In this issue:
- Federal judge rules state’s gun ban law unconstitutional
- Meeting with Law Enforcement Advisory Committee
- Improving services for our veterans
- Collecting food, hats and gloves
Federal judge rules state’s gun ban law unconstitutional
In a major victory for the Second Amendment, a federal district judge in southern Illinois ruled late last Friday that Illinois’ 2023 gun ban law is unconstitutional.
Federal District Judge Stephen McGlynn struck down the law, finding that it violates the 2nd Amendment and the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
“What is particularly disturbing is that the prohibition of weapons that are commonly owned and used by citizens are now banned, depriving citizens of a principal means to defend themselves and their property in situations where a handgun or shotgun alone would not be the citizen’s preferred arm,” Judge McGlynn wrote.
Judge McGlynn previously put an injunction in place, which blocked enforcement of the law. But that decision was overturned by an appeals court, and the Supreme Court declined to hear the case. This ruling resulted from arguments heard in Judge McGlynn’s court back in September. It is one of several challenges to the law which are still pending.
The state is expected to appeal the ruling.
Meeting with Law Enforcement Advisory Committee
I met with my Law Enforcement Advisory Committee a few days ago. We had great representation from all across the district.
A few of the topics we discussed included the Safe-T Act, mental health calls, and DUI Laws.
Thank you to this fantastic group for always educating me on issues (both state and federal) pertaining to law enforcement.
Improving services for our veterans
We live in the greatest country in the world because of our veterans. We can never thank them enough for all that they have done for us, but we can work to ensure that veterans and their families have the support they need as they transition into civilian life and in the years to follow.
Recently, I attended Senator Bennett’s Veterans Breakfast in Pontiac and spoke at Prairie Central High School where discussions were had on the challenges veterans are facing. Too many veterans are struggling with mental health issues, homelessness and health care issues.
If you are a veteran in Illinois, we want to hear from you! Please complete our veterans survey to let us know what is and isn’t working so that we can better represent you in the General Assembly. We want to improve veteran services in Illinois.
Collecting food, hats and gloves
As the weather turns colder with the arrival of November, we are again reminded of those in need in our communities.
My office is once again conducting a food drive for our local food pantries. We are also collecting new or gently used hats and gloves (of any size) to be donated to those in need.
If you can, please drop off donations of non-perishable food items, hats or gloves to either of my district offices. We are located at 342 W. Walnut Street in Watseka and 132 E. Main Street in Dwight.
Thank you for your generosity to our neighbors in need.
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 $1,601,329,371. This figure changes daily. Last year at this time the state had $1.4 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
Illinois EPA expands funding for safe disposal of household sharps
Holiday hiring trends downward
Winter reminders from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency
State Fair attraction announced
5th & 6th graders invited to compete in Illinois EPA poster, poetry and prose contests