Today, on National Deep-Dish Pizza Day, we celebrate the origins of the beloved style of pizza that dates back to the 1940s. In about every city across the globe, people can find deep-dish pizza, but it’s known to all in America that Chicago, Illinois is home of the deep-dish style, thanks to Ike Sewell and Richard Riccardo. The two men would venture out to create an iconic style of pizza that is still a fan favorite to this day.

ETHICS REFORM
House Republicans Call for Anti-Corruption Package. Last week, House Republican lawmakers presented their legislative proposals to once again bring forward an opportunity for ethics reform in the Illinois statehouse. The proposals are an attempt to restore public faith in government and root out commonplace corruption under the dome. State Representatives Patrick Windhorst, Dave Severin, and David Friess discussed the unfortunate record of public corruption guilty verdicts impacting the Illinois General Assembly, including the former Speaker of the Illinois House Michael Madigan.

April marks the observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, an annual campaign that aims to raise awareness of the devastating consequences of child abuse and neglect. This month-long initiative highlights the importance of families and communities working together to safeguard the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of children across the nation. Each one of us can play a vital role in preventing severe neglect, physical, emotional, and sexual abuse by being proactive and informed. 

State lawmakers left Springfield without passing any ethics reform legislation during committee deadline week. House Republicans told reporters that they are frustrated their Democratic colleagues refused to call any of the bills addressing corruption for a committee vote.

Some argue this was the perfect time to show the public that lawmakers want to close the lawmaker to lobbyist revolving door and end the use of campaign funds to pay for public corruption defense.

"When Democratic politicians were arrested, indicted, charged, convicted and incarcerated, we waited for action," said Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis). "We've been disappointed time after time."

Autism Awareness Month in April is a special time to recognize and support the autism community. Autism Awareness Month, highlighted by World Autism Day on April 2nd, is a powerful reminder to embrace inclusivity, raise awareness, and inspire meaningful action. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) touches the lives of millions, and understanding its impact is critical to building a more understanding world.

The 1848 Illinois Constitution remains a defining document in our state’s history, setting key reforms in place while modernizing Illinois’ government. While the Prairie State’s new constitution went into effect on April 1,1848, the story of Illinois’ second constitution begins in the summer of 1847, when discussions and debates established the foundation for one of Illinois’ most prominent transformations.

By the mid-1800s, Illinois had outgrown the framework of its first constitution, signed in 1818. The state’s population had surged and its economy had evolved thanks to advancements in farming, newly created railroads, and, notably, the construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal. While these benefited the state immensely, they also underscored the imperfections within the 1818 Constitution, which could not meet the needs of a rapidly expanding society.

Time is running out to file your state and federal income tax returns. The filing deadline for Illinois taxpayers is Tuesday, April 15. Illinois is participating in the IRS Direct File Program this year, which means eligible taxpayers can complete their 2024 federal returns electronically for free. The Illinois Department of Revenue features several online programs to aid in tax preparation. Filing extensions can also be requested.