Yesterday, Deputy House Republican Leader Ryan Spain (R-Peoria) and State Representative Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) joined with small business owners to decry a new proposal making the rounds in Springfield that would establish a new sales tax on services across the state. This new service tax would cover almost all services consumers rely on, ranging from streaming services to dry cleaning, haircuts to vehicle repairs, and everything in between. Proponents are pushing the new tax as a bailout to fill the void for years of mismanagement in the Chicago region's mass transportation system, which is facing nearly a billion-dollar budget shortfall in 2026.

Illinois House Republican lawmakers gathered at the Capitol today to show their support for law-abiding gun owners. State Representatives Charlie Meier (Okawville), Regan Deering (Decatur), and Patrick Windhorst (Metropolis) spoke on the importance of preserving their Constitutional Right to Bear Arms.

State Representative and House Republican Floor Leader Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) serves as the House Republican ranking member on the House Judiciary Criminal Law and Gun Violence Prevention Committees. The 117th District State Representative says policies passed by Illinois Democrats have harmed the rights of law-abiding citizens to practice their Constitutional Rights.

Every year on May 15, we pause to remember the sacrifices made by our law enforcement officers. Peace Officers Memorial Day, part of National Police Week, is a day dedicated to honoring those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. It’s a time of reflection, gratitude, and remembrance, bringing together families, colleagues, and communities to pay tribute to these fallen heroes.

In recognition of May as Motorcycle Awareness Month, State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro (R-Hanover Park) announced passage of HB2980, a bill she sponsored to modernize and expand Illinois’ motorcycle safety education system.

“Every Illinoisan should be able to access high-quality motorcycle safety training no matter where they live,” said Sanalitro. “This bill strengthens our approach by improving access, accountability, and safety for riders statewide.”

House Republican members of the Illinois House Energy & Environment and Public Utilities Committees held a Capitol news conference on Tuesday to warn of a coming summer energy cost crisis and offer solutions to expand energy production capacity.

The Republicans held the press conference after last week sending the House’s Energy & Environment Committee Chair and Vice Chair a letter explaining the urgent need for hearings into the recent results of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) capacity auction which returned a shocking $666.50 per Megawatt-day price across all zones in the summer. That same price just one year ago was $30.

Spring is a time of renewal, with blooming landscapes, mild temperatures, and plenty of opportunities to explore. If you're looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or scenic beauty, Illinois has something for everyone. Here are ten must-visit locations to add to your spring bucket list:

1. Starved Rock State Park
Located along the Illinois River, Starved Rock State Park is famous for its stunning sandstone canyons, waterfalls, and lush hiking trails. Spring is the perfect time to visit, as melting snow and seasonal rains create breathtaking waterfalls throughout the park.

IMMIGRATION
Illinois sanctuary state policies under fire from DHS Secretary, Illinois GOP leaders. U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited Springfield on Wednesday, where she blasted Illinois' sanctuary state policy protecting undocumented immigrants. During her visit, Secretary Noem highlighted how sanctuary policies in Illinois have unleashed violence on American citizens — including rape, sexual assault, murder, and more — while shielding the illegal aliens responsible from facing consequences.