In this issue:
- Supreme Court finds Democrats’ election law change unconstitutional
- NFIB recognition for 100% pro-small business voting record
- Busy day around the district
- Illinois headlines
Supreme Court finds Democrats’ election law change unconstitutional
Earlier this year a bill which made changes to Illinois election law was quickly rammed through the legislature and into law. It was introduced, passed and signed into law in about 48 hours. The bill made it harder for candidates to get access to the ballot.
Several challengers who had already complied with the existing law as they sought to run for office suddenly learned that the law had been changed in the middle of the process and they could no longer run. A court challenge was filed, and a judge in Sangamon County found the change unconstitutional, appearing as it did during the middle of the process. The state Supreme Court upheld that ruling on Friday.
House Republicans walked off the House floor in protest when this bill was jammed through. We have seen too many examples of major pieces of legislation being passed with little to no transparency. This was just the latest example. I am glad that the courts ruled the way they did.
It would be nice if this ruling would cause the Democrats who run Springfield to stop playing political games with legislation and start allowing more transparency into the process. But I am not holding my breath awaiting that outcome. We will have to keep raising public awareness of backroom actions like these until they stop happening. Good government demands it.
NFIB recognition for 100% pro-small business voting record
Recently the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) recognized 35 Illinois lawmakers who have maintained a 100% voting record in support of small businesses. I was honored to be among those they included. NFIB looked at eight key votes in the General Assembly over the past two years on issues affecting small businesses.
Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and communities. Keeping small businesses in Illinois will help keep people in Illinois.
“The cost of doing business is skyrocketing and small business owners are being overwhelmed with bureaucratic red tape,” said NFIB Illinois State Director Noah Finley. “If lawmakers want Illinois to succeed, they must work together to ensure that Illinois business owners can successfully own, operate and grow their businesses.”
I am very proud and excited to be recognized by NFIB for having a 100% voting record in support of small businesses.
Busy day around the district
In spite of the hot weather on Tuesday I had a very busy day around the 106th district.
I started my morning at the Livingston County Soil and Water Conservation District Summer Farm Tour. It was a very informative event.
We appreciate everything the folks at the Soil & Water Conservation Districts do.
I also attended the Intergenerational Center Boys & Girls Club groundbreaking ceremony in Fairbury. I am very proud of this project that will benefit both kids and seniors.
As one of the speakers stated, “It’s not about building a center, it’s about building a community.”
Our current bill backlog
When a vendor provides the state with goods and services, they submit the bill to the Illinois Comptroller for payment. The Comptroller processes the paperwork and pays the bill when funds are available in the state’s checking account. Currently the total amount of unpaid bills is $1,784,287,294. This figure changes daily. Last year at this time the state had $1.8 billion in bills awaiting payment. This only includes bills submitted to the Comptroller for payment, not unfunded debts like the state’s pension liability, which is well over $100 billion.
Illinois headlines
Rarely before seen Abraham Lincoln-related images now available to public. What to know
Corn sweat: how certain crops can impact humidity
Danville to host Illinois state horseshoe tournament
Cicada double brood brings parasite outbreak to Illinois
You’ll be seeing more skunks in Illinois very soon: here’s why