net to all felonies and also establishes the burden of proof at a detention hearing to preponderance of the evidence.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=5121&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=153165&SessionID=112" target="_blank">HB 5121</a> - Calls for the revocation of pre-trial release when the defendant is charged with an offense while on release.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=5126&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=153170&SessionID=112" target="_blank">HB 5126</a> - Restores the process for a court to issue a warrant for a defendant’s failure to appear in court.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=5131&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=153175&SessionID=112" target="_blank">HB 5131</a> - Sets up a timeline for the Department of Human Services to remove someone from county jail within 20 days if they have been found unfit to stand trial, and requires reimbursement to the county if the person is held past the 20 days. The bill is aimed at providing necessary mental health services to those individuals who have been found mentally unfit to stand trial.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=5133&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=153177&SessionID=112" target="_blank">HB 5133</a> – Allows for the creation of a county co-responder model to work with social workers to assist victims in need of mental or behavioral health services. The bill would ensure that police officers are responding to emergency calls and that social workers or behavioral health services workers would act as a partner with law enforcement, not a replacement.</li></ul>“We stand ready to assist the House and Senate Democrat supermajorities in restoring law and order and safe communities throughout Illinois through these changes,” Windhorst said. “We do not have to accept the status quo of rising crime, violence in our communities, and the loss of our police officers. We can get to work together today to make important changes to protect our communities, stop crime, and save lives.”<br /><br /> </div></div>ilhousegophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918100572802423486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488430442881779427.post-52776058507352706972024-03-21T12:00:00.001-05:002024-03-21T12:00:00.143-05:00McCombie Calls for Support on Ethics Reform Measure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWp-8BzKKLhZfJGJfcvKtxsFbtW1QMJ4l_PavDu4Nuez8GkUdPvWll6XF9Ma4eyQYdx4Hu7dXHZw19i1z8_yNCKubq0ucG_hVfLsMgDzu6xPyjoN7LDeNP3KdtQwCTYGXHeKp8ZQGuAysMZpuT9k_PY3fMgTREbJq9URJq8622JSnFG4UdPfGSzZnmjc4/s1350/McCombie-Ethics-Subject-Matter-Hearing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1350" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWp-8BzKKLhZfJGJfcvKtxsFbtW1QMJ4l_PavDu4Nuez8GkUdPvWll6XF9Ma4eyQYdx4Hu7dXHZw19i1z8_yNCKubq0ucG_hVfLsMgDzu6xPyjoN7LDeNP3KdtQwCTYGXHeKp8ZQGuAysMZpuT9k_PY3fMgTREbJq9URJq8622JSnFG4UdPfGSzZnmjc4/w400-h261/McCombie-Ethics-Subject-Matter-Hearing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>House Minority Leader Tony McCombie presented an ethics reform proposal during a subject matter hearing today in the Illinois House Ethics and Elections Committee. McCombie’s legislation, <a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=4119&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=150343&SessionID=112" target="_blank">House Bill 4119</a>, would prohibit elected officials from using political campaign donations to pay for criminal defense. Leader McCombie stressed the importance of the measure, an unfortunate reminder of just how much progress the State of Illinois must make amid Ethics Awareness Month.<br /><br /><span><a name='more'></a></span>The bill would close a loophole that has enabled bad actors, including former Speaker Mike Madigan, to use millions of dollars in funds from his campaign coffer, ‘Friends of Michael Madigan,’ to pay for legal fees as he fights federal corruption and racketeering charges. During the hearing today, McCombie called HB4119 a commonsense measure.<br /><br />“We have not passed any ethics legislation this General Assembly and I would argue any significant ethics reform since I was elected in 2017,” said McCombie. “This is not acceptable, and it is our responsibility that a lack of action does not continue.”<br /><br />In light of the ongoing parade of corruption trials of elected officials and continued lack of movement on any number of House Republican ethics reform proposals, including HB4119, McCombie urged action this spring.<br /><br />“We have watched investigations, arrests, trials, and convictions come and go for decades, and this chamber has an opportunity to be the leaders on this topic,” concluded McCombie.<br /><br />The intent HB4119 is targeted to criminal offenses and civil misconduct, discrimination, and harassment. ilhousegophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918100572802423486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488430442881779427.post-12529054473861245352024-03-21T07:00:00.006-05:002024-03-21T07:00:00.143-05:00Limestone Caves Pepper Prairie State<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUPTsnuarmBJXNG1vatKdhfw0M0lt3-DHWFiMGqN7qFom3jCUSs3SVxrM_PwyqCtbBHGKNQ_SAXWjXaKtOfGFM50yAOLx3sQ6r2IDgcDsu0ON7agCspPIY-VLojy9fTFDhEnY_JdjxxqUhcl0LuyUDJRS_sq218slr_HgoS0UeunM-hxAateNtoAt9JPo/s600/caveinrock-1661-a-360600.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUPTsnuarmBJXNG1vatKdhfw0M0lt3-DHWFiMGqN7qFom3jCUSs3SVxrM_PwyqCtbBHGKNQ_SAXWjXaKtOfGFM50yAOLx3sQ6r2IDgcDsu0ON7agCspPIY-VLojy9fTFDhEnY_JdjxxqUhcl0LuyUDJRS_sq218slr_HgoS0UeunM-hxAateNtoAt9JPo/w400-h240/caveinrock-1661-a-360600.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Illinois is home to hundreds of limestone caves that stretch from just southwest of Chicago to the southern tip of the state. The ‘heart’ of cave country in Illinois can be found in Monroe County, home to more than 100 caves, more than any other county in Illinois.<br /><br />An exploration of limestone caves in Illinois begins with <a href="https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.illinoiscaverns.html" target="_blank">Illinois Caverns</a>, the second-largest cave in the state, in Waterloo. Visitors can explore the cave there from April through October. The 118-acre site was purchased by the IDNR in 1985, and it was previously referred to by names such as “Mammoth Cave” or “Burksville Cave.” The only commercially operated cave in Illinois, previous records indicate visitors paid to explore Illinois Caverns as far back as 1901. <br /><br /><span><a name='more'></a></span>The temperature in the cave at Illinois Caverns remains steady at 58 degrees year-round. An underground stream winds through the cave as well. Bats are commonplace, and back in 2010 the cave was closed to the public for over a decade to help slow the spread of a fungus that kills bats. The cave <a href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/2021/07/22/illinois-caverns-a-hidden-gem-in-southwest-illinois-reopens-after-being-closed-for-more-than-a-decade-to-protect-the-bat-population/" target="_blank">reopened</a> to the public in June 2021. The latest figures show an average of 750 visitors a month to Illinois Caverns, which includes about six miles of mapped passages. There is no entrance fee, but visitors must wear a hard hat and sturdy boots while carrying at least three light sources. <br /><br />The largest cave in Illinois is in Monroe County and owned by the IDNR. <a href="https://dnr.illinois.gov/inpc/area.area7monroefogelpolecave.html" target="_blank">Fogelpole Cave</a> includes a subterranean wilderness, with the <a href="https://illinoisaudubon.org/blog/2023/09/06/illinois-audubon-society-purchases-land-to-protect-subterranean-wilderness/#:~:text=Fogelpole%20Cave%2C%20owned%20by%20the,most%20biologically%20diverse%20cave%20system." target="_blank">Illinois Audubon Society</a> purchasing over 44 acres to help preserve the groundwater basin that drains into Fogelpole. The Fogelpole Cave includes a large and diverse animal population and is among the least-disturbed cave systems in Illinois. <br /><br />Also in Monroe County is the tiny village of <a href="https://fox2now.com/news/illinois/high-tech-underground-business-complex-hidden-near-this-illinois-town/" target="_blank">Valmeyer</a>, which was moved to a nearby bluff after the Great Flood of 1993 engulfed the town. Through the process of moving, the village acquired a limestone rock quarry that is now known as Rock City and has become a massive underground business complex. The complex includes warehouse space, food storage space, and provides massive storage space for military and civilian personnel records. Future development in Rock City could involve high tech and computer data centers. <br /><br /><a href="https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.caveinrock.html" target="_blank">Cave-in-Rock State Park</a> is located in Hardin County in deep southern Illinois on the Ohio River. The Park includes a 55-foot-wide cave carved out of limestone rock by water thousands of years ago. <br /><br />Deep southern Illinois is also home to <a href="https://www.shawneeforest.com/sand-cave/" target="_blank">Sand Cave</a>, located in the Shawnee National Forest. This landmark is known as the largest sandstone cave in North America, and visitors can access the cave through a walking trail. This remote cave includes a mouth almost 30 feet wide. <br /><br />Moving to the <a href="https://mississippirivercountry.com/outdoors-recreation/outdoor-attractions/hidden-gems-at-illinois-state-parks/" target="_blank">far northwest</a> part of the state, Mississippi Palisades State Park in Carroll County offers limestone caves, including Twin Sisters and Indian Head. In Kendall County near Chicago, remnants from a <a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070412102430.htm">limestone cave</a> have provided geologists with excavated fossils to help uncover historical secrets from over 300 million years ago. And along the Kankakee River down I-57 from Chicago sits the <a href="https://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC1T57N" target="_blank">Bourbonnais Geologic area</a>. This development, known as the Indian Caves, is located in Perry Farm Park. The small, narrow caves there are accessible for exploration, but entry is available only through a narrow crevice. ilhousegophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918100572802423486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488430442881779427.post-28133448084790198352024-03-20T07:30:00.005-05:002024-03-20T07:30:00.133-05:00Mocktails and more; temperance soars among young adults <p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK3nkiAEFIbHvs_kETyRAD2ATrLTUn8D3cSpPLSHp1UWm1PcKXpvo_-ek6KCGu3qfLh8wC2zNhl8BFy7YDcOEyk_04RpJX2ye7vM498WxTkaSV9G2MmMtfxNh2KtgsfZtfh0BRtWpVpIPLtT9AWAld6QurmWouMV98jcRJE5ZW8XfoaoO39nJBSV6yVvA/s5071/cocktail%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3295" data-original-width="5071" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK3nkiAEFIbHvs_kETyRAD2ATrLTUn8D3cSpPLSHp1UWm1PcKXpvo_-ek6KCGu3qfLh8wC2zNhl8BFy7YDcOEyk_04RpJX2ye7vM498WxTkaSV9G2MmMtfxNh2KtgsfZtfh0BRtWpVpIPLtT9AWAld6QurmWouMV98jcRJE5ZW8XfoaoO39nJBSV6yVvA/w400-h260/cocktail%205.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Within the last twenty years, young adults have made
the shift to drink less alcohol than the generations before them. According to <a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/509690/young-adults-drinking-less-prior-decades.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Gallup
Research</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">, approximately 62% of adults aged 35 and younger say
they drink alcohol, which is down from 72%, which was reported just 20 years
ago.</span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With this data in mind, some raise the question of why
young adults have shifted their mindset on alcohol. Researchers have pinpointed
a few explanations as to why there has been a decline in young adults consuming
alcoholic beverages. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span></span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">According to a report by <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/claraludmir/2023/06/27/why-genz-is-drinking-less-and-what-this-means-for-the-alcohol-industry/?sh=1659cb2b48d1" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Forbes</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">,
one potential reason is the taste over effect being prioritized. Higher proof
alcohol is typically more potent than drinks with less alcohol in them, making
the taste rather unpleasant, but allowing for quicker intoxication. Noting
this, young adults have decided to prioritize enjoying their choice of drink at
a bar, club, or restaurant by ordering based on taste, or opting for a
non-alcoholic choice. This movement has been coined as “sober curious”, meaning
trying to lead a sober lifestyle by trying alternatives, or “Generation Dry”, another
name for Generation Z, as they choose to opt out of alcoholic options. <o:p></o:p></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Another reason cited by </span><a href="https://www.kantar.com/north-america/inspiration/consumer/why-young-adults-are-turning-to-low-no-alcohol-drinks" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">researchers</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">
for the decline in young adults’ interest in drinking alcohol is the health-conscious
wave that has resonated with many. Young adults have adopted healthier habits
and have started by cutting alcohol, as they are more concerned with weight
gain associated with binge drinking, improving overall health, reducing risks
of disease, improving sleep patterns, and avoiding the inevitable hangover. Growing
popular with young adults is a trend known as “Dry January”. This event
designates the month of January as an alcohol-free month to cleanse from the
holiday season and start the new year off on a good note. Variations of this
trend include “soft Dry January”, which is a less stringent version, cutting
down on alcohol consumption. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Compellingly, many young adults have decided to skip
the rite of passage of intense alcohol consumption because of the acceptance of
choosing a sober or “sober curious”. Even as early as twenty years ago, a young
adult saying they were sober often insinuated the person had issues with
alcoholism, rather than just choosing not to drink. Now, the </span><a href="https://www.uhhospitals.org/blog/articles/2024/02/zero-proof-why-more-people-are-choosing-low-or-no-alcohol-drinks#:~:text=In%20the%20past%20twenty%20years,traditional%20wine%2C%20beer%20or%20liquor." target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">movement</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">
toward sobriety or abstaining from alcohol encapsulates over a third of the
young adult population and spans across the United Kingdom, Australia, and
other countries. Many young adults have decided to ditch the cycle of drinking on
weekends and wasting the next day recovering by adopting the “sober curious” or
sober lifestyle. Currently on social media, hashtags such as “sober curious”,
“sober life”, or “sobriety journey” have millions of uses and views, catering
to all different audiences on the platforms, showing how to navigate going out
on the weekends, after making the choice to become sober. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">With young adults leaning towards a non-alcoholic or
low-alcoholic diet and lifestyle, the </span><a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/05/business/hard-seltzer-spiked-drinks/index.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">market</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">
for alcoholic beverages has made changes to cater to the group. Soda and juice
companies have decided to get involved by creating “spiked” options of classic
favorites. Mtn Dew, SunnyD, Simply Lemonade, and Arnold Palmer are a few of the
brands that have added mixed drinks to their lineup that contain little
alcohol, in hopes of drawing in young adults (CNN). <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Not only has the low-alcoholic market been ignited,
the mocktail and non-alcoholic options have also grown immensely over the past
10 years. Previously, the market only offered non-alcoholic wine or beer, but
now includes seltzers, champagne, and other spirits, keeping in mind that those
who have low or anti-alcohol motives may enjoy the taste, just not the effects
of traditional alcoholic options. Spirit brands have </span><a href="https://www.cbc.ca/radio/day6/millennials-gen-z-non-alcoholic-drink-zero-proof-1.6704610" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">introduced</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">
zero-proof options that allow young adults to taste the alcohol of their
choosing, without experiencing any effects (CBC). Mocktail sales have increased
exponentially and are predicted to hit $9.43 billion by 2028, according to </span><a href="https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-ready-to-drink-rtd-mocktails-market#:~:text=Market%20Analysis%20and%20Insights%20%3A%20Global,forecast%20period%20of%202021%2D2028." target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Data
Bridge Market Research</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For those sober-curious, of any generation, linked below
are some popular mocktail recipes to try at your next social outing:</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="https://tasty.co/recipe/cranberry-rosemary-herb-soda" target="_blank">Cranberry Rosemary Herb Soda: Mocktail version of a Cranberry Rosemary Spritz</a></span></li><li><a href="https://www.thekitchn.com/the-3-ingredient-pimms-cup-inspired-mocktail-243263" target="_blank">Sparkling Strawberry Cucumber Mocktail: Non-alcoholic Strawberry Cucumber Sangria drink</a></li><li><a href="https://www.amyscookingadventures.com/2016/01/chocolate-fake-tini-foodiesread.html" target="_blank">Chocolate Fake-tini: Non-alcoholic version of a Chocolate Martini</a></li><li><a href="https://www.cookwithmanali.com/non-alcoholic-apple-cider-sangria/" target="_blank">Non-Alcoholic Apple Cider Sangria: Mocktail of an Apple Cider Sangria</a></li><li><a href="https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/spicy-lemon-ginger-tonic" target="_blank">SpicyLemon-Ginger Tonic: Nonalcoholic way to make a Ginger Tonic drink</a></li></ul><p></p>ilhousegophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918100572802423486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488430442881779427.post-72155029108288206322024-03-19T05:30:00.000-05:002024-03-19T05:30:00.128-05:00March 19 is Primary Election Day in Illinois<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht6_5oEUUy_8V-G6iTwZqdeqAaGiVhRdj2FPLBH7_HLP6yZfy5uQPClyeui7QN-U5mNxbPOsHNdmwrpxc5MkVeu-cZ7e142mZKxdVPH0PjQqZv-EbZWIPni4pU2Hr12hASBQAm4_uwkMU9u8rrHK6WZPZHMK1p0x19PbcLXEmYIU-04i6CTgBFII8yIYI/s1504/voting%20booths.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1504" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht6_5oEUUy_8V-G6iTwZqdeqAaGiVhRdj2FPLBH7_HLP6yZfy5uQPClyeui7QN-U5mNxbPOsHNdmwrpxc5MkVeu-cZ7e142mZKxdVPH0PjQqZv-EbZWIPni4pU2Hr12hASBQAm4_uwkMU9u8rrHK6WZPZHMK1p0x19PbcLXEmYIU-04i6CTgBFII8yIYI/w400-h266/voting%20booths.png" width="400" /></a></div>Five states, including Illinois, will be holding their Primary Election
Days on Tuesday, March 19, a week after both Joe Biden and Donald Trump secured
their parties nominations to top the ticket as presidential candidates
presented to voters in the General Election on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-themecolor: text1;">However, that doesn’t mean Illinois voters will find no choices to make
in their primary balloting. Voters will not only have an opportunity to weigh
in on presidential nominees and their delegates but will also get an
opportunity to vote for their chosen parties nominees for the U.S. House,
Illinois House, some Illinois Senate seats, and numerous elections to Illinois’
judiciary, and local government offices like County Board and some County
officials. City of Chicago voters will also have the opportunity to vote on a
Real Estate Transfer Tax referendum.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-themecolor: text1;">This election cycle will be the second cycle under new legislative maps
redrawn in 2020 following the decennial census and reapportionment process. It
will be the first cycle for many voters to cast ballots in their new judicial
districts following the remap process.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: text1;">Information
about Voting<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-themecolor: text1;">According to the </span><a href="https://www.elections.il.gov/ElectionOperations/ElectionDayVoting.aspx"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Illinois State Board of Elections</span></a><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-themecolor: text1;">, the polls
are open from 6 a.m. - 7 p.m. </span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br />
<br />
Prior to voting, voters may familiarize themselves with their voting rights and
related voter information. </span><a href="https://www.elections.il.gov/NewDocDisplay.aspx?%2fM0cs48zOKVZyk9eAbpEoxjoGz9b5YaGE%2bEuf7JVd2Tlx2Mybp2RbacEJVh848tnFOLoTd3G4cRsCxSj%2bcrL1MmhG9QsYgJ9yqzzZebnJfk2%2fmf4NU%2b3SIRiZYahDScauSa%2fgZLRWnGHOZ7Srh1A5GYB6gdvGgIm"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Click here to view Illinois Voter
Information.</span></a><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-themecolor: text1;">Sample ballots can be provided by your local Election Authority, which
you can find how to contact </span><a href="https://www.elections.il.gov/ElectionOperations/ElectionAuthorities.aspx"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">here</span></a><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-themecolor: text1;">.<br />
<br />
Each jurisdiction selects a voting system from among the systems that have been
tested and certified for use in Illinois by the State Board of Elections. Each
voter is entitled to receive instruction on the use of the voting equipment.
Disabled voters may receive assistance in voting either from the election
judges or from a person of the voter's choice.<br />
<br />
</span><a href="https://www.elections.il.gov/NewDocDisplay.aspx?%2fM0cs48zOKVZyk9eAbpEoxjoGz9b5YaGOZJlr8CbkngFbsRPV%2f1ATx4aQkxzja565ESGno4fDfetZNJEnD3jlKUsS4RoI55UaaHzJzO%2bW22z%2bFdnOD0t%2fwh1C2oj%2b6xu9OKV70QKyyCJ2u7m4jS1cZCxOH0ps4mf8PWkMSx2sxEwpxmIn1P9uHbAel4aXZ%2ftbAivgLVU453wxr6ePqjkDb0b2APZb8sjvmAuY6CF2BpPQw%2bdyilGZx319c6pg2lixcxPRIaChao%3d"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Click here to view Voting Systems by County.</span></a><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br />
</span><a href="https://www.elections.il.gov/ElectionOperations/VotingInstructions.aspx"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Click here to view Voting Instructions and
Assistance.</span></a><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br />
</span><a href="https://www.elections.il.gov/NewDocDisplay.aspx?%2fM0cs48zOKVZyk9eAbpEoxjoGz9b5YaGE%2bEuf7JVd2Tlx2Mybp2RbacEJVh848tnFOLoTd3G4cRsCxSj%2bcrL1MmhG9QsYgJ9%2ftVT7nIzTsF%2bW7WwiEB4W5ojpSiurudPyueyA4O7U0svLG8o7oHDhg%3d%3d"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Click here for information on Voter
Assistance.</span></a><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br />
<br />
Voters whose registration is active at their residence will receive a full
ballot which includes all offices and public requests applicable to that
address. Voters who have moved and not updated their registration record should
check with their election authority (county clerk or board of election
commissioners) to determine what ballot they may receive on Election Day.<br />
<br />
If a voter's name doesn't appear on the official voter list or if his/her vote
is successfully challenged, they may cast a provisional ballot. A voter who
casts a provisional ballot may check the status of that ballot to determine
whether it was tabulated.<br />
<br />
</span><a href="https://www.elections.il.gov/NewDocDisplay.aspx?%2fM0cs48zOKVZyk9eAbpEoxjoGz9b5YaGE%2bEuf7JVd2Tlx2Mybp2RbacEJVh848tnFOLoTd3G4cRsCxSj%2bcrL1MmhG9QsYgJ9wLcsNnM%2fXIuUHd1t%2b364AGqaMSnCpJ4Q%2bBr6S8vrv9k2jo5dDGVArA%3d%3d"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Click here for information on Provisional
Voting in Illinois.</span></a><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br />
</span><a href="https://www.elections.il.gov/VotingAndRegistrationSystems/ProvisionalBallotSearch.aspx"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Click here to search Provisional Ballots.</span></a><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br />
<br />
Candidates, political parties and civic organizations are entitled to appoint
pollwatchers to observe the conduct of procedures in the polling place. Voters
also play a key role in helping guarantee fair elections by reporting
fraudulent activities in or near the polling place.<br />
<br />
</span><a href="https://www.elections.il.gov/ElectionOperations/Pollwatchers.aspx"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Click here for information on Pollwatchers.</span></a><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br />
</span><a href="https://www.elections.il.gov/NewDocDisplay.aspx?%2fM0cs48zOKVZyk9eAbpEoxjoGz9b5YaGE%2bEuf7JVd2Tlx2Mybp2RbacEJVh848tnFOLoTd3G4cRsCxSj%2bcrL1MmhG9QsYgJ9KNiUiCBhfbx%2bNWLu624Spuzg51vejoCluLAnPznV8Hsnt8MHbPhO1jWjvXx8luDhVz2xpgTrVk8%3d"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Click here for information on Preventing Vote
Fraud.</span></a><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>ilhousegophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918100572802423486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488430442881779427.post-26329234529577888412024-03-18T09:17:00.003-05:002024-03-18T09:17:34.548-05:00Illinois leads way in Agriculture<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96rbP1mgPNJ_EVhj5wJKaXAdBSX2wjjHZb64jzRGnp-34u0ugkZyPnlu3vaL0reUL8-iJc5x7ctWI6-8DtzDDVAEHyeEvicgw6t0Os0OCDhtTw2MbR3TNzoJNyClgSinf6oO5DLlFSqnSQ-YeMBT8cUOO9A7RY_7X0r25cuhNwmTwkzYeL2s-ZVpMv-c/s1024/FB-pres-1024x768.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96rbP1mgPNJ_EVhj5wJKaXAdBSX2wjjHZb64jzRGnp-34u0ugkZyPnlu3vaL0reUL8-iJc5x7ctWI6-8DtzDDVAEHyeEvicgw6t0Os0OCDhtTw2MbR3TNzoJNyClgSinf6oO5DLlFSqnSQ-YeMBT8cUOO9A7RY_7X0r25cuhNwmTwkzYeL2s-ZVpMv-c/w400-h300/FB-pres-1024x768.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; font-family: Roboto; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Leader McCombie and
Deputy Leader Ryan Spain are pictured </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; font-family: Roboto; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">with Farm Bureau President Brian Duncan
(Ogle County).</span></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table><div>With
National Ag Week taking place from March 17-23, 2024, the Illinois State
Capitol was abuzz with activity during the Session Week before as agricultural
advocates including local farm bureau groups, FFA students, and livestock and
energy industry advocates took to their State Capitol to advocate for Illinois
leading role in agricultural production of energy, food and fiber for the
world.</div><div><p></p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Illinois
is the #1 soybean producing state in the country.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">15%
of all U.S. soybeans are produced in Illinois.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Illinois
is the #2 corn producing state in the country.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">13%
of our country’s supply of corn is grown on Illinois farms.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Crop
land makes up 76% of Illinois.</li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="color: black;">Illinois agriculture goes far
beyond corn and soybeans. Illinois has good soil and a favorable climate, among
other factors, making the state a top grower of several <a href="https://www.ilfb.org/resources/learn-about-il-agriculture/local-food/illinois-specialty-crops/">specialty
crops</a> as well. Many people don’t realize that foods like
pumpkins, peaches, apples, grapes, horseradish and melons are grown on Illinois
farmland. In fact, more than 64 vegetables and 15 fruit and nut crops are
grown in Illinois and produce nearly $500 million in sales for
farmers. </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The importance
of the agricultural sector of Illinois’ economy drove leaders of Illinois Farm
Bureau, including IFB President Brian Duncan, to join representatives of nearly
50 diverse agriculture organizations to discuss key issues with lawmakers last
week in Springfield. “This is our day to show our state’s elected officials
that we are one and that we are an important voice on issues that are not only
important for agriculture today, but for the future and for future
generations,” said </span><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.farmweeknow.com/general/ag-legislative-day-unites-leaders-throughout-illinois/article_a3f5d8e2-e179-11ee-b58d-4b6a48bd6573.html"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Duncan</span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">, who met with legislators on both sides of the aisle.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: text1;">House
Republicans working to keep family farms in families<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">For the past
seven years, Leader McCombie has worked in the Illinois House of
Representatives to address the estate tax–alongside several House Republican
members who have pursued ways in which small businesses, farmers, and family
businesses could see relief from the punitive nature of the state’s archaic tax
system which “re-taxes” assets upon death of the owner.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">This past
Spring, McCombie provided subject matter testimony in the House Revenue
Committee in support of legislation she sponsored to reduce the estate tax and
protect family farms. McCombie was joined in the Capitol last March by members
of the Farm Bureau and the National Federation of Independent Business who were
supportive of her bill and provided key testimony in favor of the measure,
which would prevent any double taxation of inherited farms and small
businesses.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">“Illinois’
estate tax hurts our farm families. House Republicans have consistently fought
to increase the exclusion amount to account for rising farmland values. I’m
proud to stand with the Illinois Farm Bureau and my colleagues in support of
this critically needed change to our tax laws that will help family farmers
pass their farmland on to the next generation, protecting our family farms from
being sold off to large corporate or foreign interests,” said Norine Hammond
(R-Macomb), Deputy House Republican Leader.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">According to
State Representative Charlie Meier (R-Okawville), “The estate tax has
devastated family farms for decades as these farms are often sold to pay the
inheritance tax.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Rep. Meier is
not only a farmer but serves as the Republican Spokesperson on the House
Agriculture & Conservation Committee. “Improving estate tax exemptions for
farmers will help save family farms when the farm is passed down to each
generation,” continued Meier. “Family farms treat their farmland like family as
it helps provide for their family and produces the crops that help feed the
world. Our country has the lowest food costs in the world, thanks to family
farms.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">State
Representative Jason R. Bunting (R-Emington) also echoed his support for the
measure. “For far too long, Illinois’ estate tax system has threatened family
farms – like mine and my neighbors – with the prospect of having to sell the
farm if there is a death in the family,” said Bunting. “Families going through
a difficult time should not have to make the tough decision about whether or
not to sell the farm. This legislation moves us toward a better system which
will help keep farms in the family hands which have worked for generations.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Join the
fight to keep family farms in families today by signing our </span><a href="https://www.ilhousegop.org/keep_family_farms"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Petition</span></a><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: text1;">Know
When They Grow – Crop Seasons in Illinois<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Illinois
encompasses over 55,000 square miles, and from Rockford south to Cairo, there
are climate differences in various areas of the state year-round. Illinois is a
top five state when it comes to agricultural receipts, and knowing the
different growing seasons is key for residents planting small gardens to large
scale crop fields and everything in between.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Typical
outdoor growing seasons range from 160 days a year in the far north around
Rockford, to 190 days in the far southern areas of the state. Southern
Illinois’ longer growing season means that crops there can be started two weeks
earlier than crops in Central Illinois, and they can typically harvest for two
weeks longer. Northern Illinois has a shorter growing season, and crops there
are often planted two weeks later than those in Central Illinois.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Planting
dates are determined by the first and last frost dates where you grow, and how
much time it takes for a crop to mature. Always check the plant tag, seed
packet or seed bag instructions for the recommended date. Cool season
vegetables grow and develop best in the temperatures of early spring or fall.
Some cool season crops can withstand frost without being damaged, and some are
even improved by experiencing a light frost. Examples of these types of
vegetables are carrots, kale, turnips and radishes. Warm season vegetables do
not grow well in lower temperatures and must be planted well after the average
last frost date. Examples of these vegetables are tomatoes, squash and peppers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">In Southern
Illinois, the average frost-free date is between April 1-10, and the first
frost average is October 21-30. In Central Illinois, the average first
frost-free date is between April 11-30, and the first frost range is October
11-20. And in Northern Illinois, the average first frost-free date is May 1-10,
and the first frost is much earlier, from September 21-30. The University of
Illinois Extension has some great online resources, including planting guides
and tips here </span><a href="https://extension.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/illinois_planting_guide_2022.02.02.pdf"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">illinois_planting_guide_2022.02.02.pdf</span></a><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">.<o:p></o:p></span></p><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></span><p></p></div>ilhousegophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918100572802423486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488430442881779427.post-78712892644138810332024-03-17T08:00:00.003-05:002024-03-18T09:00:05.106-05:00House Republicans call for property tax relief, offer Solutions<p><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oAYJAOWTPEzQ43wghiv_YJpEAWLDq16lU3RugZ5XUMrNVig8m22IIoMV21ANHXO-hePRQ0u_OMb8iEsZNC6TKeHhDpZ6tamAZaKu4WDwzpsSXnedhrhibF5UyqWdFCrx_ifNvlYXZ9MPDUp8d03bTo3Je58idjTcB1IuZbFxFt_YSIpM7YArnApq7G4/s1561/Weber%20(24)%20-%203-13%20-%20press%20conference%201.1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1231" data-original-width="1561" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oAYJAOWTPEzQ43wghiv_YJpEAWLDq16lU3RugZ5XUMrNVig8m22IIoMV21ANHXO-hePRQ0u_OMb8iEsZNC6TKeHhDpZ6tamAZaKu4WDwzpsSXnedhrhibF5UyqWdFCrx_ifNvlYXZ9MPDUp8d03bTo3Je58idjTcB1IuZbFxFt_YSIpM7YArnApq7G4/w400-h315/Weber%20(24)%20-%203-13%20-%20press%20conference%201.1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This week at the Illinois Capitol, State
Representative <a href="https://repweber.com/2024/03/13/rep-weber-colleagues-call-for-property-tax-relief-offer-solutions/" target="_blank">Tom Weber</a> was joined by fellow Representatives <a href="https://joesosnowski.org/" target="_blank">Joe Sosnowski</a> and <a href="https://repmclaughlin.com/" target="_blank">Martin McLaughlin</a> to call on the State to act on <a href="https://repweber.com/2024/03/13/rep-weber-colleagues-call-for-property-tax-relief-offer-solutions/" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">property
tax relief</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">. Despite many years of claiming to support property tax relief,
the majority party in Springfield has only allowed minimal action on relief
proposals. The solutions offered by Weber and his colleagues would place hard
caps on property tax increases that have been driving families and small
businesses out of the state for years.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">“Men and women across Illinois have worked
hard and done everything right to provide a home for their families,” said
Weber. “Unfortunately, for too many people, the dream of homeownership has
turned into a nightmare of unmanageable property tax bills that are threatening
their ability to keep their homes.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">“As I represent a district on the border of
Wisconsin, I can tell you how frustrating it is when constituents, especially
seniors who have lived in Illinois for decades, tell me they have no choice but
to consider leaving Illinois because they can’t afford the taxes on their home
anymore. The limitations in current state law that are supposed to prevent
drastic year-on-year increases in property taxes are not working, and that’s
why I’m proposing legislation to put hard caps in place to prevent these
excessive tax increases.”</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">While the State of Illinois has the
Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL) to prevent local taxing bodies
from increasing their annual property tax levies by more than 5% or CPI,
whichever is less, nothing prevents taxes on individual properties from
increasing well above 5% in a given year. To address this problem, Weber has
filed two pieces of legislation, House Bills <a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocTypeID=HB&DocNum=4354&GAID=17&SessionID=112&LegID=151260" target="_blank">4354</a> and <a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=4716&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=152373&SessionID=112" target="_blank">4716</a>, to put caps in law to prevent individual property tax
bills and assessments from going above 5% or 3%, respectively.</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">“We cannot turn a blind eye to the fact
that increasing property taxes are pushing hardworking people to the brink,
forcing many to consider selling their homes to seek refuge in cheaper, and
sometimes questionable areas,” Weber continued. “We must create a more stable
and predictable tax environment that allows individuals and families to plan
for their financial future without the fear of losing their homes due to
unmanageable tax bills.”</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><a href="https://joesosnowski.org/2024/03/13/rep-sosnowski-calls-for-cap-on-property-tax-bill-increases/">Rep.
Sosnowski</a> has filed legislation, <a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=3390&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=148556&SessionID=112">House
Bill 3390</a>, which would cap the annual increase of residential property tax
bills at 3%.<o:p></o:p></p>ilhousegophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918100572802423486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488430442881779427.post-18166752051329857282024-03-16T08:00:00.002-05:002024-03-16T08:00:00.130-05:00House Republicans reveal IDFPR bill package to provide fixes<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3ltinkBVvJ2tkDwDdzVnLRahZ1_Afl_LJ-UnHs2y-kftcKspLry9srigNzXYV9NwZY0vt6c377vD8tXBNk6PMwIyubLWN8T31c0XMmAdaed1VGPneKKY-p0NwlldcolRuxUoEWKB4cDlcr2A3K9yrMEGaIityn9Nwo_DkHVqg5wVHpVtt1KOQ8AJGdk/s2560/McCombie%20(24)%203-12%20-%20IDFPR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2560" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3ltinkBVvJ2tkDwDdzVnLRahZ1_Afl_LJ-UnHs2y-kftcKspLry9srigNzXYV9NwZY0vt6c377vD8tXBNk6PMwIyubLWN8T31c0XMmAdaed1VGPneKKY-p0NwlldcolRuxUoEWKB4cDlcr2A3K9yrMEGaIityn9Nwo_DkHVqg5wVHpVtt1KOQ8AJGdk/w400-h320/McCombie%20(24)%203-12%20-%20IDFPR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>House Minority Leader <b>Tony McCombie</b> held a <a href="https://youtu.be/ckB9oV2tHRI?si=QCIHUQZ6QxLlqq2E">press conference</a> this
week to discuss the ongoing issues at the Illinois Department of Financial and
Professional Regulation. McCombie stood alongside State Representatives <b>Dave
Severin</b> and <b>Bill Hauter</b> to talk about the frustration IDFPR has caused
residents and discuss their <a href="https://repmccombie.com/2024/03/13/house-republicans-reveal-idfpr-bill-package-to-provide-fixes/">legislative
package to provide solutions</a>.<p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">The package includes McCombie’s License
Convenience Act (<a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=4855&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=152687&SessionID=112">House
Bill 4855</a>), which would require the department to accept electronic
payments for licenses and fees.</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>“IDFPR is too often the barrier to people
working,” said McCombie. “Significant delays, breakdowns in communications,
lost applications, and just overall dysfunction have too often resulted in
bipartisan frustration with this agency. We have written letters, reached out
to the Director, and many of us have seen first-hand the pain this agency
causes our constituents who want to work throughout the state. It is imperative
this agency comes to terms with its own mismanagement and implements solutions.
Not years from now, but now…. Where is the sense of urgency?”<p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">“Illinois is losing highly-compensated,
highly-trained individuals like physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, nurse
anesthetists, physical therapists, veterinarians and many more to other states.
Why? Because we can’t get our licensing act together,” Hauter said.</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><a href="https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=1572&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=143903&SessionID=112">House
Bill 1572</a>, sponsored by <a href="https://rephauter.com/2024/03/12/rep-hauter-discusses-professional-licensure-reform-legislation/">Rep.
Hauter</a>, expedites licensure for health care professionals. Applicants for
licenses in Illinois often face longer wait times than applicants in
neighboring states, making it harder for health care facilities in Illinois to
hire personnel and meet the state’s health care needs.</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">Below is the IDFPR legislative package House
Republicans revealed this week:</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Lowering Barriers and Costs for Licensure<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=4855&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=152687&SessionID=112">HB
4855</a> (McCombie) Requires DFPR to accept online payments<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=5147&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=153249&SessionID=112">HB
5147</a>, <a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=5148&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=153250&SessionID=112">HB
5148</a> (Davidsmeyer), <a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=5006&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=152957&SessionID=112">HB
5006</a> (Coffey) Lowers licensure<br />
costs</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">License Reciprocity and Expedited Licensure<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=4988&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=152925&SessionID=112">HB
4988</a> (Spain) Nurse Licensure Compact<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=5608&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=153996&SessionID=112">HB
5608</a> (Jacobs) Universal Recognition of Licenses Act to streamline<br />
out-of-state licensees<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=1572&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=143903&SessionID=112">HB
1572</a> (Hauter) Expedited licensure for health care professionals<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=4617&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=151969&SessionID=112">HB
4617</a> (Davidsmeyer) Reciprocity and online education for<br />
cosmetologists<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=4570&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=151829&SessionID=112">HB
4570</a> (Severin) Streamline teaching requirements for cosmetologists<br />
and barbers</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Learning More About Licensing<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=5007&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=152958&SessionID=112">HB
5007</a> (Coffey) Creates the Licensure Reform Task Force to gather<br />
facts on licensure delays and costs<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=3437&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=148604&SessionID=112">HB
3437</a> (Hauter) Creates a Task Force to determine if prescribing<br />
psychologists’ scope can be expanded while maintaining safety for<br />
patients<o:p></o:p></p>ilhousegophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918100572802423486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488430442881779427.post-4429599135229818672024-03-15T14:09:00.004-05:002024-03-15T17:39:06.909-05:00Week in Review: Taxes, Professional Regulation, State Budget and More<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQ0AF6jIeXR6cgq2HyZslirf1LKHjLeNee0A262VrwVvSuinBMVOSGcCxGdg8_7OvPReMtY2qpHDNlZJOkj74tyRYONu65eCAKC-iT4LaELvUItQXjNpmAQ_GwsrE4Zfsn28I_WtyktbcHBYh71LUMjbsM24PAv94GLvWJX1IoEvxXBIdGZVhZQTJ5Pc/s398/Week%20in%20Review%202023-01.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="398" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQ0AF6jIeXR6cgq2HyZslirf1LKHjLeNee0A262VrwVvSuinBMVOSGcCxGdg8_7OvPReMtY2qpHDNlZJOkj74tyRYONu65eCAKC-iT4LaELvUItQXjNpmAQ_GwsrE4Zfsn28I_WtyktbcHBYh71LUMjbsM24PAv94GLvWJX1IoEvxXBIdGZVhZQTJ5Pc/w400-h268/Week%20in%20Review%202023-01.png" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">TAXES</span><p></p><p><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Illinois’ High Taxes are Stifling Economic
Growth. </b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">At a </span><a href="https://youtu.be/LkWZd_JJ19c?si=1cToeyFu0rM4DlS0" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">press conference</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> this
week in Springfield, State Representative Dan Ugaste and three Republican
colleagues highlighted a recent report from Moody’s Analytics and the
Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability that outlined how the
current economy in Illinois is stalled and </span><a href="https://repugaste.com/2024/03/12/rep-ugaste-illinois-high-taxes-are-stifling-economic-growth/" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">high
tax burdens are a main reason</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.</span></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">“The Moody’s Report stated what Republicans
and many others have been saying for years, that Illinois is overtaxed and
overregulated,” Rep. Ugaste stated. “Democrats continue to double down their
same path of bad policies toward businesses, and these policies will continue
to lead to closures and relocations to neighboring states.”</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">The Governor’s budget proposal for this
year includes an increase in taxes on businesses of nearly $1 billion. The
Democrats’ outrageous policies are stifling any chance of prosperity and
economic growth in Illinois. Illinois House Republicans have offered numerous
solutions to help lower taxes and provide relief to hard-working families and
business owners.</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=4866&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=152715&SessionID=112">House
Bill 4866</a>, introduced this spring by Rep. Tim Ozinga and Rep. Ugaste,
offers a property tax relief plan that is projected to save Illinois taxpayers,
businesses, and individuals $82 billion over the next 21 years. This plan will
help lower-income communities the most, working to address Illinois’ ‘worst in
the nation’ status for Economic Racial Equality as found by a WalletHub report
last year.</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">For reference, the Moody’s
Analytics/Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability Report can be
found here: <a href="https://cgfa.ilga.gov/Upload/2024MoodysStofILEconomicForecast.pdf">Moody’s
Analytics State of Illinois Forecast Report (ilga.gov)</a></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Rep. Weber, Colleagues Call for Property Tax
Relief, Offer Solutions. </b>This week
at the Illinois Capitol, State Representative Tom Weber was joined by
fellow Representatives Joe Sosnowski and Martin McLaughlin to call on
the State to act on <a href="https://repweber.com/2024/03/13/rep-weber-colleagues-call-for-property-tax-relief-offer-solutions/">property
tax relief</a>. Despite many years of claiming to support property tax relief,
the majority party in Springfield has only allowed minimal action on relief
proposals. The solutions offered by Weber and his colleagues would place hard
caps on property tax increases that have been driving families and small
businesses out of the state for years.</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">“Men and women across Illinois have worked
hard and done everything right to provide a home for their families,” said
Weber. “Unfortunately, for too many people, the dream of homeownership has
turned into a nightmare of unmanageable property tax bills that are threatening
their ability to keep their homes.</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">“As I represent a district on the border of
Wisconsin, I can tell you how frustrating it is when constituents, especially
seniors who have lived in Illinois for decades, tell me they have no choice but
to consider leaving Illinois because they can’t afford the taxes on their home
anymore. The limitations in current state law that are supposed to prevent
drastic year-on-year increases in property taxes are not working, and that’s
why I’m proposing legislation to put hard caps in place to prevent these
excessive tax increases.”</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">While the State of Illinois has the
Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL) to prevent local taxing bodies
from increasing their annual property tax levies by more than 5% or CPI,
whichever is less, nothing prevents taxes on individual properties from
increasing well above 5% in a given year. To address this problem, Weber has
filed two pieces of legislation, House Bills <a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocTypeID=HB&DocNum=4354&GAID=17&SessionID=112&LegID=151260" target="_blank">4354</a> and <a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=4716&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=152373&SessionID=112" target="_blank">4716</a>, to put caps in law to prevent individual property tax
bills and assessments from going above 5% or 3%, respectively.</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">“We cannot turn a blind eye to the fact
that increasing property taxes are pushing hardworking people to the brink,
forcing many to consider selling their homes to seek refuge in cheaper, and
sometimes questionable areas,” Weber continued. “We must create a more stable
and predictable tax environment that allows individuals and families to plan
for their financial future without the fear of losing their homes due to
unmanageable tax bills.”</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><a href="https://joesosnowski.org/2024/03/13/rep-sosnowski-calls-for-cap-on-property-tax-bill-increases/">Rep.
Sosnowski</a> has filed legislation, <a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=3390&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=148556&SessionID=112">House
Bill 3390</a>, which would cap the annual increase of residential property tax
bills at 3%.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;">PROFESSIONAL REGULATION</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">House Republicans Reveal Legislative Package
to Address Failures at IDFPR. </b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">House
Minority Leader Tony McCombie held a </span><a href="https://youtu.be/ckB9oV2tHRI?si=QCIHUQZ6QxLlqq2E" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">press conference</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> this
week to discuss the ongoing issues at the Illinois Department of Financial and
Professional Regulation. McCombie stood alongside State Representatives Dave
Severin and Bill Hauter to talk about the frustration IDFPR has caused
residents and discuss their </span><a href="https://repmccombie.com/2024/03/13/house-republicans-reveal-idfpr-bill-package-to-provide-fixes/" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">legislative
package to provide solutions</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">The package includes McCombie’s License
Convenience Act (<a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=4855&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=152687&SessionID=112">House
Bill 4855</a>), which would require the department to accept electronic
payments for licenses and fees.</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">“IDFPR is too often the barrier to people
working,” said McCombie. “Significant delays, breakdowns in communications,
lost applications, and just overall dysfunction have too often resulted in
bipartisan frustration with this agency. We have written letters, reached out
to the Director, and many of us have seen first-hand the pain this agency
causes our constituents who want to work throughout the state. It is imperative
this agency comes to terms with its own mismanagement and implements solutions.
Not years from now, but now…. Where is the sense of urgency?”</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">“Illinois is losing highly-compensated,
highly-trained individuals like physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, nurse
anesthetists, physical therapists, veterinarians and many more to other states.
Why? Because we can’t get our licensing act together,” Hauter said.</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><a href="https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=1572&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=143903&SessionID=112">House
Bill 1572</a>, sponsored by <a href="https://rephauter.com/2024/03/12/rep-hauter-discusses-professional-licensure-reform-legislation/">Rep.
Hauter</a>, expedites licensure for health care professionals. Applicants for
licenses in Illinois often face longer wait times than applicants in
neighboring states, making it harder for health care facilities in Illinois to
hire personnel and meet the state’s health care needs.</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">Below is the IDFPR legislative package House
Republicans revealed this week:</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Lowering Barriers and Costs for Licensure<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=4855&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=152687&SessionID=112">HB
4855</a> (McCombie) Requires DFPR to accept online payments<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=5147&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=153249&SessionID=112">HB
5147</a>, <a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=5148&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=153250&SessionID=112">HB
5148</a> (Davidsmeyer), <a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=5006&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=152957&SessionID=112">HB
5006</a> (Coffey) Lowers licensure<br />
costs</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">License Reciprocity and Expedited Licensure<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=4988&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=152925&SessionID=112">HB
4988</a> (Spain) Nurse Licensure Compact<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=5608&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=153996&SessionID=112">HB
5608</a> (Jacobs) Universal Recognition of Licenses Act to streamline<br />
out-of-state licensees<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=1572&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=143903&SessionID=112">HB
1572</a> (Hauter) Expedited licensure for health care professionals<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=4617&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=151969&SessionID=112">HB
4617</a> (Davidsmeyer) Reciprocity and online education for<br />
cosmetologists<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=4570&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=151829&SessionID=112">HB
4570</a> (Severin) Streamline teaching requirements for cosmetologists<br />
and barbers</p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Learning More About Licensing<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=5007&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=152958&SessionID=112">HB
5007</a> (Coffey) Creates the Licensure Reform Task Force to gather<br />
facts on licensure delays and costs<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=3437&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=148604&SessionID=112">HB
3437</a> (Hauter) Creates a Task Force to determine if prescribing<br />
psychologists’ scope can be expanded while maintaining safety for<br />
patients</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a name="_Hlk161159204"><span style="font-size: x-large;">BUDGET</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">CGFA, GOMB present FY24 and FY25 budget forecasts
to General Assembly</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">. A leading voice
in this week’s discussions was that of the Commission on Government Forecasting
and Accountability (CGFA), an arm of the Illinois General Assembly. CGFA met on
Tuesday, March 12 to discuss its final budget forecast for FY24 (fiscal year ending
June 30, 2024) and its extended forecast for FY25 (fiscal year beginning July
1, 2024 and continuing until June 30, 2025). CGFA staff then presented their
budget forecast to the Illinois House Revenue and Finance Committee on
Thursday, March 14. Along with numbers from the Governor’s Office of Management
and Budget (GOMB), the FY25 CGFA budget forecast will guide the Illinois House
and Senate as they craft a budget and appropriation bill or bills during the
2024 spring session.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">CGFA’s
look at the closing months of the FY24 budget was largely positive. After
monitoring numbers from the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) and near-term
projections of approaching economic activity from economists nationwide, the
Commission’s staff was able to report this week that Illinois has seen “<a href="https://capitolnewsillinois.com/NEWS/with-recession-fears-subsiding-new-state-economic-forecast-expects-firm-but-steady-growth">firm but steady growth</a>” through the first eight months of FY24.
However, storm clouds are gathering. State sales tax revenues are flat, the
growth rate of State income tax revenues is sharply slowing down, and the
current budget has developed the worrisome trend of matching up new permanent
spending programs with one-time revenues. These one-time revenues come from
ways of reorganizing State cash flow to speed up the way certain money streams
move from point A to point B, or to re-classify other money streams so as not
to have to share them with municipalities and other local government units
throughout Illinois. CGFA staff warned House members this week that complex
accounting moves like these are playing a larger and larger role in the State’s
budget. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;">FIREARMS</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Second
Amendment advocates ask the U.S. Supreme Court to scrutinize Illinois firearms
ban</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">. The January 2023 law, called
the Protect Illinois Communities Act, is described by its supporters as a ban
on certain kinds of so-called “assault weapons.” The language of the ban also
encompasses other items associated with firearms that the law seeks to ban.
Second Amendment advocates, which include the National Association for Gun
Rights, see the new Illinois law as a violation of the U.S. Constitution.
Basing their case on the language of the Second Amendment and a growing body of
constitutional case law, these advocates have pushed to have the new Illinois
statute struck down in court. Now, they have formally </span><a href="https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/4463617-gun-rights-group-appeals-illinois-assault-weapon-ban-to-supreme-court/" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">appealed
to the U.S. Supreme Court</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> to have their voices heard against the Illinois
law. The appeal papers were filed on Monday, March 11.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">The U.S. Supreme Court appeal is
part of a process of constitutional litigation that has so far encompassed the
Illinois Supreme Court, a federal district court, and the federal 7<sup>th</sup>
Circuit Court of Appeals. Defenders of the new law assert that it is a
reasonable limit on the enjoyment of rights otherwise guaranteed under the
Second Amendment. </p><p class="MsoNormal">In response to these defenses,
critics and opponents of the new law point to the language of the Second
Amendment and to the wording of recent federal court decisions (including
Supreme Court decisions) on firearms rights. In separate but related arguments,
they also point to what critics see as fatal flaws in the text of the Illinois
law, including what critics see as inconsistencies and gray areas in the way
the law tries to define “assault weapons” and items allegedly associated with
assault weapons. Unconstitutional vagueness is one of the grounds that the
Supreme Court could choose to use if they issue a decision to sharply narrow or
strike down the new Illinois law. </p><p class="MsoNormal">The U.S. Supreme Court has issued a
“writ of certiorari” on the new Illinois law, a legal move that enabled the
filing of this appeal. The Supreme Court has not yet formally agreed to hear
the case against the Protect Illinois Communities Act on its normal docket, but
could do so at any time.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;">IMMIGRATION</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">State’s “redetermination” process seeks to
preserve life of $1 billion healthcare program for undocumented immigrants</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">. The Pritzker administration is operating a
set of programs to grant Medicaid-equivalent health care coverage to selected
groups of noncitizen residents of Illinois. Undocumented immigrant seniors and adults
in certain age categories that roughly correspond with middle age are covered
by these taxpayer-funded programs. The healthcare programs cost almost $1
billion/year, which is far above estimates – and far greater than the money appropriated
by the General Assembly to Illinois’ Department of Healthcare and Family
Services (DHFS) to operate the programs.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">In order to try to save these
healthcare programs from budgetary disaster, DHFS has instituted a <a href="https://www.illinois.gov/news/press-release.29711.html">“redetermination”
process</a>. This means that enrollees will be asked to verify their
eligibility status, in the same way that Medicaid enrollees are verified under
current law. In the case of the <a href="https://hfs.illinois.gov/medicalclients/healthbenefitsforimmigrants/healthbenefitsforimmigrantadults.html">HBIA/HBIS
programs</a>, enrollees are expected to be asked, “Are you a legal permanent
resident of the United States?” DHFS announced that anyone who responds that,
yes, they are a legal permanent resident of the United States, will be removed
from these programs because of ineligibility. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Enrollees who are legal U.S.
residents and who have been in the United States for less than five years will
lose their State healthcare coverage altogether. They are potentially eligible
for Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage, which includes premiums they must pay
themselves. As legal residents of the United States without five-year residency
status, they will be advised to sign up for ACA and start paying the premiums.</p><p class="MsoNormal">DHFS described the
“redetermination” process to a General Assembly panel, the Joint Committee on
Administrative Rules (JCAR), on Tuesday, March 12.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;">JOBS</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Illinois publishes delayed metro areas job
report for January 2023</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">. </span><a href="https://www.illinois.gov/news/press-release.29730.html" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The Illinois
Department of Employment Security metro area jobs report</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">, covering unemployment
rates in greater Chicago and thirteen other metropolitan areas across Illinois,
showed many suburban and Downstate communities with unemployment rates rising
above the 5% mark. In the Chicago suburbs, regions with unemployment above 5%
included greater Lake County (5.9%) and the Kane County-based Elgin area
(6.5%). Eight separate Downstate areas notched unemployment rates above 5%,
with the highs rates in historically industrial Kankakee (7.5%) and Rockford
(7.3%). </span></p><p class="MsoNormal">To some extent, the unemployment
rates posted by metro areas across Illinois were outweighed by the 4.5% rate
posted in greater Chicago, which includes suburban Cook County and populous
DuPage County. However, the January 2024 posting indicates that the overall
trend is downward in many regions of Illinois. On an apples-to-apples basis, a
comparison of unemployment rates in January 2023 with the rates twelve months
later in January 2024 showed many regions with significantly higher rates of
joblessness as 2024 began. In Decatur, Kankakee, and Rockford metro areas,
joblessness was up more than 1.0% from the same rates posted in January 2023.</p>ilhousegophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918100572802423486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488430442881779427.post-46122280752497060092024-03-14T07:00:00.018-05:002024-03-14T07:00:00.138-05:00Early detection and treatment of cancer saves lives<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtbWUfQbc6RclVuoSJTImNrz2xoJGNdxSnNMP2PSeL_zTnSGkbhVoiW3f-Pv7dq3eYWHpMUjUmmvZJUI1cQU5NSZOIdg0yU64BmJECG5kBc_YUhTcnxoqLipFpXag7vIN9c2zbMVW-r_Wx1Xw-PaUBJ3ymduMhlE2HfNx237bF_IR_r6g_Xge2fMW4Bg/s4836/national-cancer-institute-aelk4Tn0vlI-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3224" data-original-width="4836" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtbWUfQbc6RclVuoSJTImNrz2xoJGNdxSnNMP2PSeL_zTnSGkbhVoiW3f-Pv7dq3eYWHpMUjUmmvZJUI1cQU5NSZOIdg0yU64BmJECG5kBc_YUhTcnxoqLipFpXag7vIN9c2zbMVW-r_Wx1Xw-PaUBJ3ymduMhlE2HfNx237bF_IR_r6g_Xge2fMW4Bg/w400-h266/national-cancer-institute-aelk4Tn0vlI-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Cancer <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/screening/patient-screening-overview-pdq#:~:text=Screening%20tests%20can%20help%20find,harder%20to%20treat%20or%20cure." target="_blank">screenings</a> offer a way for individuals to find out any signs of cancer in a particular area(s) of the body before the onset of any symptoms. These screenings can help find cancer in its early stages, and in doing so that can make treatments or finding a cure easier. In short, cancer screenings help save lives. <br /><br /><a href="https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/early-detection-of-breast-cancer/" target="_blank"><span><a name='more'></a></span>Early detection</a> is vital when it comes to cancer screenings. One in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. When caught in its earliest stages, the five-year relative survival rate is 99 percent, according to the American Cancer Society. Breast cancer survival rates have increased significantly as advances in early detection and treatment methods have been made. <br /><br />Illinois House Republicans have been at the forefront of legislation to expand insurance coverage for screenings and treatments, along with raising cancer screening awareness. Rep. <a href="https://repkeicher.com/" target="_blank">Jeff Keicher</a> (R-Sycamore) sponsored a bill that required both private insurance and Medicaid to cover preventative measures to detect breast cancer. <a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=0162&GAID=15&GA=101&DocTypeID=SB&LegID=115875&SessionID=108&SpecSess=" target="_blank">Public Act 101-0580</a> was signed into law and took effect on January 1, 2020. This legislation provided that mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs are covered when deemed medically necessary by a physician, advanced practice nurse, or physician assistant. The bill included strong Republican support and passed unanimously through both the House and Senate.<br /><br />Legislation introduced by Rep. <a href="https://norinehammond.org/" target="_blank">Norine Hammond</a> (R-Macomb) requires that health insurers provide coverage for <a href="https://khqa.com/news/local/illinois-expands-cancer-care-groundbreaking-proton-beam-therapy-now-more-accessible" target="_blank">proton beam therapy</a> cancer treatment. <a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocTypeID=HB&DocNum=2799&GAID=17&SessionID=112&LegID=147926" target="_blank">House Bill 2799 </a>provided that insurance companies cannot apply a higher standard of clinical evidence for proton beam therapy coverage than any other form of radiation therapy treatment. Proton Beam therapy is currently available at numerous locations in Illinois. <br /><br />“Proton therapy is a very effective treatment for certain types of cancer,” stated Rep. Hammond. “The legislation I introduced was for a constituent that had brain cancer and was told that proton therapy was the option she should take for her treatment. However, it was not an in-network expense and she had to pay tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket.” <br /><br />Rep. <a href="https://repsanalitro.com/" target="_blank">Jennifer Sanalitro</a> (R-Hanover Park) also heeded the call to help families by sponsoring <a href="https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocTypeID=HB&DocNum=3202&GAID=17&SessionID=112&LegID=148356" target="_blank">House Bill 3202</a>, which requires insurance companies to provide coverage for medically necessary at-home saliva tests that pre-screen for cancer. This legislation increases access to at-home saliva tests and promotes early cancer detection. <br /><br />“Early cancer detection not only saves lives, but it also helps to decrease costs as late-stage cancer therapies are extremely expensive,” Rep. Sanalitro stated. <br /><br /> <br /><br /> ilhousegophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918100572802423486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488430442881779427.post-55903321831981788122024-03-13T08:53:00.002-05:002024-03-13T08:53:40.102-05:00Cricket Gains Popularity in Illinois<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgViWjNtbilyQBoghuL8O5IhALIw6HhDZfDDM4Bjh1AP5XxDvVJMl3yWHPiKDK-2m7yx2nTyNwb25d51ZpatnaZauP3zanrznQWPezw4K_FFUGrQ74Qsw84QL1KiFPHZCpMeWwwqzuIzi07STeqIp4b6uTSVcqCk7lKs3B7YKi0Ev6lHCSmIrJ8uu5zbMQ/s1201/JSA-Cricket-2.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1201" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgViWjNtbilyQBoghuL8O5IhALIw6HhDZfDDM4Bjh1AP5XxDvVJMl3yWHPiKDK-2m7yx2nTyNwb25d51ZpatnaZauP3zanrznQWPezw4K_FFUGrQ74Qsw84QL1KiFPHZCpMeWwwqzuIzi07STeqIp4b6uTSVcqCk7lKs3B7YKi0Ev6lHCSmIrJ8uu5zbMQ/w400-h320/JSA-Cricket-2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Cricket is becoming more popular in Illinois. Despite the dominance of sports like baseball and basketball, cricket is carving out its niche in the hearts of Illinois residents. This growth is supported with recognition by state and local governments of the popularity of the sport in our communities. <br /><br /><span><a name='more'></a></span>State Representative <a href="https://repsanalitro.com/" target="_blank">Jennifer Sanalitro</a> (Hanover Park) has played a key role in raising awareness about Cricket in Illinois. In 2023, she championed a resolution that urged the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) to recognize cricket as an official regulated sport in our high schools. Representing a vibrant community of cricket enthusiasts, she sees the sport as a way to unite communities and offer children a different kind of physical activity and competition. Sanalitro’s aim is to position Illinois as a leader in embracing cultural diversity through sports. <br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Oswego's New Cricket Stadium</span><br />In Oswego, plans are underway for a new cricket stadium that will have a larger capacity than Chicago's United Center. Developer Paresh Patel is leading this <a href="https://patch.com/illinois/oswego/cricket-stadium-officially-coming-oswego-board-approves-plan-4-1">initiative</a>, striving to establish Oswego as a cricketing landmark. The project, encompassing a stadium, hotel, and restaurants, has received approval despite concerns from some residents about potential traffic and noise issues. This approval underscores the growing acceptance and enthusiasm for cricket in Illinois.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Why Cricket Matters </span><br />The embrace of cricket in Illinois represents a wider shift in American sports culture to be more encompassing. The state's effort to integrate cricket into high school athletics, alongside ambitious economic development endeavors like the Oswego stadium, demonstrates a commitment to promoting this internationally popular sport, locally. <br /><br />As cricket gains momentum in educational institutions, clubs, and potentially professional leagues, Illinois is set to become a pivotal presence in the U.S. cricket scene. With cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Olympic Games, the outlook for the sport in Illinois and across the nation is promising. <br /><br /><br /> ilhousegophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918100572802423486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488430442881779427.post-80191212527791129682024-03-12T07:00:00.008-05:002024-03-12T07:00:00.133-05:00The History of Girl Scouts <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWjqy2TF1ZHaHsN91fy5lQ39BXcbw-QDODU0PotjiMu1Q-KVQZbqDTMQPgTGrQygGm8LQaMrimTJNoy5luTdiVDVpgsRBCt3EGuLIaJ2UxWofljTByHk5Pe6Th-QOiWMJxyHh3_c9KFtKV6_KeB5qQfbPB33mMmGUp9y3p-RWlY8e538KWiVjjyuN0Cs/s612/GirlScouts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="612" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWjqy2TF1ZHaHsN91fy5lQ39BXcbw-QDODU0PotjiMu1Q-KVQZbqDTMQPgTGrQygGm8LQaMrimTJNoy5luTdiVDVpgsRBCt3EGuLIaJ2UxWofljTByHk5Pe6Th-QOiWMJxyHh3_c9KFtKV6_KeB5qQfbPB33mMmGUp9y3p-RWlY8e538KWiVjjyuN0Cs/w400-h266/GirlScouts.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The Girl Scouts organization, best known for its cookie sales, is an organization rooted in character, courage, and confidence to teach young girls leadership skills. Before its creation in 1912, organizations geared towards teaching young girls about anything other than the usual gendered norms was unheard of and discouraged. <a href="https://www.girlscouts.org/en/discover/about-us/history/juliette-gordon-low.html#:~:text=Juliette%20Gordon%20Low%20" target="_blank">Juliette Gordon Low</a>, a Savannah, Georgia native, sought to change that.<p></p><span><a name='more'></a></span>In 1911, while living in the United Kingdom, Low ran into Sir Robert Baden-Powell, a retired English General, at a party. Baden-Powell had created scouting in the U.K., and his sister, Agnes, headed a counterpart, known as <a href="https://www.girlscouts.org/en/discover/about-us/history.html" target="_blank">Girl Guides.</a> In meeting Baden-Powell, Low became inspired to establish a girl guides organization of her own back in Georgia. To get a good handle of what the group achieved for young girls, Low volunteered with Baden-Powell’s sister in her Girl Guides group. While volunteering, Low taught them about knot-tying, how to read a map, first aid principles, and the basics of cooking. After her summer with the Girl Guides, Low felt she had a good idea of what her organization would look like. <br /><br />Once back in Savannah, Low called her cousin, Nina Pape, to announce her grand idea. Pape, a teacher in the Savannah area, was elated with the idea and joined Low in recruiting girls for the first ever <a href="https://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=31908" target="_blank">Girl Guides troop in the United States</a>. Using her network, Low was able to quickly recruit 18 girls to join the American Girl Guides. After the girls were recruited, she utilized her resources once more and built up a media presence and funds to help the organization. <br /><br />Unlike other organizations like the Camp Fire Girls, Low promoted gender-neutral activities, as she enjoyed athletics and nature, as well as the arts. In 1912, women still did not have the right to vote, as the 19th Amendment was not ratified until 1920, so the establishment of the American Girl Guides, later renamed as the Girl Scouts of the USA was monumental, as it did not follow the standards of the time. <br /><br />As the Girl Scouts of the USA grew, service opportunities arose. To raise money, girl scouts began <a href="https://www.girlscouts.org/en/footer/press-room/2017/GSUSA-celebrates-100-years-of-girl-scouts-selling-cookies.html" target="_blank">baking cookies</a> and selling them to make money for each troop. The first troop to bake and sell cookies was the Mistletoe Troop in Oklahoma. Girl scouts and their moms baked cookies and set up a booth at the local high school. Following recipes from The American Girl magazine, published by the Girl Scouts of USA, girls made simple sugar cookies, which turned into a nationwide fundraiser for every troop. Cookie sales not only contributed to the size of the organization today but were also implemented to teach the girl scouts five essential skills of goal setting, decision making, money management, business ethics, and people skills.<br /><br />Not only did Low want to foster healthy relationships among young girls and boys with the creation of the Girl Scouts of the USA, but she also wanted to break barriers with girls of different races and cultures. To date, the Girl Scouts have troops in <a href="https://www.girlscouts.org/en/footer/faq/facts.html" target="_blank">92 different countries</a> and have 1.7 million Girl Scouts and 750,000 adults in the organization.<br /><br />As of today, the Girl Scouts of the USA sell approximately 200 million boxes of cookies every year. Girl scouts sell cookies starting in January and sell through April, depending on when each troop decides to set up shop. With advancements in technology, cookies are available to <a href="https://www.girlscouts.org/en/cookies/cookie-flavors.html#" target="_blank">buy online</a> and ship to individual homes, all while supporting the Girl Scouts of the USA. Even though the organization is responsible for selling 200 million cookies annually, the Girl Scouts only use two commercial bakers, ABC Bakers, and Little Brownie Bakers. This contributes to the difference in names . The “Caramel deLites” cookies from ABC Bakers in Indiana versus the “Samoas” cookies from Little Brownie Bakers in Kentucky are both caramel and coconut cookies with drizzled chocolate, but depending on what troop the cookies are ordered from, the name may be different. <br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">For
the 2024 selling season, the list of Girl Scout cookies for sale are available
on the Girl Scout homepage. The Girl Scouts rotate flavors with fluctuating
popularity. Raspberry Rally will not be in rotation this 2024 selling season.
To find a troop near you, visit the Girl Scouts <a href="https://www.girlscouts.org/en/cookies/cookie-flavors.html" target="_blank">website</a> and use the “Find
Cookies” application that finds cookies based on the zip code entered.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>ilhousegophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918100572802423486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488430442881779427.post-64500955872317975042024-03-11T07:00:00.006-05:002024-03-11T07:00:00.153-05:00Illinois workers produce many popular firearms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9T1yhEIq6PnWXnp0SDEYssu74QYLpF_zZLCV3b2fDjiSOp8KxAsvaozxUsJ9aU3jxbfXdNVn1bFduDuQKtLMDoST-NB6Iu4qRUHiInGzJsZItql0hHoWewRuo7NPfWky9lNkVUr7_3uewNQpyQz4iRnCKgr_f_0UXtdZc_ohyphenhyphenJ55uzhnG9f9uGPyu9b0/s2592/Illinois%20firearms.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="2592" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9T1yhEIq6PnWXnp0SDEYssu74QYLpF_zZLCV3b2fDjiSOp8KxAsvaozxUsJ9aU3jxbfXdNVn1bFduDuQKtLMDoST-NB6Iu4qRUHiInGzJsZItql0hHoWewRuo7NPfWky9lNkVUr7_3uewNQpyQz4iRnCKgr_f_0UXtdZc_ohyphenhyphenJ55uzhnG9f9uGPyu9b0/w400-h266/Illinois%20firearms.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>With more than 150 firearm and component manufacturers operating in Illinois, over 14,000 working families depend on incomes derived from their work in manufacturing firearms, ammunition or components within the state’s boundaries.<br /><br />Firearms manufacturers provide private gun-owners, the US Military, and law enforcement agencies with the tools they need to carry out vital national security, and public and personal safety missions. The industry supports safe, legal, and responsible ownership, and works to stop criminal misuse of firearms.<br /><br /><span><a name='more'></a></span>According to data provided by the ATF, 43 of the nation’s 3,200 federally licensed firearm production facilities are operating in Illinois. Illinois sees significant economic impact from the firearm and ammunition industry and is driven by a record number of people choosing to exercise their Second Amendment Right to keep and bear arms. A bright spot in a tough economy, companies in the United States that manufacture, distribute, and sell firearms, ammunition, and hunting equipment employ over 170,000 people directly and create an additional 200,000 jobs in supplier and component industries. On average, these jobs pay $65,000 in wages and benefits across the country. Here in Illinois, though, these jobs pay even more - an average wage of $76,799, according to an economic report produced by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the firearms industry trade association. <div><br /></div><div>Of the top 10 states covered in the <a href="https://www.nssf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2023-Firearm-Ammunition-Industry-Economic-Impact.pdf">report,</a> Illinois ranks 4th nationwide for economic output by the firearms manufacturing industry, 7th in the country for jobs in the industry, and 6th in the country for top-payers of federal excise taxes on firearms sales. The industry also pays hundreds of millions of dollars in state, property, and sales taxes to the State of Illinois, which offset costs to taxpayers.<br /><br />However, those jobs seem less secure following legislative action in Illinois passed by Democrats in Springfield aimed at creating a pathway for civil liability for the firearm industry. <a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=0218&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=142050&SessionID=112&SpecSess=" target="_blank">P.A. 103-559</a>, which was a product of the House Democrat Firearm Working Group and the Attorney General’s Office, amended the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to:<br /><br />Provides that it is an unlawful practice within the meaning of the Act for any firearm industry member, through the sale, manufacturing, importing, or marketing of a firearm-related product, to:<br /><br />(i) knowingly create, maintain, or contribute to a condition in Illinois that endangers the safety or health of the public by conduct either unlawful in itself or unreasonable under all circumstances, including failing to establish or utilize reasonable controls;<br /><br />(ii) advertise, market, or promote a firearm-related product in a manner that reasonably appears to support, recommend, or encourage individuals to engage in unlawful paramilitary or private militia activity;<br /><br />(iii) advertise, market, promote, design, or sell any firearm-related product in a manner that reasonably appears to support, recommend, or encourage persons under 18 years of age to unlawfully purchase or unlawfully possess or use a firearm-related product; or<br /><br />(iv) otherwise engage in unfair methods of competition or unfair or deceptive acts or practices declared unlawful under the Act.<br /><br />This legislation, as well as Illinois recent gun ban on so-called “semi-automatic” firearms, led to groups including NSSF, filing <a href="https://www.nssf.org/articles/nssf-challenges-illinois-unconstitutional-gun-and-magazine-ban/" target="_blank">suit</a> against and emphasizing the negative impact of legislation which targets their industry is likely to have on future job growth in Illinois. Indeed, statistics from NSSF show that new job and tax growth in firearms manufacturing is occurring faster in states other than Illinois, where laws are less restrictive laws on firearms. It’s not surprising many would wonder if we can keep these manufacturing jobs in Illinois, when the job creators face such a hostile political climate from the state’s Democratic politicians.<br /><br />The largest firearms manufacturer based in Illinois, which makes the most firearms, is Springfield Armory. Through a production facility in Geneseo, the company produces over 590,000 firearms each year, constituting over 90 percent of personal protective devices manufactured in Illinois, according to a <a href="https://247wallst.com/state/this-is-the-largest-gunmaker-in-illinois/" target="_blank">report</a> by <a href="https://247wallst.com/">24/7 Wall St</a>.<br /><br />According to GunBroker.com’s 2023 report, Springfield Armory ranked 7th of all manufacturers in the country in 2023, as a top-selling brand. Springfield Armory is not alone in Illinois, though. LW Schneider in Princeton (Bureau County), Rock River Arms in Colona (Henry County), ArmaLite & Eagle Arms in Geneseo (Henry County), DS Arms in Lake Barrington (Lake County), and nearly three dozen more manufacturers operate in Illinois, as well as component manufacturers.<br /><br />These manufacturers do not just employ hundreds of thousands of Illinois families, they also give back to the communities in which they reside as corporate partners. Millions of dollars have been invested by these companies and their employees to support Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, local parks and causes, and in raising funds and awareness for organizations like Komen for the Cure and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.</div>ilhousegophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918100572802423486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488430442881779427.post-7332217969834804632024-03-10T07:00:00.007-05:002024-03-10T07:00:00.240-05:00House Republicans work to protect jobs of workers with disabilities<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0fA_p-pXgwPIQpLSgZ069lVvJJws9tHMMZdtimdH5m0ZTIA2B3ckwKuZhcmVMRUoQgtWTybDD2sgQt3r-FdrHDNNx26HIZj8k9SHWrc2jLa_NRjqWPmBFppCAC8k_ewT4JLD8AUi4U9UpmpaXyDSrPMObZ4SH1z9j1LYhJ4cTOLqc65E_zoOlH1wymc/s1027/hb793-coffey.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="1027" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0fA_p-pXgwPIQpLSgZ069lVvJJws9tHMMZdtimdH5m0ZTIA2B3ckwKuZhcmVMRUoQgtWTybDD2sgQt3r-FdrHDNNx26HIZj8k9SHWrc2jLa_NRjqWPmBFppCAC8k_ewT4JLD8AUi4U9UpmpaXyDSrPMObZ4SH1z9j1LYhJ4cTOLqc65E_zoOlH1wymc/w400-h268/hb793-coffey.png" width="400" /></a></div>Legislation pending in the House of Representatives (<a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=793&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=142668&SessionID=112" target="_blank">HB 793</a>), would have a negative impact on 14(c) workshops across the state of Illinois if passed through the General Assembly. State Representative <a href="https://repcoffey.com/" target="_blank">Mike Coffey</a> (R-Springfield) and State Representative <a href="https://reprosenthal.com/" target="_blank">Wayne Rosenthal</a> (R-Morrisonville) both agree that this bill would create lost jobs, lost opportunities, and put service providers out of work.<br /><br />“While this bill sounds good in theory, it would ultimately lead to individuals losing their job and having zero income,” said Rep. Coffey. “Service providers do a fantastic job, but many of them would be unable to pay minimum wage to their employees if this bill is passed. Protecting our job force should be a priority and this bill does the opposite.”<br /><br /><span><a name='more'></a></span>Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities work under a 14(c) certificate. This certificate allows them to earn subminimum wage. This approach does two things: Provides job opportunities and allows service providers to offer efficient services to disabled individuals.<br /><br />Rep. Rosenthal had this to say: “Ending 14(c) workshops would create a mass layoff from service providers and that would be devastating to thousands of people who would be left with no job at all,” said Rep. Rosenthal. “HB793 is guaranteed to reduce the quality-of-care service providers currently offer. We must preserve commonsense legislation that protects jobs and creates opportunities.”<br /><br />HB793 would require 14(c) workshops to pay minimum wage to all individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As written, this bill provides no financial assistance and would leave service providers scrambling to find a way to pick up the extra costs. Illinois needs to support workers, but this approach is an unknown strategy to work that will have consequences on employees and providers.<br /><br />The CEO of SPARC, Douglas McDonald, voiced his concerns around this bill:<br /><br />“Implementing HB793 would be a tremendous undertaking with high risks,” said McDonald. “It is essential that any substantial change in services be carefully considered before any action is taken. This bill pushes for implementation before studying the needs, protections and costs involved.”<br /><br />The mission of <a href="https://www.spfldsparc.org/">SPARC</a> is simple: To enrich the lives of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities by enabling them to successfully live, learn, work, and socialize in the community.<div><br /></div><div>Listen to a portion of the press conference <a href="https://repcoffey.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/72/2024/03/03062024Coffey_HB793.mp3" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
ilhousegophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918100572802423486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488430442881779427.post-4814475401963647612024-03-09T07:00:00.009-06:002024-03-09T07:00:00.136-06:00Rep. Weaver calls for repairs to Bishop Hill Historic Site<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVe5JK8832jw03Al9Js_aKJUlAViaUcaFuw1wtJ05BYb6oO6rAvWCkQ8jHJiHYYPxDwQ0tge1WEZ65C5LERVI3fn8VWLzayGofdRCXe2z3O59Lm4-3FMeFb_7MuTANnTbgWUpHnJnvo1_VrGS2B7IF8XDZZU7-_bTkBEjaMO2SN26fLxlMoHOfcvFGqAE/s2560/WeaverBHPress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1912" data-original-width="2560" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVe5JK8832jw03Al9Js_aKJUlAViaUcaFuw1wtJ05BYb6oO6rAvWCkQ8jHJiHYYPxDwQ0tge1WEZ65C5LERVI3fn8VWLzayGofdRCXe2z3O59Lm4-3FMeFb_7MuTANnTbgWUpHnJnvo1_VrGS2B7IF8XDZZU7-_bTkBEjaMO2SN26fLxlMoHOfcvFGqAE/w400-h299/WeaverBHPress.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>State Representative <a href="https://RepWeaver.com" target="_blank">Travis Weaver</a> (IL-93) and State Senator Neil Anderson (IL-47) are urging the General Assembly and Governor Pritzker to set aside funds in the 2024 budget for critical repairs needed at the Bishop Hill State Historic Site.<br /><br />The Bishop Hill State Historic Site in Henry County is a small village that includes a beautiful array of historic buildings, memorials, a park, and gazebo. The settlement dates back to 1846, when the community was founded by Swedish immigrants fleeing religious persecution.<br /><br />The Bishop Hill site includes a Visitor Center, Museum, Park, Colony Church, and Hotel. The Bishop Hill Heritage Association (BHAA) works to retain Bishop Hill as a living community while encouraging all efforts to restore and maintain historic properties and cultural heritage. The BHHA also provides guided tours for large groups, and visitors can also enjoy self-guided tours.<br /><br />However, the buildings are in desperate need of attention and repairs. They’re maintained by a state agency, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), but they require funding from the General Assembly and Governor to be able to make these repairs. The buildings have suffered through years of deferred maintenance, leading to foundation cracks, water leaks, rotting soffits and windowsills, and other issues.<br /><br />“As a state we have a job to maintain our infrastructure, and it’s unfortunate that these historical buildings have been allowed to fall in such disarray,” said Sen. Anderson. “The continued neglect of Bishop Hill is unacceptable. We need the Governor and the General Assembly to prioritize funding to repair and maintain these incredibly important structures.”<br /><br />“Governor Pritzker should be embarrassed by his agency’s ability to care for historic buildings,” said Rep. Weaver. “Several decades ago, the state decided to take ownership of the Bishop Hill historic properties in order to preserve them; however, since then, they have allowed these buildings to nearly fall into total disrepair. Illinois Democrats will scream about a lack of funding – but make no mistake, this is 5% about funding and 95% about poor management from the Pritzker administration. It doesn’t take much funding to ensure windows are sealed and gutters are working properly, which prevents buildings from falling into ruin. Fortunately, I have confidence that the recently appointed IDNR Director, Natalie Phelps-Finnie, is highly competent and can right the ship. But it must happen faster. We’re on the brink of losing the Bishop Hill properties and wiping away nearly two centuries of history. The Governor has a pool of discretionary funds – we see him use it regularly to prop up illegal immigration and subsidize pet projects – I am calling on him to immediately release the funds necessary to fix the Bishop Hill properties.”<br /><br />Action is needed immediately from the state legislature and the Governor to commit funds so IDNR can make the necessary repairs and restoration work at this historic site. There is no more time to waste to save this historic village that has fallen into disrepair.<br /><br />Bishop Hill was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and listed in 1984 as a National Historic Landmark.<br /><br />A press conference on this topic was held today in Springfield. See the video below.<div><br /></div>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/M-38ckihnRU?si=yVVY1Wi_1yl5aTTe" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>ilhousegophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918100572802423486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488430442881779427.post-20147333304161525972024-03-08T16:23:00.005-06:002024-03-08T16:25:20.342-06:00Week in Review: Ethics reform, disability services, human trafficking and more<span style="font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiytKFce7m7u-1ICYHA9yZlRSkMiZLiGOSelUW5sHHZRabZGpMBng8XosCIYmMO7sUzfDsxo9miF_02GQoUnwJ7lJNbrM8Jz5I9wIjXbRgRSQLA3ws44WYjnWexEnE-1epdSzN8-_FOcgHmhyXZlgfaz4eavZpRG_EqRGw9FBGULJh65mTlQ3YAyJ1qvXI/s398/Week%20in%20Review%202023-01.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="398" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiytKFce7m7u-1ICYHA9yZlRSkMiZLiGOSelUW5sHHZRabZGpMBng8XosCIYmMO7sUzfDsxo9miF_02GQoUnwJ7lJNbrM8Jz5I9wIjXbRgRSQLA3ws44WYjnWexEnE-1epdSzN8-_FOcgHmhyXZlgfaz4eavZpRG_EqRGw9FBGULJh65mTlQ3YAyJ1qvXI/w400-h268/Week%20in%20Review%202023-01.png" width="400" /></a></div>CORRUPTION, ETHICS REFORM</span><br /><b>McCombie Calls for Reform Amid Ethics Awareness Month.</b> With the two-year anniversary of former Speaker Mike Madigan’s indictment coinciding with national ethics awareness month, <a href="https://repmccombie.com/2024/03/07/mccombie-calls-for-reform-amid-ethics-awareness-month/">House Minority Leader Tony McCombie</a> is using the opportunity to advance ethics reform in the Illinois House this spring. <br /><br /><div><span><a name='more'></a></span>Leader McCombie has continued to advocate for reform as federal indictments have rocked the state, and the majority party has refused to step up to tighten existing loopholes in current law or strength existing statutes. To address some of those shortcomings and restore faith in government, McCombie has filed a measure, <a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=4119&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=150343&SessionID=112">HB4119</a>, to prohibit elected officials from using political campaign donations to pay for criminal defense. <br /><br />Madigan, the longest serving state House speaker in modern U.S. history, was indicted on federal racketeering and bribery charges in March 2022. He was set to stand trial in federal court in April 2024, but the trial has been pushed back to October 8, 2024. To date, he has used millions in campaign funds to pay for his legal defense.<br /><br />“The silence from Democrat lawmakers, many of which supported Speaker Madigan, is deafening,” said McCombie. “This seems like a commonsense approach to ensure campaign financing is used as intended. This is about accountability, and we must hold elected officials to a higher standard.” <br /><br />House Republicans have fought an uphill battle in the legislature for greater ethics reform. McCombie’s bill is just one measure out of a dozen that Republican lawmakers will continue their advocacy for this year in the Illinois House. <br /><br />“This is ethics awareness month and in Illinois, we need to be more aware of the ways we can and should improve our ethics laws,” finished McCombie. <br /><br />Leader McCombie’s HB4119 is scheduled for an Ethics and Elections Committee hearing in the Illinois House next week.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">DISABILITY SERVICES </span><br /><b>Rep. Meier, GOP Legislators Continue to Protect Jobs for Workers with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities</b>. At a <a href="https://charliemeier.net/2024/03/07/rep-meier-continues-to-protect-jobs-for-workers-with-developmental-and-intellectual-disabilities/">press conference</a> held in the State Capitol building on Wednesday, State Representative Charlie Meier led the charge in opposing legislation pending in the House of Representatives (HB 793) that would have a negative impact on 14c workshops and put as much as 3,591 workers with intellectual and developmental disabilities out of work across the state of Illinois if the bill were to become law. <br /><br />“We need to create opportunities before we close the others,” said Rep. Charlie Meier. “These clients need the dignity of having a job as this legislation could result in over 3,500 jobs lost for folks with intellectual and developmental disabilities, that’s about three-fourths of these jobs currently filled. We must work on this bill, we need to make some changes, we want to keep everybody with their job, and maintain the chance of having a job.” <br /><br />Meier was joined by State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer, State Representative Mike Coffey, State Senator Chapin Rose, and Doug McDonald, CEO of Sparc, a 14c workshop located in Springfield. <br /> <br /><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=793&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=142668&SessionID=112">House Bill 793</a> would require 14c workshops to pay individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities minimum wage. As written, this bill provides no financial assistance and would leave service providers scrambling to find a way to pick up the extra costs. Illinois needs to support workers, but this approach is a flawed strategy that will have consequences for employees and providers. <br /><br />“While this bill sounds good in theory, it would ultimately lead to individuals losing their job and having zero income,” said Rep. Mike Coffey. “Service providers do a fantastic job, but many of them would be unable to pay minimum wage to their employees if this bill is passed. Protecting our job force should be a priority and this bill does the opposite.” <br /><br />Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities currently work under a 14c certificate. This certificate allows them to earn subminimum wage. This approach does two things: Provides job opportunities and allows service providers to offer efficient services to disabled individuals. <br /><br />The CEO of SPARC, Douglas McDonald, voiced his concerns about this bill, “Implementing HB793 would be a tremendous undertaking with high risks,” said McDonald. “It is essential that any substantial change in services be carefully considered before any action is taken. This bill pushes for implementation based solely on guesses.”<br /><br />*View Wednesday’s press conference in its entirety <a href="https://youtu.be/xdKP7Lg13Mg?si=92XFgrSy9HE7d9Nl">here</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">HUMAN TRAFFICKING </span><br /><b>House Republicans Fighting to Protect Human Trafficking Victims. </b> Protecting victims of human trafficking is a top priority for Illinois House Republicans during the Spring 2024 Session. The Caucus is fighting this epidemic head-on with a robust bill package that provides protections to individuals who have fallen victim to human trafficking.<br /><br /> In 2021, the <a href="https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en/statistics/illinois">National Human Trafficking Hotline</a> identified 243 human trafficking cases in Illinois, with 355 victims reported. <br /> <br /><a href="https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign/what-human-trafficking">Human trafficking</a> involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some labor or commercial sex act. These acts include victims of all ages, races, and genders. The victims can be lured into these situations by violence, manipulation, false promises of well-paying jobs, or romantic relationships. <br /><br />State Representatives Nicole La Ha, Jeff Keicher, Jennifer Sanalitro, and Brad Stephens held a <a href="https://repkeicher.com/2024/03/07/rep-keicher-colleagues-introduce-bill-package-to-protect-human-trafficking-victims/">Capitol press conference</a> this week to introduce the “<a href="https://www.thecaucusblog.com/2024/03/house-republicans-fighting-for.html">Protect Victims of Human Trafficking Legislative Package</a>,” aimed at addressing the critical shortcomings in Illinois’ efforts to combat human trafficking and provide essential protections for victims. <br /><br />“Human trafficking and exploitation are much more pervasive problems than many of us realize, and it can happen in any community regardless of size or location,” said Rep. Keicher. “This often-overlooked form of modern-day slavery affects people of all ages and races, regardless of gender, and despite some recent progress, our state is failing when it comes to preventing these horrific crimes and helping victims heal.”<br /><br />This issue has been something personal for Keicher since joining the General Assembly, as a family member who was abused as a child tragically died due to a lack of resources to help victims recover. <br /><br />“As part of the package of legislation I proposed with my colleagues today, I’m proud to carry <a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocTypeID=HB&DocNum=5465&GAID=17&SessionID=112&LegID=153766">House Bill 5465</a>,” continued Keicher. “This legislation builds on a law we passed last year by creating an easier process for child victims of sex trafficking to have their juvenile records expunged or sealed as a result of any criminal acts they were forced to take part in while being abused. One of the first steps in helping someone heal after immense trauma like sexual abuse is ensuring their past doesn’t follow them around, and I believe this legislation is an important component of helping victims heal.”<br /><br />As Keicher noted, Illinois is currently failing in several areas to address human trafficking and sexual exploitation. According to Illinois’ <a href="https://reportcards.sharedhope.org/year2023/illinois/">Report Card on Child & Youth Sex Trafficking</a>, as compiled by Share Hope International, an organization that tracks and promotes legislative action to address child sex trafficking, Illinois receives an F for our current laws to address this horrific problem. <br /><br />“Illinois is failing to protect women and children in our state from human trafficking predators,” said Rep. La Ha. “We must address systemic failures and root causes that have allowed human trafficking to thrive in communities across Illinois. By strengthening victim protections, holding perpetrators accountable, and closing legal loopholes, we are sending a clear message: Illinois will not tolerate the exploitation and victimization of its residents.” <br /><br />As House Republicans continue their battle against human trafficking, Rep. La Ha emphasized the importance of collaboration with anti-trafficking organizations and utilizing resources like the National Human Trafficking Hotline, the Illinois State Police, Reclaim 13, the Salt and Light Coalition, and more. <br /><br />“Addressing human trafficking requires a comprehensive approach,” said Rep. La Ha. “Together, we can create a safer, more just Illinois for all its residents.” <br /><br /><a href="https://replaha.com/2024/03/07/reps-la-ha-sanalitro-keicher-and-stephens-present-protect-victims-of-human-trafficking-legislative-package/">Rep. Nicole La Ha</a> has introduced the following bills as part of this legislative package:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=5134&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=153178&SessionID=112">HB 5134 </a>seeks to amend the Sex Offender Registration Act to include trafficking in persons, involuntary servitude, and involuntary sexual servitude of a minor in the definition of “sex offense,” enhancing monitoring and protection measures.</li><li><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=5466&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=153767&SessionID=112">HB 5466 </a>proposes the removal of an affirmative defense for patronizing a minor engaged in prostitution, crucial for holding perpetrators accountable and safeguarding vulnerable minors.</li><li><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=5467&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=153768&SessionID=112">HB 5467 </a>addresses the statute of limitations for prosecuting trafficking offenses involving minors, ensuring that justice can be pursued at any time if the victim was under 18 at the time of the offense.</li></ul>Representatives Keicher, Sanalitro, and Stephens have also contributed essential bills to the legislative package:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=5465&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=153766&SessionID=112">HB 5465</a>: This bill allows minors in juvenile court to petition for immediate sealing or expungement of their records if their involvement in a crime was a result of human trafficking (Rep. Keicher).</li><li><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=5468&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=153769&SessionID=112">HB 5468</a>: This bill creates an affirmative defense for victims of human trafficking who commit an offense as a result of being trafficked. It requires the victim to prove by clear and convincing evidence that they are victims of human trafficking (Rep. Sanalitro).</li><li><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=5469&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=153770&SessionID=112">HB 5469</a>: This bill creates the Human Trafficking Order of Protection Act to allow victims of human trafficking to obtain orders of protection against their traffickers (Rep. Sanalitro).</li><li><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=5470&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=153771&SessionID=112">HB 5470</a>: This bill adds “patronize” to involuntary sexual servitude of a minor in order to ensure buyers are held accountable as sex trafficking offenders (Rep. Stephens).</li></ul>The legislators also noted during the press conference how important it is to raise awareness by requesting that members of the media and public utilize the <a href="https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en">National Human Trafficking Hotline</a>, 888-373-7888, to report any suspected trafficking taking place in their communities. <br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">BUDGET </span><br /><b>New CGFA report on State revenue trends. </b> Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) trends turned upward again in February 2024, but all of the revenue increase was accounted for by two individual line items. Net year-over-year increases of $123 million in personal income tax payments, and equivalent year-over-year corporate income tax payments of $24 million more than the previous year, accounted for all of the February 2024 non-transfers-in state tax revenue gain of $129 million for the month of February. <a href="https://cgfa.ilga.gov/Upload/0224%20Monthly.pdf">The monthly revenue report</a>, published by the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (CGFA) this week, reinforces a picture of the State’s current budget picture being almost completely dependent on Illinois’ sluggish ability to generate new jobs and payroll growth. <br /><br />Economic indicators further show that the current growth in Illinois pay and personal income tax payments, including withholding payments, is closely tied to Illinois inflation rather than to the creation of new jobs. A separate CGFA table indicates that Illinois employment, and the size of Illinois’ civilian labor force, is currently flat on a month-over-month basis. <a href="https://www.aol.com/editorial-illinois-stalled-miserable-tax-110500355.html">The Illinois economy is not creating net new jobs</a>. Illinois employers maintained 6,155,700 nonfarm payroll jobs in February 2024, a net change of 0.0% from the previous month.</div><div><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">GAMING </span><br /><b>Bright spots for State revenue include tax receipts from gaming and gambling.</b> After a COVID-19-related slowdown, numbers flowing through the Illinois Gaming Board indicate that full-size Illinois casinos displayed 12.8% growth in adjusted gross receipts during calendar year 2023 in relation to the previous year. This AGR number, from which Illinois taxes are paid, reflected the opening of new permanent casino gaming floors in Carterville and Danville, supplemented by <a href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/03/07/ballys-chicago-february-revenue-admissions/">temporary casino floor openings in downtown Chicago</a> and in Waukegan. New permanent casino gaming floors, and associated hotel and hospitality spaces, are being constructed in Chicago, Rockford, Waukegan, and along Interstate 80 in the south suburbs of Cook County. <br /><br />Video gaming is currently mature in Illinois, with 47,047 licensed terminals in operation. Net terminal income levels rose 6.4% in calendar year 2023 to $2,884 billion, generating total tax revenue of $981 million. Of this sum, $837 million went to the State of Illinois in calendar year 2023. It should be noted that video gaming State tax revenue does not go to the State’s challenged general revenue funds; these receipts flow directly to the Capital Projects Fund, to service State capital project debts and enable infrastructure construction and spending. <br /><br />Sports wagering is the newest and fastest-growing segment of Illinois’ gambling picture. Adjusted gross receipts posted by sports wagering firms operating in Illinois rose by 26.2% in calendar year 2023. The Illinois Gaming Board numbers on casino revenues and taxation, video gaming revenues and taxes, and sports wagering revenues and taxes were published this week in <a href="https://cgfa.ilga.gov/Upload/0224%20Monthly.pdf">CGFA’s February 2024 monthly report</a>. <br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">JOBS </span><br /><b>Illinois’ unemployment rate stabilizes at 4.7%. </b> The <a href="https://ides.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/ides/labor_market_information/local_area_unemploymentstatisticslaus/state_jan24.pdf">January 2004 unemployment rate</a> was released this week by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). It reflects a decline of 0.1%, which is not statistically significant, from the 4.8% statewide jobless rate tallied for December 2023. Illinois had 6,600 fewer nonfarm payroll jobs in January 2024 than had been totaled up twelve months earlier, with declines concentrated in professional and business services (down 40,000 jobs) and in information (down 8,100 jobs). Sharp increases were reported in educational and health services (up 22,300 jobs) and in government (up 22,200 jobs). <br /><br />Illinois’ 4.7% January 2024 unemployment rate was significantly higher than the rate for the United States as a whole, which was 3.7% for the same month. It was also higher than the rates posted by the neighboring states of Indiana (3.5%), Iowa (3.0%), Kentucky (4.3%), Missouri (3.3%), and Wisconsin (3.4%). <br /><br />Rivian to launch second-generation R2 electric SUV production in Normal, as plans for Georgia plant are delayed. <a href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/03/07/rivian-second-generation-r2-electric-suv-normal/">Rivian revealed its much anticipated downsized R2 electric SUV Thursday, with a few big surprises</a>. <br /><br />In order to get the R2 to market more quickly, Rivian will begin building its second-generation EVs at its plant in Normal, where the inaugural full-sized R1 line has been in production since 2021. Meanwhile, plans to construct a $5 billion Georgia plant to build the R2 are “delayed,” a company spokesperson said Thursday. <br /><br />The accelerated target for the R2 rolling off the Normal line will be the first half of 2026, Rivian CEO and founder R.J. Scaringe announced during the live online unveil. <br /><br />“We’ve been working hard to find ways to pull the timing on these programs forward, to get them to as many people as possible as quickly as possible,” Scaringe said. “We’re able to achieve that accelerated timing by leveraging our production capabilities in Normal, using our Illinois site to launch R2 and get that into market as quickly as we can.”<br /><br />Rivian began production in September 2021 and builds its electric R1T pickup truck, R1S SUV and commercial delivery vans for Amazon and AT&T in a renovated 3.3 million-square-foot auto plant about 130 miles south of Chicago. <br /><br />The unveiling of the R2 comes as Rivian plans for a three-week shutdown to retool its Normal plant. <br /><br />The plant shutdown, which will run from April 8 to 28, is designed to accommodate a number of supplier and component changes to reduce material costs, while improving the speed of production. <br /><br />As part of the retooling, Rivian plans to eliminate a third production shift and consolidate its 7,000 assembly line workers into two shifts. <br /><br />“The shift change will begin when we return from the April shutdown, during which we will transform our R1 production to integrate new engineering design changes that we expect will significantly reduce our cost,” said Rivian spokesperson Kelli Felker. “All hourly employees will be offered a job on one of the two available shifts as we will increase capacity per shift.”<br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH </span><br /><b>House Republicans Honor Women Leaders from Across Illinois. </b> House Minority Leader Tony McCombie and members of the Illinois House Republican Caucus hosted 55 women leaders from across the state on Tuesday to recognize their leadership in making a difference in their communities throughout Illinois. <br /><br />House Republican legislators from throughout Illinois invited guests from their districts to participate in the <a href="https://repmccombie.com/2024/03/06/mccombie-honors-women-leaders-from-across-illinois/">Emerging Women Leaders Recognition Event</a>, linking together the broad expanse of industries and diverse individual experiences found within the State of Illinois. <br /><br />The House Republican’s third annual event included brunch featuring a keynote address by Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher; a Listening Session with Leader McCombie; a dedicated panel called “Own Your Power,” featuring Professor Linda Renee Baker with the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, Kara Demirjian Hus, Vice President for T.C.C.I. Manufacturing, Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lisa Holder White, and Susan Hayes Gordon, Senior Vice President and Chief External Affairs Officers for the Ann & Robert Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. Several additional panels were offered on various topics in law enforcement, economics, and more. Tours of the Capitol were also available with the Architect of the Capitol Andrea Aggertt. <br /><br />“It is an honor to host this event that draws incredible leaders from every corner of our state,” said Leader McCombie. “These women are making a great impact in their own communities, and to bring that power into one room makes for a truly phenomenal event. I would like to thank each of them for sharing their stories with us and for their dedication to make our state better for future generations to come.” <br /><br />Leader McCombie took time to recognize the group with <a href="https://repmccombie.com/2024/03/06/video-mccombie-welcomes-women-leaders-to-the-capitol/">a dedicated speech on the House floor during legislative session</a>. <br /><br />“The event brought an amazing group of women to our Capitol, which also coincides with women’s history month,” said McCombie. “We have so many leaders throughout our state, this group is something to really be proud of and inspired by—and I am lucky for my time with them today.” <br /><br />Leader McCombie and the House Republican Caucus will continue to make the Emerging Women Leaders Recognition an annual event, building on the success of the first such event hosted in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic forced the recognition to be postponed from 2020-2022. </div>ilhousegophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918100572802423486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488430442881779427.post-30747089205906744522024-03-07T10:00:00.001-06:002024-03-07T14:34:01.794-06:00House Republicans Fighting for Protection for Human Trafficking Victims<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUsBktU49gs23YCUbA1HXoWAV7RJv0M3Mw6GJ6pgWN9n1qmnFHXYn0TgY4D4IWEOYo1FQqCBaz8hrPg7Xh6hMw-T-WwGbtUcU4VjeF2pkCx_7xWLtk7ZUjTtq6gHQmJz0v55c-iDCBEufpl-8kId6lMvHMP47QpyFPwpOYHWC8RAF94ssvMntKzpyicMQ/s2780/Human%20Trafficking%20Petition%202024-01.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1855" data-original-width="2780" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUsBktU49gs23YCUbA1HXoWAV7RJv0M3Mw6GJ6pgWN9n1qmnFHXYn0TgY4D4IWEOYo1FQqCBaz8hrPg7Xh6hMw-T-WwGbtUcU4VjeF2pkCx_7xWLtk7ZUjTtq6gHQmJz0v55c-iDCBEufpl-8kId6lMvHMP47QpyFPwpOYHWC8RAF94ssvMntKzpyicMQ/w400-h268/Human%20Trafficking%20Petition%202024-01.png" width="400" /></a></div>Protecting victims of human trafficking is a top priority for Illinois House Republicans during the Spring 2024 Session. The Caucus is fighting this epidemic head-on with a robust bill package that provides protections to individuals who have fallen victim to human trafficking. The legislative package includes bills sponsored by Reps. <a href="https://repkeicher.com/" target="_blank">Jeff Keicher</a> (R-Sycamore), <a href="https://replaha.com/" target="_blank">Nicole La Ha</a> (R-Homer Glen), <a href="https://repsanalitro.com/" target="_blank">Jennifer Sanalitro</a> (R-Hanover Park), and <a href="https://repstephens.com/" target="_blank">Brad Stephens</a> (R-Rosemont).<br /><br /><span><a name='more'></a></span>Human trafficking is defined as a form of modern-day slavery. In 2021, the <a href="https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en/statistics/illinois" target="_blank">National Human Trafficking Hotline</a> identified 243 human trafficking cases in Illinois, with 355 victims reported. <br /><br />Human trafficking <a href="https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign/what-human-trafficking" target="_blank">involves</a> the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some labor or commercial sex act. These acts include victims of all ages, races, and genders. The victims can be lured into these situations by violence, manipulation, false promises of well-paying jobs, or romantic relationships. <div><br /><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=5465&GAID=17&GA=103&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=153766&SessionID=112" target="_blank">House Bill 5465</a>, introduced by Rep. Keicher, allows a minor in juvenile court to petition for immediate sealing or expungement of their records if the offense came as a result of human trafficking. This is a follow-up to <a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2418&GAID=17&DocTypeID=HB&LegId=147499&SessionID=112&GA=103" target="_blank">Public Act 103-35</a>, also introduced by Keicher, passed by the General Assembly, and signed by the Governor. <br /><br /><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=5466&GAID=17&DocTypeID=HB&LegId=153767&SessionID=112&GA=103" target="_blank">House Bill 5466</a>, introduced by Rep. La Ha, removes the defense of mistaken age for the offense of patronizing a minor engaged in prostitution. <a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=5467&GAID=17&DocTypeID=HB&LegId=153768&SessionID=112&GA=103" target="_blank">House Bill 5467</a>, also from Rep. La Ha, removes the statute of limitations for prosecutions of involuntary servitude, involuntary sexual servitude of a minor, or trafficking in persons and related offenses when the victim is under 18 years of age at the time of the offense. In addition, <a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=5134&GAID=17&DocTypeID=HB&LegId=153178&SessionID=112&GA=103">House Bill 5134</a> from Rep. La Ha requires those convicted of trafficking in persons, involuntary servitude, and involuntary sexual servitude of a minor to register as a sex offender. <br /><br /><a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=5468&GAID=17&DocTypeID=HB&LegId=153769&SessionID=112&GA=103" target="_blank">House Bill 5468</a>, introduced by Rep. Sanalitro, creates a defense for victims of human trafficking who commit a crime because of being trafficked. The law requires the persons who are harmed to prove they are victims of human trafficking. Rep. Sanalitro also sponsors <a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=5469&GAID=17&DocTypeID=HB&LegId=153770&SessionID=112&GA=103" target="_blank">House Bill 5469</a>, which creates the Human Trafficking Order of Protection Act. This Act allows victims of human trafficking to obtain orders of protection against their traffickers. <br /><br />Rep. Stephens sponsors <a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=5470&GAID=17&DocTypeID=HB&LegId=153771&SessionID=112&GA=103">House Bill 5470</a>, which adds additional language – “patronize” – to involuntary sexual servitude of a minor to ensure buyers are held accountable as sex trafficking offenders. <br /><br />A <a href="https://reportcards.sharedhope.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2023-State-Report-IL-1.pdf" target="_blank">2023 report card</a> on Child and Youth Sex Trafficking from <a href="https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_bdb12094-87f0-11ee-8bbc-2f77c11099e2.html" target="_blank">Shared Hope</a> sheds light on Illinois’ progress when it comes to sex trafficking. Some progress was noted, but the report card showed major deficiencies with sex trafficking responses in Illinois. Grades were issued based solely on analysis of current state statutes. Out of six categories, Illinois received an ‘F’ grade in four and a ‘D’ in one. The ‘F’ grades were administered in Identification of and Response to Victims, Continuum of Care, Tools for a Victim-Centered Criminal Justice Response, and Prevention and Training. Illinois was given a ‘D’ in Access to Justice for Trafficking Survivors. <br /><br />All the bills proposed by Illinois House Republicans were drafted based on recommendations in the Shared Hope International Report Card. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.ilhousegop.org/protect_victims_of_human_trafficking_in_illinois" target="_blank">Sign the petition to protect victims of human trafficking.</a></div>ilhousegophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918100572802423486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488430442881779427.post-83077432674448915122024-03-07T07:00:00.001-06:002024-03-07T07:00:00.132-06:00Solar Eclipse on April 8 a Boon for Southern Illinois Economy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmH0tq3q6LekoyuwqVK_95924nnok9_lPtHPXEb3xNbIj6XV92WCEMYysv0U_oo-lD2_TFN1pHT5syrviEFY1McvTN2MYKWCK783eu3zINMyHuOIMAp5B7y0KVnbsxtmixOiQwk1sEPlcerNAmFemOCvCXjxp3gaPVMwahgulmmEutWfZfpVq-CjsVYA/s1594/Total%20Eclipse%202017.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="1594" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmH0tq3q6LekoyuwqVK_95924nnok9_lPtHPXEb3xNbIj6XV92WCEMYysv0U_oo-lD2_TFN1pHT5syrviEFY1McvTN2MYKWCK783eu3zINMyHuOIMAp5B7y0KVnbsxtmixOiQwk1sEPlcerNAmFemOCvCXjxp3gaPVMwahgulmmEutWfZfpVq-CjsVYA/w400-h239/Total%20Eclipse%202017.png" width="400" /></a></div>Less than seven years after a total solar eclipse captivated millions and shined a spotlight on deep southern Illinois, another<a href="https://dnr.illinois.gov/recreation/totalsolareclipse.html#:~:text=Southern%20Illinois%20is%20considered%20the,path%20of%20totality%20is%20Carbondale." target="_blank"> total solar eclipse</a> will be visible in areas of southern Illinois on the afternoon of April 8. Southern Illinois is considered the eclipse crossroads of America because it was in the centerline for the path of totality in 2017 and will be again next month. <div><br /><span><a name='more'></a></span>The largest city in the path of totality is Carbondale, where the eclipse is expected to begin just after 1:59 p.m. and last for four minutes and nine seconds. This is nearly double the length of the time of the eclipse in 2017. During the eclipse, the sky will darken, the air will cool, stars and planets will become visible, and a 360-degree sunset will be visible. The total solar eclipse will cross North America, including portions of the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The next total solar eclipse to be visible in the United States will not occur for another 20 years on August 23, 2044. <br /><br />Over 100,000 people descended upon <a href="https://time.com/4904765/solar-eclipse-crossroads-carbondale-illinois/" target="_blank">Carbondale</a> for the 2017 eclipse, bringing with it an economic impact upwards of $8 million. The <a href="https://southernillinoiseclipse.com/" target="_blank">Southern Illinois Regional Eclipse Committee</a> has a website up that lists a number of lodging, travel, dining, shopping, and other activities for the area in the days leading up to the eclipse. Many hotels in southern Illinois and Missouri are sold out. Saluki Stadium on the campus of SIU-Carbondale was a prime viewing option in 2017 and <a href="https://www.kfvs12.com/2023/11/08/organizers-around-heartland-prepare-2024-total-solar-eclipse/" target="_blank">promises to be again this year</a>. <br /><br />“Carbondale will once again be the center of attention for thousands of people who want to experience something that is very rare and also very exciting,” stated Rep. <a href="https://repwindhorst.com/" target="_blank">Patrick Windhorst</a> (R-Metropolis). “For those attending, please plan ahead and enjoy history in the making!”<br /><br />City leaders in Carbondale have acknowledged the economic shot in the arm the 2017 eclipse brought. Morale on the SIU campus turned on a dime, and buildings were restored and storefronts repainted in anticipation of the event and with the influx of visitors. The city has rebranded itself as the ‘Solar Eclipse Crossroads of America.’ Eclipse merchandise was prominently on display at the 2017 eclipse, and a ‘Shadow Fest’ music festival was held every summer between 2017 and 2024. The stories of people traveling from hundreds of miles away are numerous as well. <br /><br />“The economic impact these total solar eclipse events have had in our southern Illinois communities cannot be overstated,” stated Rep. <a href="https://repfriess.com/" target="_blank">David Friess</a> (R-Red Bud). “Our local residents are ready to welcome visitors from all over the country for this historic event.”<br /><br />Prior to 2017, the last total solar eclipse over the U.S. was in 1979. A total solar eclipse is an astronomical phenomenon in which the moon passes in between the Sun and Earth, unveiling a solar corona as the Moon’s shadow crosses the Earth. Should Mother Nature not totally cooperate with the big day and the moon is obscured by clouds when it passes in front of the sun, eclipse watchers in Carbondale will still feel the temperature drop and darkness fall around them. They will miss out on the stunning light show of the corona. <br /><br />Those attending solar eclipse events in southern Illinois will need to <a href="https://news.wttw.com/2017/08/22/eclipse-trips-carbondale-come-traffic-jam-hangovers" target="_blank">beware of traffic issues</a>. The 2017 event brought with it hours-long traffic jams once the eclipse ended, especially for tourists heading north<br /><br />on I-57 or Routes 51 and 127. The historic gridlock meant it took over two hours for commuters just to get out of Carbondale, so not being in a hurry to leave town might be a wise decision this time around. <br /><br />“Please have plans in place and be prepared to be around large crowds if you are attending total solar eclipse events or watch parties,” stated Rep. <a href="https://reppauljacobs.com/" target="_blank">Paul Jacobs</a> (R-Pomona). “The excitement we feel in southern Illinois is palpable, and we cannot wait to show off our charming towns and villages to area residents and visitors from around the country.”<br /><br />Carbondale is not the only city or village in Illinois that will be in the path of totality. Other southern Illinois cities in the path include Makanda, Alto Pass, Fairfield, Olney, Golconda, Effingham, Mt. Vernon and Marion. A number of <a href="https://www.enjoyillinois.com/travel-illinois/your-2024-illinois-solar-eclipse-guide/" target="_blank">events and festivals</a> are planned in various southern Illinois towns leading up to and during the solar eclipse, including Makanda, Carbondale, Newtown, Alto Pass, Albion, Carmi, Chester, Fairfield, Marshall, Olney, and Golconda. </div>ilhousegophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918100572802423486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488430442881779427.post-69963979964460627562024-03-06T09:52:00.002-06:002024-03-06T09:53:22.715-06:00Women to Watch <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwe95qZvEhau9VAbJFPwvUxduuyY9AgznSHEigx7cNSFzMxOuY8p1cF80yO1nezzpn_y_rKfBWeOWF3v3HjitcTtWTALt90ruQ86zJ3D9sFtebGYwenw595TiWjCCd95OAStLddbwGtyoI8H462qmKwu8EVAFOqrrsDA_kL7X2gJc0QQJ2ygx4Da5q0js/s800/Rep%20Jackie%20Haas%20with%20EWL%20honorees.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwe95qZvEhau9VAbJFPwvUxduuyY9AgznSHEigx7cNSFzMxOuY8p1cF80yO1nezzpn_y_rKfBWeOWF3v3HjitcTtWTALt90ruQ86zJ3D9sFtebGYwenw595TiWjCCd95OAStLddbwGtyoI8H462qmKwu8EVAFOqrrsDA_kL7X2gJc0QQJ2ygx4Da5q0js/w400-h320/Rep%20Jackie%20Haas%20with%20EWL%20honorees.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>Yesterday women from around the state traveled to Springfield for the third annual Emerging Women Leaders Conference. These remarkable up-and-coming leaders who were invited by their State Representatives were identified as “women to watch” and honored at a recognition brunch for their leadership in their communities.</div><br />After the brunch, their day continued with activities designed to introduce them to people who work under the dome, help them build networks and hear from influential women who are at the tops of their fields.<span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOmrN9v6xNv6eHAwF0Eyo9PxMf_bd-VVEwusq8y81vv8wPNIsC-ec6Dm4Rok0aAQikVNfA6lIk4P2Lvkxx-S-3DMJJMCPB4e7GquMT_LR4HTAwnSaR0H7UuA2EnEocEbG6PmvXS2ZZZD8_emo3l5qRTc6uzsj10zHllEbA551lTbsqpyx0xfS_cpOjPTA/s800/Leader%20Tony%20McCombie%20Mayor%20Misty%20Buscher%20at%20EWL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOmrN9v6xNv6eHAwF0Eyo9PxMf_bd-VVEwusq8y81vv8wPNIsC-ec6Dm4Rok0aAQikVNfA6lIk4P2Lvkxx-S-3DMJJMCPB4e7GquMT_LR4HTAwnSaR0H7UuA2EnEocEbG6PmvXS2ZZZD8_emo3l5qRTc6uzsj10zHllEbA551lTbsqpyx0xfS_cpOjPTA/w400-h320/Leader%20Tony%20McCombie%20Mayor%20Misty%20Buscher%20at%20EWL.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: right;">House Minority Leader Tony McCombie and her special guest Mayor Misty Buscher engaged the audience and answered their questions.</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDeeCZj6wYzFgrhG5GahibNDUc3TNJCWUA__HVbQBtrygzVKHKAZgOapUri7n0NQw_YGyOLAbkOF0XaMu5P-co3Z6GkMBT7wZkvScAMCkdSWLbLNsjhZYN-4O9OyoW9vlPOA09Ij9XcUih3gxuHuYP-duAd3qf0dPfG3oEB8nS208SqFApg8bmnHc_0U/s800/EWL%20Q&A%20session.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDeeCZj6wYzFgrhG5GahibNDUc3TNJCWUA__HVbQBtrygzVKHKAZgOapUri7n0NQw_YGyOLAbkOF0XaMu5P-co3Z6GkMBT7wZkvScAMCkdSWLbLNsjhZYN-4O9OyoW9vlPOA09Ij9XcUih3gxuHuYP-duAd3qf0dPfG3oEB8nS208SqFApg8bmnHc_0U/w400-h320/EWL%20Q&A%20session.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPGUCwdVj5KKtBrAgr7boyQn0uSklRf2Bo_gPEwPCTIDAdo97SBNkDyXBDDladq99G6GK343tW7uWNJ973s-R1ktN9bNGIEIq0KknhuRKDojZStLfuaOJBwDgllLaC2uZOaZAYajBC6miBnIqb1k1NDh_uz_8n8jqDvOHPkgcQho5V_pOR2KT2odLjET0/s548/McCombie%20and%20Buscher.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" data-original-height="382" data-original-width="548" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPGUCwdVj5KKtBrAgr7boyQn0uSklRf2Bo_gPEwPCTIDAdo97SBNkDyXBDDladq99G6GK343tW7uWNJ973s-R1ktN9bNGIEIq0KknhuRKDojZStLfuaOJBwDgllLaC2uZOaZAYajBC6miBnIqb1k1NDh_uz_8n8jqDvOHPkgcQho5V_pOR2KT2odLjET0/w400-h279/McCombie%20and%20Buscher.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5w3N6W32PZSUYYuZerWFGAy6UlrCSiy27wF-rOfQfo4_zJdvPBDpH0N_8BSFjWqJ6QDhGzbjsjeCyFuMklNhyphenhyphenF54HHX5sAHQXImJtf0bThiX9UY8STE4V07cl5EM5PLzd-bNuLO9HUPwf5ipr97IVCtlr4V2A0fsMtzMa5or3y2ZIt2HD89zt5bQvFKs/s800/Own%20Your%20Power.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="800" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5w3N6W32PZSUYYuZerWFGAy6UlrCSiy27wF-rOfQfo4_zJdvPBDpH0N_8BSFjWqJ6QDhGzbjsjeCyFuMklNhyphenhyphenF54HHX5sAHQXImJtf0bThiX9UY8STE4V07cl5EM5PLzd-bNuLO9HUPwf5ipr97IVCtlr4V2A0fsMtzMa5or3y2ZIt2HD89zt5bQvFKs/w640-h512/Own%20Your%20Power.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Broadcast Journalist <b>Amanda Vinicky</b> with WTTW Chicago moderated the influential panel of leaders that included <b>Linda Renee Baker</b> a professor from the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, Illinois Supreme Court <b>Justice Lisa Holder White</b>, <b>Susan Hayes Gordon</b> with Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital and Decatur businesswoman <b>Kara Demirjian Huss</b>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Other guest speakers at the event included:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Dean Abbott, Office of the House Minority Leader</li><li>Andrea Aggertt, Architect of the Capitol</li><li>Dena Ballowe, Retired, Command Sergeant Major, Illinois National Guard</li><li>Vicki Crawford, Communications Strategist</li><li>Kristi Dula, Deputy Director, DCEO</li><li>Susanne Hack, Susanne Hack & Associates</li><li>Angie Hampton, Egyptian Health Department</li><li>David Joens, Director of the Illinois State Archives</li><li>Stacie Kemp, Sinnissippi Centers</li><li>Francine Lasky, Francine Lasky Enterprises</li><li>Marianne Markowitz, First Women’s Bank</li><li>Natalie Phelps Finnie, Director, IDNR</li><li>Lori Reimers, Lori A. Reimers Government Consulting & Reporting</li><li>Christina Shutt, Executive Director, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum</li><li>Lisa McClure, Legislative Liaison, Illinois Department of Revenue</li><li>Mona Martin, Mona Martin Government Affairs & Consulting</li></ul></div><div><b>Special thanks to Laura Minzer, Brittan Bolin, Meredith Krantz, Mona Martin and Lori Reimers.</b></div></div>ilhousegophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918100572802423486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488430442881779427.post-39203526473125790512024-03-05T14:46:00.016-06:002024-03-05T14:46:00.128-06:00Women Trailblazers in Illinois<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIGLPNQssHoFhRpY6lEdnTcSG_WaxzIRShWSsuJn-zDfGoovrm774QQFbX7Fu2rDPSF2aV3zp2W5V1eczJlHlusZWFh0kDexOJy7p2lnx2Xi1IcxtCLdesam6Ccb7Mq-S_fScnImjRfkd3SK5dhrN27fNS9NZDKBB6gihjAQQkxu0MK-5YfstvvnUIc8/s2780/Womens-History-Month-2024-01.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1855" data-original-width="2780" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIGLPNQssHoFhRpY6lEdnTcSG_WaxzIRShWSsuJn-zDfGoovrm774QQFbX7Fu2rDPSF2aV3zp2W5V1eczJlHlusZWFh0kDexOJy7p2lnx2Xi1IcxtCLdesam6Ccb7Mq-S_fScnImjRfkd3SK5dhrN27fNS9NZDKBB6gihjAQQkxu0MK-5YfstvvnUIc8/w400-h268/Womens-History-Month-2024-01.png" width="400" /></a></div>Friday, March 1st marked the first day of Women’s History Month. This is a month filled with celebrations that honor the past, present, and future of women in our world. <br /><br /><div>The Beginning of Women’s History Month<br /><br />Each year we celebrate March as Women’s History Month, but how did this honorary month begin? The roots of Women’s History Month can be traced back to the first ever Women’s History Week celebration in 1978. Organized by the Education Task Force of Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women in Santa Rosa, California, this honorary week was intended to be a celebration of women’s contributions to American history. The following year, women across the country followed suit and began planning their own Women’s History Week celebrations.<br /><br /><span><a name='more'></a></span>Women’s activist groups began lobbying for a National Women’s History Week to be recognized by the federal government. Their efforts were successful and President Jimmy Carter established the week of March 2-8 of 1980 as Women’s History Week. This success was followed by a bipartisan effort led by Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Representative Barbara Mikulski (D-Maryland) who co-sponsored a Joint Congressional Resolution designating the week of March 7, 1982 as Women’s History Week. This resolution became a yearly affair until 1987, when the National Women’s History Project (NWHA) was able to convince Congress to begin celebrating Women’s History Month. Since 1988, both Presidents and Congress have passed resolutions naming March as Women’s History Month.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Women Leaders from Illinois</span></b></div>Illinois history has been filled with trailblazing women who have left their mark on the state. One of the first women to leave their mark on Illinois was Lottie Holman O’Neil, who was the first woman ever elected to the Illinois General Assembly. In 1922, she was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives as a Republican. In 1950, Lottie was elected to the Illinois State Senate, and remained in this position until she retired in 1963 at age 84. During her time in office, Lottie worked to curb state spending, improve state aid to children with disabilities, and advocate for equal rights for women, including the right for women to serve on juries.<br /><br />Another trailblazing woman from the state of Illinois was Ruth Hanna McCormick, who served in the U.S. House of Representatives. She was elected in 1928 and became the first woman to ever serve on the House Committee on Naval Affairs. Ruth was most well-known for her active role in women’s suffrage, even serving as chairman of the Congressional Committee for the National American Woman Suffrage Association and chairman of the first woman’s executive committee of the RNC.<br /><br />A more recent woman to make history in Illinois is the first woman to ever hold the office of Lieutenant Governor, Corinne Wood. In 1996, Corinne was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives where she served for one term before she was elected as Lieutenant Governor in 1998. She is most well known for introducing Scott’s Law, which requires drivers to switch lanes when passing emergency vehicles with their lights on, and a tax return initiative for breast cancer research, known as A Check for a Cure. <br /><br />Bringing us to women who are currently making history, Illinois Republican House Leader Tony McCombie made history in 2023 as the first woman ever elected to lead the House Republican caucus. First elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 2017, Leader McCombie has been known as a staunch supporter of fiscal responsibility, ethics reform, and empowering other women in politics and leadership roles.</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Future of Women’s History Month</b></span></div>As a part of Leader McCombie’s continued initiative to promote women in leadership, the Illinois House Republican Caucus is hosting its annual Emerging Women Leader’s event on Tuesday, March 5th. This day-long event is filled with seminars and networking opportunities for up and coming women who are looking to grow their skills. <br /><br />Stay tuned to The Caucus Blog for updates and photos of this year’s Emerging Women Leader’s event!<div><br /></div></div>ilhousegophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918100572802423486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-488430442881779427.post-84712219428524572862024-03-04T07:00:00.004-06:002024-03-04T07:00:00.201-06:00Casimir Pulaski Day in Illinois<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_AXowvdRCmfW58nqtsgj6MCGKghatfGg2ktV8Vbr0ApEyOSlZt91362GpwaU9CQs8LXnfvEOpJ5IIo12UZuR-sl2rW12KnvTcFPsdD1caJdXdMuou6dLAag1QMJ-zW2C7Cw1B7QD7_maKNieE9hkWu5ZPhINbFelOoHzLShFESNlKInQ3P8fjJa6h8c/s1886/Casmir%20Pulaski.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1302" data-original-width="1886" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_AXowvdRCmfW58nqtsgj6MCGKghatfGg2ktV8Vbr0ApEyOSlZt91362GpwaU9CQs8LXnfvEOpJ5IIo12UZuR-sl2rW12KnvTcFPsdD1caJdXdMuou6dLAag1QMJ-zW2C7Cw1B7QD7_maKNieE9hkWu5ZPhINbFelOoHzLShFESNlKInQ3P8fjJa6h8c/w400-h276/Casmir%20Pulaski.png" width="400" /></a></div>Casimir Pulaski Day was <a href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/2019/03/04/who-was-casimir-pulaski-and-why-does-he-have-his-own-holiday-9-things-to-know-about-a-poland-born-american-hero/" target="_blank">officially designated</a> as a statewide observance in Chicago and Illinois in 1986. It is observed each year on the first Monday in March in recognition of Pulaski’s March 6 birthday. Pulaski, a Polish-born hero of the American Revolution, was killed in battle during the ‘Siege of Savannah’ in 1779. <br /><br />Chicagoland is known for its <a href="https://www.myjournalcourier.com/news/article/polish-population-among-largest-illinois-17816467.php" target="_blank">large concentration of Polish Americans</a>. The population of Illinois includes over 875,000 Polish Americans, second in the U.S. to only New York. The holiday’s significance to Illinois relates to its large Polish American base and serves to honor one of its national heroes. There are just under 2 million Polish Americans living in Chicagoland, and Polish is the third most-spoken language in the region. <br /><br /><span><a name='more'></a></span>Pulaski, a freedom fighter in Russian-occupied Poland, had a distinguished record on the battlefield before being forced out following invasions by Austria and Prussia. He met Benjamin Franklin in Paris in 1776 and offered to come to America to assist the <a href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/1986/03/04/new-holiday-takes-illinois-by-surprise/" target="_blank">American Revolution</a>. Pulaski led a successful attack against the British during the Battle of Brandywine. Soon thereafter, Pulaski was appointed to be a General and First Leader of the U.S. Cavalry. He is famously quoted as saying, “I came here, where freedom is being defended, to serve it, and to live or die for it.” <br /><br />Schools were originally closed on Casimir Pulaski Day in Illinois, but waivers can now be requested by individual districts to opt-out and have regular school days. State government offices are open, and banks and local governments are allowed to decide any closures or schedule changes on their own. The City of Chicago and Cook County government offices are <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/celebrating-pulaski-day/" target="_blank">closed on Pulaski Day</a>, and Chicago Public Libraries are also closed. <br /><br />Lawmakers in Washington made Pulaski just the seventh foreigner to become an Honorary Citizen of the United States in 2009. Pulaski earned the nicknames ‘<a href="https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/history/casimir-pulaski-day-illinois-meaning-first-monday-in-march/63-2698e93d-1c82-4e42-ac52-4ab47903ccde" target="_blank">Soldier of Liberty’ and ‘Father of American Cavalry</a>’ during his short time fighting in the Revolutionary War. Pulaski’s crew was sent to the south to fight against the British. He was severely wounded in October 1779 in Savannah, Georgia, and died days later. <div><br /><a href="https://chicagodetours.com/pulaski-day/" target="_blank">Pulaski Day celebrations</a> in Chicago include a gathering with state and local leaders at the <a href="https://blockclubchicago.org/2020/02/27/celebrate-casimir-pulaski-day-at-the-polish-museum-of-america/" target="_blank">Polish Museum of America</a>. Holy Trinity Church is not far away from there and was founded in the 1870s to serve the rising Polish population. Chopin Theatre has been restored and features many artistic and theatrical works from Eastern Europe. A visit to the <a href="https://www.podhalankachicago.com/" target="_blank">Podhalanka</a> restaurant on Division Street is also highly recommended, with many delicious Polish dishes on the menu. </div>ilhousegophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918100572802423486noreply@blogger.com